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?

HUES YOU CAN USE: INSIDE A JEWEL BOX

Feel like royalty in a room painted in a rich, purple hue like Benjamin Moore's Grape Gum. Purple, on the cusp of blue, it's totally strong and luxurious, yet unisex.

designed by Robert Brown Interior Design

 

Sumptuous and passionate...would you dare be this dramatic?

SPECIAL GUEST: COUTURE CARRIE

This week's Fashion Friday feature is all the rage this season. For my Runway to Room Challenge, blogger and fashion aficionado Couture Carrie brings to us a look I like to call the Modern Mix. Punches of fun color combined with rustic elements are a win-win in your room and on the runway. Get  a clue from today's match-up on how you can incorporate this look into your home's decor and wardrobe.

1.|Living Room Inspiration via Veranda Magazine
2.|Joie Boots / www.chicdowntown.com
3.|Oscar de la Renta gold plated bracelet / www.net-a-porter.com
4.|Stella McCartney striped cashmere scarf / www.net-a-porter.com
5.|Alice by Temperley dress / www.shopbop.com

What is your take on the "Modern Mix?" Do you plan on incorporating this look in your home or wardrobe?

SPECIAL GUEST: THE PEACH PROXY

Today's Fashion Friday post is brought to you by Kelli Flournoy of The Peach Proxy.  Her much anticipated blog has recently gone live and shows the everyday fashionista how to transform her wardrobe into a unique expression of the latest trends. She graciously accepted my runway to room challenge with this post entitled Double-Duty Denim. Please welcome Kelli to the blogosphere!

photo credits: mikkel vang for house beautiful; RED VALENTINO Stretch Denim Dress

In what ways have you been inspired to bring denim into your home's decor?

STYLISH COUPLE FINDS DOMESTIC BLISS

"We want a design that reflects who we are as a couple." was the request I received when asked to decorate the home of a stylish, Atlanta couple. And though the couple moved into this Buckhead apartment only this past October, the space has been personalized to look like the single family home they will eventually purchase together. Before they moved in I toured the unit and was pleased to find a generous floorplan, high ceilings, and the contemporary finishes in the kitchen and bathrooms. But it wasn't until the clean-lined furniture, vibrant wall colors, and contemporary accents were added that the house became a home.

MASTER SUITE

Upholstered in rich Espresso Velvet, the bed's color and construction lends to the masculine side while the softness of the velvet appeals to feminine side.

LIVING ROOM

KITCHEN

GUEST SUITE

It's natural that couples run into design challenges when combining households. Each person has their own design sensibility (or lack of) and need help in finding a decor style that suits them both. With the help of Erika Ward Interiors, this couple found domestic bliss and created a beautiful, welcoming place to call home and to host their guests.

Love what you see? Need assistance? Schedule an online or in-home design consultation (Metro Atlanta area) to discuss your design dilemma and learn how I can help. Please email me at info{at}erikaward.com or call (404) 507-6110.

SMITTEN BY ROCHE BOBOIS

From the time I was introduced to the French language and culture, I've had a natural affection for everything French or French-inspired. One of my absolute favorite French furniture designers is Roche Bobois. Beautiful and environmental conscious, their customizable furniture is divided into three collections: LES CONTEMPORAINS (vibrant, avant garde pieces), LES PROVINCIALES (furniture influenced by exotic destinations), and LES VOYAGES (french inspired furniture adapted to today's lifestyle).



I could just get lost in the tones and textures of this serene bedroom. Leather headboard, woven furnishings, plush wool rug, and I'd be willing to bet the bedding is made from the softest merino wool.

Clearly, I am a chair fanatic. How beautiful is this silver painted Louis XVI armchair? I'm daydreaming of replicating this finish by utilizing a silver leafing technique. I spy burlap curtains. Do you? Get a closer look on their website.

Chillax: To loosen or reduce the level of stress by employing a more calm and less intense demeanor. What better place can you think of to kick back and unwind with food, wine, and your closest friends?
Warm weather combined with a swanky pool and an awesome view, a poolside bed could only be the icing on the cake. This may be as good as it gets! Wouldn't you agree?