apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time


#17 - Derek & Patrick Wow with Pumpkin Orange, Lime Green, and Teal Blue


Name: Derek & Patrick
Location: Chicago
Type: 2 bedroom duplex, owned (finally...yay!)

Why we use color: I (Derek) do graphic design for a living, so I think about color every day. It’s really different, though, to pick colors to LIVE in. For me, it’s harder…the inspiration for our main room had to come from some pillows I bought (at CB2, oddly enough…seriously!); there were 3 colors (Pumpkin orange, a lime green pyramid pillow, and a teal blue)…we matched the wall colors to these and love the way it turned out. Lots of “wows” when people walk in…it’s bright and energetic…just what we wanted for the main area we entertain in.

 
 

101306derek1.jpg

2 good color tips:

1. Follow your heart…find the hues you LOVE; ones that make you feel something.

2. Then back it down 2 shades from that…a little color goes a long way when you’re painting it on your wall.

2 good color resources:

1. I have a cool flip-book with nothing but colors on the pages…it lets you see combinations very easily.

2. Also I like to borrow a big paint chip book from a store so you can see the colors in your space, in your light, and with your existing stuff.

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Fall Colors 2006 - Midwest

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Comments (19)

I really like the 3 bold colors in this space. I also really like that the neutral counterpoint isn't black. The brown really softens it for me. Nice!

posted by Robin on 2006-10-13 14:09:02

I love the blue and the green and the brown. I do think that the color in this space is a bit overwhelming and could have used more neutral space or more consistency to balance things out.

posted by Laura on 2006-10-13 14:09:30

Funny thing is, my apt. is also pumpkin, lime & dark teal so I was excited when I saw the post title... but it's funny how the same colors look vastly different in slightly different shades and combo. I do like the colors here, but I'd like to see more buffer zone or something ... for example, in the first pic, I think the spot where the orange and lime butt up to each other is kinda awkward. Perhaps that little short wall with the window could've been a neutral tone then the orange dining alcove would really set itself apart and the lime wall behind the sofa would really pop more as an accent.

Just my 2 cents...

posted by ridge. on 2006-10-13 14:20:09

I love this color combination, and it is one I don't think I would've thought of. I really love the brown sofas and the lack of clutter.

I really don't notice that the green wall abutting the orange wall was ackward until I read Ridge's comment, then I did notice it. That is an interesting dilemma and I'm not sure how it would be solved, but I have been very intrigued thinking of potential solutions. It doesn't ruin the room for me, though. I still find this beautiful.

posted by peggy on 2006-10-13 14:29:14

I think it would also be pretty neat with some sort of clean window treatment ... perhaps crisp white shutters mounted inside the window frame or a roller blind with some accent to it. Something to unify the two sections.

Also, what is everyone's opinions on big white ceilings? Seeing this one makes me realize I should really get around to painting mine a soft hue.

posted by ridge. on 2006-10-13 14:48:46

AWESOME!!

posted by Luigi on 2006-10-13 15:11:34

great color combination, if I did not see the pictures, I would have a hard time imagining combination of these 3 colors.. Good Job.

Where did you guys but that couch?? Crate & Barrel? or is it just the pillow from there. I am in the process of purchasing a sectional for my newly purchased apt and I cannot seem to find what I really like (or within my budget) and this couch looks so cool. I will appreciate if you let me know.

posted by New York Muhtari on 2006-10-13 15:42:16

I am also hunting for a couch like that one...it looks a little like the contemporary sectional sold by Club Furniture, and it has a C & B feel but I don't think C & B carries a tufted sectional (just the Petrie) -- so yes, please, do tell.

As for the rest, me like.

posted by Marianne on 2006-10-13 17:56:34

You guys made a great choice on that duplex. Looks like a really cool place to hang out.

posted by Maryam in Marrakesh on 2006-10-13 18:13:29

Now this is what the contest is all about. This entry actually has COLOR, and is not relying on expert photography nor other design aspects to get to the heart of the matter, which is, again (from the rules/criteria):

"to find the boldest, coolest, most colorful room"

Plus it only has to be one room. These guys went above & beyond!
Makes me wonder what some of these other entries were thinking.

posted by pbphoenix on 2006-10-13 18:39:07

Way too much of a good thing

posted by hdtex on 2006-10-13 20:50:31

Great Job! Bold use of color.

posted by lynn on 2006-10-13 21:59:35

I agree wholeheartedly with pbphoenix.

posted by happilyever on 2006-10-14 12:10:50

the colors are not my favorites, but i like their use to set off the alcoves and zones of the open space. good use of color, and i think that's the real criterion here.

posted by purejuice on 2006-10-16 11:42:17

Bold use of color, but I think it just ran amuck somewhere. There is WAY too much going on here .. the senses are overwhelmed.

posted by Missy on 2006-10-16 22:28:49

maybe the judging criteria should be more specific. to me, this is bold, cool, and colorful, thereby fulfilling the requirements for the contest. i think people are confusing this contest for a "help me fix my place" event. these entries are done. these people are not asking for help to fix it, they are proudly showing everyone how they use color. clearly, everyone uses it differently. whatever your taste is, there is no doubt about the bold, cool, and colorful nature of this and many other entries. i guess anonymity breeds cattiness. kudos derek and patrick!

posted by alex on 2006-10-16 23:58:39

trying tooooooo hard. Sorry! It would have been better to stick with 2 colors and not do the obvious 2 colors when the walls change directions. contrived.

posted by kenji on 2006-10-19 19:26:57

Oh, I LOVE where the orange and green walls meet. It was the first thing I saw and I sat just looking at it for a few seconds. Very, very nice.

posted by Deb on 2006-10-20 09:04:58

Bold choices and yet it works...the neutrals and accent pieces really make this work well.
I agree with others....this is a great example of using colors.
Love the art behind the couch and the couch IS really cool. Looks comfy.

posted by Kathy on 2006-11-09 11:12:41

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