Tag Archives: palette

It’s May! This month is a big smorgasbord of Mother’s Day (May 12th),  Victoria Day Weekend, Cinco de Mayo, and National Smile Month (UK)! We’re starting to feel the sun on our backs and get an extra spring in our step! Road construction crews and spring clean up are in  full swing. I know our street has started piling up large trash items on the curb, so this month’s palette is inspired by  “upcycling” outdated items! As I was browsing the web for images to add to my ideabook, I kept ouuing and awwing at all the amazing “upcycling” in design. This basically means giving outdated household items a new purpose or new coat of paint. Over the past year or so, many designers have been glamming up outdated or “vintage” items to accent modern decor. This colour palette mixes aged tones, rustic wood, and bold shades of rust to create a chic, eclectic look!

This curb-side inspired palette adapts to  a wide range of style preferences. A great option is to paint your walls neutral hues and accent your room with the wood and rust! The first bedroom plays on a variety of red and orange to add some character to an otherwise grey room. In the second photo, the bed stands out with its gorgeous deep orange comforter. The neutral backdrop adds some depth and interest to the space.The chandeliers in both examples are upcycled! The first is from the Victorian period and the second is a modern spin on candlelit  fixtures.

I’ve always been a huge fan of bold colours in the kitchen, but these warm hues really bring out the wood tones! Both designers used a variety of wood grains with one standout, statement piece. The red base to the island transforms an otherwise “normal” kitchen into a cool, eclectic space. In the second photo, a simple coat of bold orange paint cranks this dining room’s design appeal up a few notches!

Again, the bold rust shades really bring out the beautiful wood grains in the flooring, while the neutral walls and large windows keep the rooms elegant and modern. I definitely saw that fun area rug in the first photo at Ritchie’s in Moncton last summer!

Lastly, this colour palette does amazing things for small spaces. The beiges or greys create an airy feel, while the colour pop give the illusion of a larger space! A coloured office chair, vase, or a solid stripe all make a small space seem less cramped! The grey vintage wall paper makes for a particularly unique design!

Have any of you been browsing the spring clean up curbs for items to upcycle?

Red is dead, blue is through, 
Green’s obscene, brown’s taboo. 
And there is not the slightest excuse for plum or puce 
—or chartreuse. Think pink!
-Funny Face

If you’ve had a chance to browse the latest home decor news stands, you may have left either confused or singing “Think Pink” from Funny Face. Either way, nearly every cover has somehow incorporated a shade of pink!

When I first saw that pink was making a comeback, my mind instantly went to memories of floral pink sofas and pink lace-heart wallpaper (That was definitely in my kitchen at one-point). I was mildly horrified, but once I started checking out how designers were using pink, I warmed up to the idea! I’m not sure that I am quite ready to paint the walls in fusia, but accessorizing could definitely be fun!

These designers cleverly added a few splashes of glam to otherwise neutral palettes, which could be the best route to go. The more intense shades of pink are balanced with neutral furniture, while the muted shades are incorporated in patterned key features.

Grey has always been pink’s best friend. These soft tones pair really well with both modern and natural elements.

All of us know too much blush is rarely a good thing, but these powder rooms have just enough to look unique without looking too much like Barbie’s corvette! Plus, how “Adorable” is a painted pink door!

Can you think pink or will this trend end along with the post-Vday chocolate sales?

P.S. Happy Valentine’s Day! 

It’s that time again! It’s time to unveil our choice for September’s Colour Palette of the Month!

This month we’ve chosen a palette that blends warm and cool tones and integrates the “yellowing” of the fall leaves. We think that just like the turning colour of the leaves, this dash of mustard next to the browns and greys will make your space pop. Not only does this palette convey all the warm and fuzzy feelings of fall but it is also very modern in its use of mustard and grey. While we think that this palette is perfect for any living room or master bedroom we also think that it would be dramatic as a bathroom colour palette. What do you think? What room would you use the palette for?