Name: Courtney
Location: Atlanta, GA
Why I use color:
"I spent a few years as a museum docent and I saw how curators often used color as a powerful backdrop for art. This inspired me to experiment with color, to hopefully bring out the best in art Im starting to collect, but also to enhance objects used everyday like books, magazines, handbags and jewelry. The truth is, in a small space with little storage, its nice when utilitarian items look pretty. And above all I use color because it is a visual treat."
Color Tips:
"1. Youve heard it before but this is a very practical option: use the strongest colors on items that are easier to change on a whim like accessories and walls, and keep upholstery neutral.
2. Many colors pair beautifully with earth tones like chocolate and taupe, and mixing in a bit of brown or beige can keep a colorful room from looking too kids department.
3. Consider decorating with colors that will enhance the objects or collections you have around."
Color Resources:
"1. A colorful movie, Indiscreet with Cary Grant has one of the coolest apartments ever.
2. The J. Crew catalog rarely disappoints. And Kate Spade stores are filled with vintage books, ceramics and other designers jewelry to inspire color lovers."
It looks very much like my bedroom paint color scheme, which is Benjamin Moore Oriental Silk and Dove White, which I love.
Cheaters! :) This is the second entry I've seen with 5 images. ;)
Aha! Here's the more Martha Stewart, less modern look someone was craving.
Is that your real giftwrap in the urn, or is that rolls-of-paper-as-inexpensive-accent? I'm trying to decide which would be more clever.
Finally---an example that shows you can have color without going modern. I love it that the tones aren't so saturated...they're pretty and they work well together---and they don't distract from all the green you see through those huge windows. Also nice to see the dark wood tones, which give the room a lot more definition---too much pastel and you're in trouble.
that was (kinda) me!
i was craving a less 50s retro feel to the color entries (someone else put the "martha stewart" words in my mouth)
but yes, yes, i LOVE this room, and i love the esthetic behind it, using color to offset objects
courtney, you've done a goregous job, i love the interplay of neutrals with bright pops of intense hues
and while i'm not a huge fan of jcrew (except for their shoes) i TOTALLY agree that their catalogs are a huge inspiration for colors and pairings, all the tweeds and preppy color combos
beautifully done!!!
I really like this, but I think it will definitely do better among the female visitors of this site. It's very peaceful and restful and, goshdarn it, pretty. It also reminds me of various friends of mine, and, for some inexplicable reason, of the show "Designing Women," so I don't find it surprising that you are in the South. Definitely overtones of Palm Beach preppiness.
Hi Wende,
Yes that is gift wrap I use all the time--much of it from Kate's Paperie in NYC and some from Flax art supply. Thanks for noticing :)
Courtney
It was the sharp eye of someone with a serious Flax paper addiction... I should be studying your room carefully, because much of it is closer to my real style than the mod stuff that I drool over. (Wanders off to make little charts of table and wall arrangements.)
Love how the jolts of watermelon and lime/avocado keep the whole thing from being too wimpy. This has to be the best room in the house on a breezy Southern Spring day.
5 bonus styling points for using the multi-hued purse as color accent on the chair.
Judges are reviewing use of "blue-eyed child" as styling element... ;)
I am a femail viewer, but this is a little to pretty for me. I can definitely see the appeal as a relaxing retreat fromt eh summer heat though.
love the choice of wall color - what color is it?
Hi Manuchao,
The wall color is a mix of Benjamin Moore yellows and creams, with a slight hint of orange undertones but I don't remember the names of the original yellows! The paint store just put a number on the final can with the blended colors.
Thanks so much to everone who has taken time to comment. The room is quite TRAD and feminine for this contest, but I value Apartment Therapy readers opinions and appreciate the feedback. :)
Courtney
I'd love to see some modern pattern or updated large-scale floral tying all the colors together. Love the upholstery choice on the chair, so maybe something colorful but on a similar linen ground?
Hey patrick (the other one)
I love that suggestion re: the large scale print! Were you thinking perhaps changing the curtains or bedding? Maybe a Lulu DK style floral?
Thanks for the input,
Courtney
I echo Sharon's comments--you don't need to be modern or trendy to use color. I LOVE that the room comes together without seeming too trendy. It IS pretty; but a man could live in it with teeny modifications in the accessories.
IMHO this room is perfect.
courtney--
Yes! Either, both, or a rug/area carpet. Yes, something Lulu-ish would be very much like what I was thinking. I think part of the fun of this space is that it could go cottage (in a good way) or something much more modern, based just on a few changes, and purely as the whim strikes you.
Also, do you change things out seasonally? If so, leave the white gauzy drapes for Spring/Summer and throw in a needlepoint floral rug, or even a grid/lattice reference like your chair, but in watermelon or parrot green and white (to play up the Palm Beach prep vibe Fiona pegged earlier).
In cooler months, maybe shift the watermelon to coral, and introduce something similar or a natural linen at the windows.
Am also loving those pale aqua pillowcases... how 'bout getting that color on your ceiling?!
(Thanks for letting us play!!!)
other patrick,
Love the aqua ceiling idea! Could be kind of FAB but also so Southern porch TRAD.
It is so funny you mentioned a geometric rug because I've been considering that lately, especially after seeing the bedroom on Domino's October cover. And yes, I change linens/accessories often. That explains why the curtains are still plain white, but I'd love to ultimately have a print. Oh and BTW that cable throw on the bed is actually an orangey coral in person!
For the future, I'm sort of torn between two loves: the crisp, Palm Beach TRAD look you mentioned and an earthier style with John Robshaw textiles--love his bed featured in the November Elle Decor.
Well, thanks again for the inspiration! Truly helpful.
Courntey
Dear Courtney,
Me and my friends at my office love your room. You have an edited eye , but your room is so livable. Great color choices on your linens that are off-set so nicely with your yellow walls. Your choices are subtle and unobvious, but most importantly very inviting. Thank you for the inspiration.
Claudia
Courtney--
Just saw the John Robshaw feature in November's Elle Decor. Very nice looking.
And the sheets ain't too bad, either. ;)
other patrick,
Always nice to hear from a fellow Elle Decor reader. I'm very drawn to Robshaw's mix of patterns and colors. On the general decorating front, I'm still seriously considering your thoughts on the various ways I can "morph" my bedroom--sort of take it to the next level.
cheers,
courtney
Very nice, Courtney! I wouldn't change a thing.
I like the repetition of the splashes of green be it the wall or the lamp or the hydrangeas (in the pink vase, right?). Aloha to Hotlanta Courtney! Its been almost 3 years since I've been there, (lived 3.5 hrs away prior to moving). Say hello to the Dekalb farmer's market & Virginia Highlands for me!
Cooking Cajun
hey i lov my rom now and i just wanted to say thanks you really inspired me