Bountiful color is all around us. I have a new favorite color at least once a week. Taking these glorious colors and using them in your home can be a bit tricky.

I have put together inspirations and designs to show how to take the wonderful color you see in the world around you and bring it into your home.

Inspiration Photo

This inspiration here is glorious orchids with strains of vibrant color from pink to purple. They also show softer colors, orchid, white, gold, cream and taupe.

Color Scheme Design

The selections I have made take those colors and use them to create a well designed balance home.

The design includes (left to right): an embroidered silk fabric, creamy velvet, brush fringe, small scale stripe, lattice wool carpet and a printed damask on linen.

The Sherwin Williams paint colors can be used in rooms as vibrant wall colors or soft colors with vibrant colors as accents.

Listed in order (top to bottom, left to right):

SW6274 Destiny

SW6977 Queenly

SW6128 Blonde

SW6555 Enchant

SW7009 Pearly White

SW7064 Passive

Bountiful color is all around us. I have a new favorite color at least once a week. Taking these glorious colors and using them in your home can be a bit tricky.

I have put together inspirations and designs to show how to take the wonderful color you see in the world around you and bring it into your home.

Inspiration Photo

The combination of white hydrangeas and intense pink hibiscus is bright, lively and lovely.

Color Scheme Design

The selections I have made take those colors and use them to create a well designed balance home.

The design includes (left to right): a floral printed linen, strie stripe silk, plush velvet, woven plaid, flat-braided trim, wool carpet and quilted cotton fabric.

The Sherwin Williams paint colors can be used in various combinations throughout the home to create schemes from bright and lively to soft and quiet.

Listed in order (top to bottom, left to right):

SW6575 Priscilla

SW6385 Dover Grey

SW7029 Agreeable Grey

SW6431 Leapfrog

SW6577 Jaipur Pink

Those who know me best are well aware of my ability to envision possibilities in almost any space and are always pleased with the finished product. However, knowing my visionary ability means they are also cognizant of my low tolerance for detail work and executing these visions myself.

Therefore, when I conceptualized transforming this drab dresser into a modern classic a mere 2 weeks before my Habitat for Humanity deadline, I received a lot of eyebrow raises and not a lot of paintbrushes raised. Which is not quite what I had hoped, as I am also acutely aware of my shortcomings. But alas, I couldn’t let my weakness (nor sleep) stand in the way of my imagination.

See before shots of the dresser and a pillow which provided inspiration (and most of the eyebrow raises, I confess).

before shot

inspiration photo

Luckily, my dad was willing to help with the basecoat of paint and then turned it over, in his words “you’re on your own, kid”. He didn’t want to touch that chevon pattern with a ten foot pole. Neither did my aunt, the queen of DIY projects, who I thought would surely have some sage advice.

So, I guess it really was up to me…hmmm, where to begin? On top of my habitat project, I had quite a few other things on my plate and didn’t have a lot of time to devote to getting this completed. The first few evenings were spent trying to get the dimensions of the chevron pattern down and figure out a template to apply the contrasting color. I painted the drawers white and was using the orange as the contratst. I would give you pointers but I honestly don’t know how I figured it out and I threw away the paint-crusted template as soon as I was done. I got so frustrated at one point that I almost gave up. The template moved while I tried to apply the orange paint which required 6 hours of touching up the white and creating “edges” where there were none. My dad came back on the project to apply the clear coats and the handles since I had run out of time & energy!

chocolate paint coat applied

chevron pattern on drawers!

After all the work, I am very happy with how the dresser turned out. The homeowner is extremely pleased as well. I don’t know that I would attempt it again but I feel proud that I was able to execute my vision on my own. I now have a much greater respect for other DIY-ers and especially my dad. Thank you for the help!

finished product - voila!

Originally written by Kimberly for St. Louis AT HOME’s website.  View the post here.  You can see more of Kimberly’s work here.

My mother deliberated endlessly between harvest gold and avocado green when selecting the appliance color for our new home. Those were the current color trends–burnt orange was as well-but it had already been eliminated by my father. He hated the other two less, but equally, that is why my mother got to choose.

My father was an artist, and matters of color were usually decided by him. This color decision put a lot of pressure on my mother. I encouraged her to go with the harvest gold. I knew that it would look great with this sunflower pendant fixture I saw at the lighting store. (Convincing my father to buy that sunflower light fixture remains one of the toughest sales of my life.) My father never appreciated the qualities of the smaller matching sunflower fixture I wanted for over the sink.

My mother and I didn’t stop there; canister set, spoon rest, towels, etc. If it was in that kitchen for more than 5 minutes it was harvest gold.

Now when I go to homes that have embraced trends like items in an “Oprah’s Favorite Things” show, I wonder two things: How much fun must this have been at the time? And how much time did it take for the fun to wear off?

Trends exist for two reasons: We like to refresh and upgrade our surroundings, and advertisers entice us to purchase the latest and greatest. Sometimes trends become classics. More frequently, trends have become trash. Color trends are perennial. Some linger, while others lose their bloom faster than a spring tulip. Since color is the easiest and least expensive way to transform a room, color trends are the most frequent changes.

Color Trends for 2010

A few years ago, the brown and blue combo hit the scene, and has, perhaps, worn out its welcome. Last year, Pantone and others were declaring that yellow was the color to conquer the palette. The Color Marketing Group went so far to say that mauve would make a comeback.

This year Pantone’s Color of the Year is Turquoise, number #15-5519 to be exact. Pantone feels that Turquoise has earned this honor in part because it “inspires thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a comforting escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of well being. ” I believe that not all turquoise colors conjure the same feelings in everyone.

Have Color Guide, Will Travel

What’s the best way to use trends to refresh your interior without looking like you got stuck in a time warp? Determine the color palette that works for you. A color consultation with a designer is a great place to start and will leave you with a practical tool for selecting color for your spaces: a customized color palette.

Armed with your custom palette as a shopping tool you can begin to transform your surroundings. Having a color guide that fits in a purse or glove compartment allows you to easily compare your palette with possible purchases and quickly eliminate costly mistakes. The infusion of trends then becomes deliberate.

If during your color consultation you discovered your preferred palette is warm neutral, rather than incorporating turquoise #15-5519 you would choose colors from Sherwin Williams paint strip #32 or #33. The trend color then slips comfortably into your space like a friend rather than an intruder. Long after the turquoise trend has been sent packing, your interpretation of the trend is still welcome because you have made it a part of your authentic style.

Designer fabric manufacturer Robert Allen/Beacon Hill has collaborated with Sherwin Williams for the past two years by coordinating; fabrics, trims, and paint colors in their Colormix collections. Colormix 2010 has four new offerings; Treasured, Rooted, Inspired and Refreshed. Your customized color palette will steer you to make the appropriate adjustments to these sets. Robert Allen/Beacon Hill products can be purchased through a professional designer.

Everyone knows that grocery shopping without a list can result in massive overspending and mis-selection. By shopping for your home with a list and a color palette, you’ll save because of the mistakes you won’t make. You won’t believe how comforting your home feels once your surroundings are in harmony.

Cary Baumann, ASID, will be on the Better Living Theater and in the ASID Design Solutions area at the St. Louis Builders Home and Garden Show.For more tips, read these green home design ideas.

So, you love to wear that blue sweater and it really makes your eyes sparkle.  You always get lots of compliments and basically deep blue is your favorite color.  How do you incorporate that into your decorating scheme?  Bold accent colors are not for the faint of heart!  For those of you that love color, here are some great ways to use them in your home!

As with anything, it is all about balance.  When you use a bold color on an accent wall, make sure it is the focal point of the room and that the rest of the pieces complement the intensity.  For instance, this blue wall is deep and rich.  The collection of white furniture gives it the bold contrast and, in conjunction with the chocolate accents, the weight needed to counteract the depth of color.  The result is perfect balance.

The same is true for the red accent in the photo below.  The black and white color palette, along with the beautiful pattern of the rug, visually moves your eye around the room and ìlandsî on the deep red headboard.

Below, is an example of 2 accent colors.  The deep khaki, almost chocolate, color is basically a neutral since it encompasses the entire space.  The soft French blue door, along with the punch of pink on the settee jolt life into the space and instantly make it a more interesting place to arrive.

Here, they have used a more subtle accent color because the entire palette is subdued.  The color is used in smaller things but it is repeated enough to be effective.

This kitchen is anything but subdued!  How fun and bright is this blue island and matching floor?  In the case of this ìaccentî color, it is used so much that it is almost considered a ìneutralî.  Notice, how they still balanced it with lots of white, natural light and high ceilings.  Beautifully done, it is definitely eye-catching!

Originally written for AT HOME‘s website by Kimberly.  To read more of Kimberly’s work, visit her website!

So, the groundhog saw his shadow and we have 6 more weeks of winter, blah! Time to start planning for spring while we wait…I’m a huge planner! Getting things done is another story, but at least I have a plan

In searching for unique things to admire, I came across a few global items and a few right here in St. Louis. Here are my inspirations for the last days of winter.

Birds
If you have stepped into Pottery Barn (link to www.potterybarn.com) lately, you may mistakenly think you are in the Butterfly House, but alas it is just the season for birds! Pillows, dishes, napkin rings, you name it, they are selling it. Not to mention, the cages that house the birds. There is one that is bigger than my dining table, I swear!

Map furniture
I’ve always been fan of the subtle texture of map wallcovering and it’s ability to transform a space into a destination. See one of my favorites from Ralph Lauren below.

Now, Wisteria has come out with a piece of furniture with the map wallcovering applied. You could probably do this yourself to an old dresser or parsons style table. Love the look!

Colorful outdoor chairs
I have always been a huge fan of these recycled plastic Adirondack chairs from Polywood’s South Beach Collection. I saw them on display last year at Suburban Leisure Center. They are extremely durable and reasonably priced considering they will last for centuries. And in the fun fiesta colors, they can’t be beat!

Until I just fell in love with these adorable children’s chairs from Tolix, a French company that will hopefully be selling these in the U.S…keep your fingers crossed!

Also, I was browsing the Janus et Cie website for new introductions and saw these fabulous chairs. Not sure which ones they are but so freaking cute!

That’s all for now, as I find more things, I’ll be sure to pass them along!

Previously written by Kimberly for St. Louis AT HOME’s website.  Read more of Kimberly’s work and view her portfolio at www.kimberlyreuther.com.

So, you love to wear that blue sweater and it really makes your eyes sparkle.  You always get lots of compliments and basically deep blue is your favorite color.  How do you incorporate that into your decorating scheme?  Bold accent colors are not for the faint of heart!  For those of you that love color, here are some great ways to use them in your home!

As with anything, it is all about balance.  When you use a bold color on an accent wall, make sure it is the focal point of the room and that the rest of the pieces complement the intensity.  For instance, this blue wall is deep and rich.  The collection of white furniture gives it the bold contrast and, in conjunction with the chocolate accents, the weight needed to counteract the depth of color.  The result is perfect balance.

Bold Color Inspiration

The same is true for the red accent in the photo below.  The black and white color palette, along with the beautiful pattern of the rug, visually moves your eye around the room and ìlandsî on the deep red headboard.

Statement Headboard

Below, is an example of 2 accent colors.  The deep khaki, almost chocolate, color is basically a neutral since it encompasses the entire space.  The soft French blue door, along with the punch of pink on the settee jolt life into the space and instantly make it a more interesting place to arrive.

Bold Color Accents

Here, they have used a more subtle accent color because the entire palette is subdued.  The color is used in smaller things but it is repeated enough to be effective.

Neutral with Blue Accents

This kitchen is anything but subdued!  How fun and bright is this blue island and matching floor?  In the case of this ìaccentî color, it is used so much that it is almost considered a ìneutralî.  Notice, how they still balanced it with lots of white, natural light and high ceilings.  Beautifully done, it is definitely eye-catching!

Be Daring!

Previously written by Kimberly for St. Louis AT HOME’s website.  Read more of Kimberly’s work and view her portfolio at www.kimberlyreuther.com

Not only are peacocks showing up as decorative motifs, but the deep turquoise color is quickly gaining ground as a top color trend of Winter/Spring 2010. From punchy, modern patterns on rugs and fabrics to sophisticated classical ceramic lamps, this deep teal tone can work with any style. Think peacock silk curtains with white leather seating and chocolate walls or grey flannel on a classic English sofa with teal gourd lamps.

Sherwin-Williams includes this color in their 2010 Color Forecast.

Pantone’s Color of the Year is the major influence for every industry related to design from Fashion and Interiors to Graphic Design and Paper goods.

As many people know I am a huge fan of anything white. White has been a very popular trend in design in recent years from the casual, Coastal Living style to the minimalist ice white design. During this time of year, how do you incorporate holiday spirit without adding color? Actually, neutral color schemes require the same balance all year round: texture, texture, texture. Layers of texture and subtle color changes make neutrals work.

For the holidays, adding in a bit of sparkle transforms your space into a wintery escape. Clear glass, mercury finishes, glitter, metallic sheens coupled with earthy burlap textures, wool fabrics, tweed, raffia, and twigs create just the right balance of textures. Here are a few ideas to try out in your home. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Gray has become the new black as of late. What better way to show off white elements than to put them in front of a gray backdrop. Notice how the textures of the pillows and screen work to reflect light and soften the deep gray sofa. Also, the simple glass vases in a multitude of shapes and colors add a bit of whimsy to the space.

Woodland elements with a modern twist are perfect for adding the layers of texture to a white space. Adding in garland and oversized ornaments can transform any mantel, console or buffet in an instant.

Originally written by Kimberly for Freshome.  View more of Kimberly’s work at kimberlyreuther.com.

How bright and beautiful are all the fall leaves? It seems like overnight the colors exploded on the trees! Equally beautiful are the furniture and accessories on display all over the city. And pretty soon, Christmas season will be upon us! Can you believe the stores are already getting decorations out to sell?

So, I went hunting for fall inspiration this week and here is what I found:

Love, love, love this chair at Niche downtown as well as the red vases. The background color of the store works so well with these deep earth tones!

You don’t have to go much further than your backyard or local farmer’s market for color inspiration. Here is a beautiful tree and my pumpkin display before I paint my designspeak logos on them.

I taught the monthly decorating class at Pottery Barn this weekend and I was enamored with these cute little acorn salad bowls. The glazing is nice and rich and the scale is adorable with everyday white dinner plates! Also, the red leaves pair so nicely with red wine which is indicative of the season as well.