Name: Steph and Carrie
Location: San Francisco
Type: 2 bdrm., rented
Why I use color:
We needed to liven up a previously drab, open living/dining space. We wanted a color that would "pop" yet work with all the red tones in the space: Danish modern furniture, a brick mantel, and a super-70s fireplace. Kelly Moore's "Acapulco Aqua" in the dining room and Benjamin Moore's "In Your Eyes" in the living room brightened things up immensely. . .
. . .We use color to create an atmosphere in conjunction with every other element in the room. For us, color shouldn't overwhelm the senses but should be a medium for creating concisiveness within and across the living space. In this case it was a way to focus and accent collections of art, furniture, and glassware.
2 good color tips:
1. Live with your paint chips. Tape your favorite shades and tones up and see how they look day and night and in different light. "Venus" may be perfect in the morning, but too dark by evening light. You may find something better that works in various lighting situations.
2. Go with your instinct. You can always repaint. Or buy new accessories.
2 good color resources:
1. The farmer's market: Piles upon piles of great color and texture. I love a stack of Bosc pears or a basket of summer squash. Inspiring and yummy.
2. Johannes Itten's The Elements of Color: I'm not one for rote systems, but this book and the color wheels always help me when I'm stuck.
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
You have some very colorful glassware, but it doesn't get any attention in the wooden shelving. The 2nd pic is very clean and serene.
YSteph and Carrie,
Your home is fresh and alive with touches of color here in there in the wall color and art pieces. Well done.
I disagree with anon, and happen to think the glassware enclosed in the cabinet is akin to a piece of framed art. It is a true focal point. With your canine companions running about, I see why it is all in one place! But, it would be beautiful to see light shining through some of those magnificently colored pieces. That would be radiant!
Two thumbs up, my dears... :)
totes color harmony dudes.
I really like the "matte" idea you did with the paint and the dogs are cute too.
I agree with bunny, the white border around the paintings is very clever. I also like the way the color in the paintings complements your exposed brick. Delightful, ladies!
The color combinations are great and enhance your glassware and art objects' colection. I especially like the painted frames around the paintings. Great job!!