apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time


#33 - Jacob and Bethany's Vintage Modern

Name: Jacob & Bethany
Location: Sarasota, FL
Type: small 1950's home - owned

Why I use color:

Color can make a home uniquely yours. We wanted an expression of us when we chose to gut and restore our home. We enjoy life and wanted a color to come home to that would emanate that.

 
 

10-19-beth2.jpg

We have traveled a lot. Seeing the bright colors of the world and so many different, vast views of color we wanted to express ours. Our dine in area is chocolate brown. Both the aqua and chocolate run into our kitchen.

2 Good color tips:

1. A good rule of thumb is to choose a scheme which includes a neutral color, an accent color, and a grounding color

2. Use contrast with your accent pieces especially. You want things to pop! Good lighting helps as well.

2 good color resources:

1. Cultures/Traveling (National Geographic Magazines) They make great inspirations.

2. Sherwin Williams' has a great Martha Stewart palette of paints to choose from. I find them to be great colors that can be hard to find unless you mix your own.

Tags

Fall Colors 2006 - East

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Comments (37)

Although I'd kind of like to see some art on the wall to the right of the window, and maybe one more color somewhere, I think you're really onto something here. I really like it.

posted by Curtis on 2006-10-19 13:08:02

This is a beautiful, harmonious use of color - and that chair is just fab!

I feel as thus far we've seen two types of entries - those where color is a statement or focal point and those where the use of color is an integral part of the design. I think that this entry really proves the later - the use of blue is vibrant but not distracting from the overall scheme.

posted by briana (ideadujour) on 2006-10-19 13:10:14

I like the subtle blend of aqua and chocolate. It's very soothing and I can imagine relaxing in here. My in-laws live in sunny Sarasota and we visit them every year and go to gorgeous Siesta Key beach. Don't give out your whole address because I might come by and kidnap that fabulous chair :)

posted by Erin T on 2006-10-19 13:20:05

I don't really like the first picture. It makes the color seem random and not right for the space. To me it seems like it's trying too hard. But at the same time, I absolutly LOVE the colors in the second photo, I find they complement eachother much better (and it just looks so much funkier). ALthough the furniture in the first photo is not my personal style, that's not why I would vote "in contention" or "no way". To me, the choice of color (even though it's a beautiful blue) just doesn't seem right with the rest of the room. I don't know how to better explain it.

posted by Cassandra in Canada on 2006-10-19 13:22:54

Where are those sheer drapes from?!! Fabulous.

posted by Tartraz on 2006-10-19 13:26:05

Obviously the colors are nice but...can any one person(s) expect credit for figuring out that chocolate and robin's egg blue look good together ? It's nice but seems uninspired to me.

posted by Maryam on 2006-10-19 13:26:26

Beautiful! I love the chair.

The wall color is beautiful with the chocolate accents. I've been wanting to paint my bedroom with this color scheme for months and just haven't figured it out yet. Can you tell me what the paint is called and where it's from? Thanks!

posted by Lola on 2006-10-19 13:29:55

I love the shears. Where are they from?

posted by shanabanana (lindycircle) on 2006-10-19 13:34:04

Thanks for your comments!

I actually have two large paintings that I have painted, but unfortunatly it is really hard to capture them with just two photos. They are on the other side of the room!

The drapes are from West Elm and the I'll have to get the name! I forgot...so sorry! It's actually a bit more vibrant then the picture shows!

Thanks agian for your comments! This was done on tight busget so it's nice to get feedback!

posted by Bethany on 2006-10-19 13:55:32

**budget (oops)

posted by Bethany on 2006-10-19 13:56:33

Interesting color choices, yet, abolutely wrong pick for this space. With such low ceiling, and living in Florida, you should have created a brighter, more open space; a use of lighter colors or mirrors and lighter tree (is it fake?), birch fork would work here.

posted by Stephan on 2006-10-19 14:01:04

I would hate to trapped into decorating a certain way because of my geographic location... please don't confine Bethany to a palette Florida pastels!

This is a sophisticated use of color and probably feels soothing and cool after a day spent in bright sunlight. The first image reminds me of the colors used on buildings in Italy.

posted by Catherine on 2006-10-19 14:10:39

LOVE it.

And ignore people bitching about how everyone has this scheme (because everyone doesn't), and anyone telling you it's the wrong decor for your state. That's just plain silly. You make the interiors yours and as cozy or whatever that you want it to be.

I like it, you obviously like it, and it doesn't look like it was done on a budget so great job. ;-)

posted by ridge. on 2006-10-19 14:19:59

yes, where are those sheers from?

this color scheme may be hot right now, but as ridge says, not everyone is brave enough to implement it in their home.

posted by angelune on 2006-10-19 14:40:28

The room is too brightly lit. The sofas are very light in the pic: I think that's why it looks a little "off." But that could just be a matter of photography.

I think that blue needs to be pulled down into the larger grouping somehow....In a carpet maybe? Don't know.

posted by Alana in Canada on 2006-10-19 16:02:33

The spamblocker code when I voted on this one was IMAQT, which I could also say about that lovely, perfect chair.

posted by kostia on 2006-10-19 16:17:31

It doesn't feel quite finished to me, particularly in the first shot, but I like the color scheme and overall feel of the room. I think it needs artwork or some variation of color, in the form of pillows perhaps, just something to give the room more depth. And that chair is fab.

posted by tulip on 2006-10-19 16:28:43

I love the modern, clean look. The funky patterns and bright colors are energizing! Way to go!

posted by Megan on 2006-10-19 16:34:52

The colors are nice. I think it needs other light sources as not to look washed out. How about some low lamps, bringing warmth to the room?

posted by D on 2006-10-19 17:13:18

Finally! A room that doesn't make me worried I might go a little nuts from too much in-your-face color. I like it and would be very comfortable in it, although -- and no one here will agree with me -- I would tone it down even more.

Jacob and Bethany: don't pay attention to the negativity; it seems to be part and parcel of these contests. Kudos on doing a great job in your house and to decorating without paying attention to what is "usual" in your state or trendy at the moment.

BTW, this does not look as though it was done on a budget; it looks very expensive and luxe.

posted by Terry on 2006-10-19 17:38:18

Pretty, although a tee bit sparse for my taste.

When did dark brown become universally referred to as 'chocolate'? And why does that make me cringe?

I suppose I'm just cranky because my new apartment has Barbiedoll closets and not a level floor to be found anywhere. 'Period charm'.

LC



posted by lilcafe on 2006-10-19 17:40:48

what is the paint color, exactly? i've been meditating lately about how blues with a bit of green are incredibly soothing, whereas blues with no green notes can just seem cold.

posted by monica on 2006-10-19 18:26:54

Don't worry, LC ... I live in a new apt., and I still don't have a level floor anywhere ;-(

posted by ridge. on 2006-10-19 18:36:49

Please please Bethany tell me what that chair is! Also love the blue and creams and warm tones!

posted by modfan on 2006-10-19 19:46:04

I love the combo of aqua and chocolate, but I think the first picture looks sort of showroom-y, it doesn't really look put together because it seems to be missing the personality of the person who lives there. The second picture, though it shows very little displays more flair.

posted by Cait on 2006-10-19 20:55:03

simply amazing darling! you are sooo gifted to bring life to an atmosphere! oh i am inspired. hope you win! how fun is this!

posted by bethany on 2006-10-19 20:56:23

Now what is the pattern to the right of the fab chair? That looks out of place to me with the turquoise everywhere else, is it wallpaper or something? Is it anywhere else in the room? Just wondering, the room looks like a pleasure to hang out in and I'm going to have to go look for those curtains now!

posted by Anne (in Reno) on 2006-10-20 01:07:48

I am loving that chair/cushion combo. The chocolate/blue pairing has not made it to Morocco yet. But nice, very nice.

posted by Maryam in Marrakech on 2006-10-20 05:11:32

Brilliant use of color. A fine job of taking '50's colors and making them look thoroughly modern!

posted by Debbie on 2006-10-20 10:54:01

Seriously, what's the paint color? I love it! Very warm yet relaxing. Avoids looking like an ice-box (which can happen with blue walls).

posted by Grace E. on 2006-10-20 12:31:37

Love the chocolate brown floor length curtain's! You've got the perfect room to relax in - maybe i can steal some good ideas!

posted by Astra on 2006-10-20 15:09:53

what an absolute bore. yeah, you know how to match, but i feel like i'm looking at a pottery barn catalog. ok, i'll give you crate and barrel. hell, maybe that's a compliment for you. rock on.

posted by bob loblaw on 2006-10-20 19:01:09

My favorite color combo! I have a winter coat with these same colors and I find your room to be just as cozy! The only change I'd make is to put a darker rug down to contrast the floor. Maybe something in a dark, mocha brown with alot of softness and texture. But this room really is a winner!

posted by Deanne on 2006-10-22 19:29:01

It's the best I've seen on this site. Simply amazing! I wish I lived there.

posted by Nate on 2006-10-23 01:53:06

Fantastic colours! I love the blue & brown together - it's so simple yet so striking! I'm doing the second floor of my house that way, I already have the brown curtains and have picked out a similiar shade of blue (a little bit lighter). I adore the rich chocolate brown chair with the blue covering, it works with the sheer retro drapery and the fab pillow! Bravo!

BTW, It doesn't matter where you live, this is your home and it's a reflection of who you are, decorate it anyway you like!

posted by Jennifer gibson on 2006-10-24 12:35:37

Hey...someday I'm going to hire you to decorate my home...and I hope it is someday soon. Your color choices, taste, harmony, blends, and balance ROCK.

Leslie

posted by Leslie on 2006-10-26 14:38:55

Love this color scheme. Have been planning to do brown walls w/ blue-green ceiling and white crown moulding. Please let me know the brand and paint color you used on the walls. Thanks!

posted by Sharla on 2006-11-06 21:11:02

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