ADD OLIVE TO YOUR COLOR COCKTAIL

Olive. Sure the thought makes you crave a r-rated beverage, but I'm talking about fabrics, furniture, and fascinating color combinations. Olive alone may sound like a drab hue, but within the right context it can quickly become one of your favorite colors. Why not give it a try...

For the best in olive decor inspiration, click here to check out my lastest article for houzz!

WHAT TO DO WHEN PAINTING IS NOT AN OPTION

Apartment Dwellers: Your white walls are a blank canvas! Create something beautiful. Here's a great idea for adding color to your walls: Paint picture frames to coordinate with your home's decor! Would you try this at home?

via Marcelo Brito

Looking for more bright ideas like these? Be sure to check out my latest ideabook for houzz.com!

HUES YOU CAN USE: GRIZZLE GRAY

While browsing the web on Saturday night I came across this Living Room in the 2011 HGTV Green Home. Oh. My. Gawd. I've been battling the gray trend, but recently gave in when I painted my guest room, and now this...

It's been a while since I've written a Hues You Can Use post [sorry about that] and figured I'd better get it together.

Sherwin Williams Grizzle Gray works so well in this room because of the abundance of natural light, the balance of stark white linen drapery panels, and the introduction of wood into the mix. Hello Yellow! Isn't it totally livable when paired with neutrals? Black, white and gray allow yellow to take center stage, yet blend harmoniously.

The designer, Linda Woodrum adds a bit of the unexpected with this orange side table to the room's citrus-y color palette. Its presence inserts charm and playfulness to the scheme, too.

When you are obsessed with fabrics like I am you immediately recognize patterns and often know where to find cost effective alternatives. Just the other day I told someone how I was over chevron patterns. The above selection made me eat my words.

a] Ty Pennington Impressions in Wave Gray (a comparable) $7.63/yd on sale now.
b] Premier Prints ZigZag Slub Texture Yellow/White $5.93/yd on sale now.
c] Thom Filicia's Prospect in Shadow $44.99/yd.

As you see below, the entire room isn't painted the same color. In fact, the dark paint and room-sized area rug cleverly distinguish the living room as a separate space in this open floor plan.

The same color combo was on trend last spring and doesn't seem to be fading anytime soon. Will gray find a place in your home this season?

LIVING WITH WARM COLORS IN SPRING

A design dilemma of my own prompted my latest article [Rust for All Seasons] for Houzz. I'm looking for accent pillows to transition my titanic rust-hued sofa into spring. Clearly replacing the sofa is not an option, but finding colors that cool the room's atmosphere sounds like a more realistic plan. I'm looking forward to getting rid of the pillows with the fringe on them. The kids pull at it constantly and our new pup likes to get in on the fun, too. *sigh*

As you can see the room hasn't changed much since I posted about it last year. This room for me is like a leaky faucet in a plumber's home. You get around to it when you can.

Here are a few examples from my article on how to decorate using rust in the spring.

John Lum Architecture, Inc. AIA

Rust colored bedding in combination with a geometric patterned comforter and crisp white sheets makes for a modern aesthetic that lasts for al seasons.

Niche Interiors

Darker hues paired with bright white yield a look that is clean and unabashedly modern. Dining chairs and the neighboring room, complement the rust wall color and freshen the color scheme.

Erdreich Architecture, P.C.

Rust built-ins provide a warm welcome to visitors in this entryway and library. Surrounded by pristine white walls, the color combination leans more toward eclectic than modern with the introduction of rich antique furniture.

Houzz readers recommended adding turquoise and cream to the mix. I'm definitely interested in hearing your thoughts, too!

IS IT TIME TO SAY NO TO NEUTRALS?

With neutral hues taking front seat in the design trends these past few years, I'm left wondering who sucked the life out of our interior spaces? Who had the gall to do away with glorious color? Not afraid of bucking the trends or creating a little fuss, I propose a full revolt against pale rooms and raise my fist in favor for color.

My plea is probably as dramatic as the rooms featured in my recent article for Houzz, but seriously I'm looking for some spaces that encourage a little fun. We practice enough restraint in public, so why not let our hair down, get wild, and get colorful. It is quite liberating. If you aren't afraid to be a bit rebellious, take a look at the rest of these amazing spaces. Have a wonderful Friday!

SEMI-SUITE DREAMS: CRAVING CHOCOLATE-HUED BEDROOMS

Are you a self-professed chocoholic? I am and will be the first to admit it! What makes chocolate feel so sinful? I do not have the answer, but I do have another confession. Instead of indulging my sweet tooth publicly, I've opted to do so in the privacy of my bedroom—by finding design inspiration in a box of chocolates.

via Nest Dallas Design

Find more decadent bedroom designs like these in my latest Houzz Ideabook, "Semi-Suite Dreams." This may be a little something that will keep us all satisfied until the next craving hits.

What color do you crave?

HUES YOU CAN USE: CHAR BROWN

Seduced by chocolate, I'm tempted to cover my dining room walls in Benjamin Moore's Char Brown. I originally earmarked the above image as inspiration for my client's dining room which we actually painted BM's Durango (equally delicious). The stark white ceiling, doors, and dining chairs seamlessly balance light and dark. The introduction of yellow/gold curtains in both images continue to warm the walls while simultaneously breaking up the sea of brown.

Coined the "Godiva Room," the above family room belongs to actress Ali Wentworth and news anchor George Stephanopoulos. At first glance the space reads quite formal, but the rich, velvety sofas provide an unspoken invitation to kick back and relax. So cozy, yet sophisticated...

How far will your obsession with chocolate lead you?

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