Name: Kathryn W.
Location: Chicago, Ill.
Why I use color:
"I've lived in this apartment for 4 years nowand only got around to painting the back wall in my living room 4 months ago when I finally got bored with the all-white walls.
I decided to start over completely in terms of furniture after I bought this condo and the orange ultrasuede chairs were the first thing I purchased. Orange has had an amazingly positive effect on my mood -- although I have tried to use it judiciously and limit most of the new orange things to accessories. I wanted to create a sophisticated, modern space, so I stuck with a few main colors: orange, brown and cream.
Putting color on the wall was the hardest decision since I have 16' ceilings -- that's alot of color. I ended up selecting a light greenish-yellow ("Costa Mesa" by Glidden). Unfortunately, two recent purchases did not arrive in time for the contest but I want to tell you about them anyway. In order to bring some color and contrast to the sofa, I'm changing the covers of the two accent pillows on the sofa to this new print from B&B and I'm replacing the off-white rug with a shag rug in greenish-taupe-brown." SEE BELOW
Color Tips:
"If you're new to using color, there's nothing wrong with starting out in small doses. Especially if painting your walls requires scaffolding!"
Color Resources:
"I'm not too original here -- shelter magazines and fashion trends are my biggest influences."
While the space itself (loft w/ high ceilings and exposed brick) as well as the mod furnishings & decor look great, i don't think it's an amazing use of color to qualify as a finalist.
-k
Like a bottle of fine wine, it is refined, understated and elegant all at the same time.
MOLTO CHIC!
I'd rank this one higher in a contest on amazing uses of neutrals. It's a beautiful room. The way the brown couch tones with the exposed brick so that the room isn't couch-dominated is particularly clever. (Hmmmmm... maybe it is a brilliant use of color, to get brown-and-orange to read as soothing.)
I think the lighing in the pics may have dimished some of the color's effects? I have a hard time interpreting which wall is the light yellowish-green.
It looks like a shot out of a shelter magazine though!
Also, I think the new pillow colors will add a good shot of contrast.
I love the use of the brown and orange combination. Nice balance of neutrals with accent colors. To make a big space like this appear warm and comfortable is an achievement. I agree with some of the comments.
Molto Chic and elegant!
Very nice! I'm in awe of the sheer size of the sofa. The Castiglioni (sp?) lamp doesn't dwarf it at all. I also love the layout of the room.
Thanks so much for the positive feedback! Unfortunately, my photos are a little dark and it is hard to see the details. I'm not trying to pimp my entry, but if you're interested, take a look at my flickr site, www.flickr.com/photos/kcweiss/sets/1086981/
By the way, I submitted a question to the AT community a few months back on what to do about closing in the back of that low shelving unit. I got a lot of great suggestions, but ended up sealing the back with a piece of plywood cut and stained to match and I've been very happy with the way it turned out.
That empty space on the newly-painted wall is still crying out for a 50" plasma tv though!
Very refined use of space and color. The sofa and chair colors are warm and inviting, contemporary and neutral. I love the B&B Italia pillows and Bravoure rug that you're adding. They'll give you the pattern and accent color you need.
The Castiglioni Arco lamp gives a good sense of scale, accentuating the great loft ceiling while at the same time creating a cozy seating area.
Did you do this yourself or did you work with a designer? Nice job!
I myself have a hard time deciding on color. I finally own my own condo and still have white walls also. I think Kathryn has successfully introduced bold color choices without overwhelming the space. I would love the see the images once the new cushions and rug are added. The rug also adds a nice texture while adding subtle color. I see the room as a whole, not just splashes of color. I'm inspired to start painting my own space.
My envy of the expanse of it all is getting in the way of my saying nice things. ;)
I think pulling off "sleek modern" against a huge brick wall is no easy feat, but you've done it.
I'm also guessing that the impact of (the color of) those chairs is even greater in person. And I think all your "yet to come" items are all great.
You next purchase should be art! (nothing personal.. I say that to just about everybody!)
Hey, is that a fireplace over there? And if so, does the chaise section of the sofa extend in front of it? If so, maybe swing the sofa around the other way, which would also orient the sofa towards those friggin' awesome windows, and create even more of a defined "room". Just fantasizing... you're doing just fine on your own!! ;)
I think it is very cool and cozy!
It is also very MODERN!! :o)
This is a place I could live. I went to your other site and I love the coler. It shouldn't always have to hit you over the head. You have kept it minimal and interesting. I have to say I like the layout of the room.The architecture itself is great! Very Sophisticated but warming.
I think it works very well together. I agree that the use of color isn't WOW, but it is appropriate for the space and as a compliment to the furnishings, objects, etc...
Strong B+
Peace.... Annie
http://www.interiorsearch.blogspot.com/
Love the space; it gave me some real inspiration for my place! :)
Kathryn, what are those blue/orange vases on the coffee table in the pics above...where did you get them? They're gorgeous...
Thanks Purvi,
The murrini bottles are by Bill Burch. I got them at the Swallow Gallery on Smith Street in Brooklyn (www.swallowglass.com). I highly recommend this shop!!
Kathryn