Name: Getchen K.
Location: Arlington, VA (DC suburbs)
Why I use color:
"Quite simply, color makes me happy. i enjoy coming home each day and relaxing in my cozy green studio. the bright green walls provide a backdrop that highlights some of my favorite objects in my "bedroom" - the black & white photographs and graphic printed bedding."
Color Tips:
"1. use colors that you love. they'll make you feel instantly at home!
2. everything in moderation. if you're going to use a bright, bold color in your room, try to balance it with a neutral that gives your eyes someplace to rest.
3. embrace the little splashes of color that accessories can offer. colored accessories add visual interest. bonus points when they remind you of something that makes you smile (brightly framed pictures of friends, souvenirs from a great trip, etc)!"
Color Resources:
"1. is saying "apartment therapy" kissing up too much? seeing what other people on the site have done with their rooms and their colors is always interesting and sometimes inspiring!
2. postcards - whether they're from travels (your own or others') or the free postcard stand at a coffee shop, they're often brightly colored and filled with great design!"
Veronica & Keith's Handmade Chic 
Before & After: A Bathroom Goes From Pinky Peach to Sleek and Chic
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Hunslet Dinner Plate
A Beginner's Guide to Superb Stir-Fry: Quick, Healthy Meals from a Wok
Easy Pitcher Cocktail Recipe: Strawberry Basil Margaritas
Comments (13)
It's close, but something is making this room look outdated.
Yeah for green! A woman after my own heart. We will have a lime green contingent yet. I like a lot of things about this studio, namely the color mix and I would like to be able to sit n that chair!
Maybe bigger art above the bed, or a large white square behind the photos to give them more presence?
Love the lime (always!). Wish the tangerine reappeared somewhere in the bed area. (I just have this Thing for colors reappearing throughout the room.)
Rock on Arlington.
I love the green. I just painted my north facing bedroom green and it's very easy on the eyes, very cozy at night.
What a smashing place. I am a person who loves green too. I really like the crispness of the black and white bedding. This room looks classic to me but with a twist. The coppery orange of the chaise is a nice element and I'm guessing is used elsewhere in the studio. A really good use of a small space. I wish I could see more.
This is soothing and peaceful. I could live here and be happy. Maybe bigger photos would make more impact. How about a tangerine throw on the bed? All in all I like this alot.
It takes a brave person to use a bright green color like this. Everybody is using red these days so I find this refreshing. I've seen this chaise before. The white curtains on wires looks good. I think a few minor changes could make this place a showpiece. Do you ever get tired of the green?
This is nice, very comforting, but it feels a little - eighties.
I've also seen the chaise before and liked it very much. Would you tell me where you got it?
thanks to all for the nice/constructive comments! i've only been in my place for a few months, so i'm still in the process of accessorizing/reorganizing/etc. just a few responses/comments: (1) i never do get tired of the green but there are a few white walls in my place b/c an entirely green studio seemed like a bit much; (2) i currently do have the orange repeated in the living room and dining room. it is challenging when your place is essentially all one room to tie everything together; and (3) the chaise is from a store in dc called reincarnations. i'm not sure who the maker is b/c i ended up buying the floor model.
i have to say that i'm curious about what in the room looks outdated/80s. any suggestions? everything is pretty much ikea/crate&barrel/target purchased well after the 80s - or 90s!
Gretchen,
I looked at the pics again, regarding why it "looks 80's" (not necessarily my opinion).
My uneducated mind didn't really find anything "80's," but it seems that the "bones" (if I'm using that term correctly) of the room are not very interesting. The only architectural elements I see are a very low base trim. I can't really see what's going on with the window casing/trim. I would suggest taller base trim and maybe possibly crown moulding, plus window casing and/or window treatments.
Correction: should be "element I see is"
ahh, jon b. if only i could make such architectural changes! i'm a renter and i don't think the property management company would be happy if i started adding moldings and such :) one of these days i'll own my own place and go all out!