color stories

color story: gray + cream + linen

It’s a cold and dreary February morning here in Texas. I don’t want to get out of bed. 36 degrees may seem warm to half of the US right now, but my skin has definitely thinned out in my years removed from the Mitten State. Although I can’t seem to count the good things about this time of year on 2 hands, one thing that can be beautiful is the peaceful solitude and lack of color. Grays + creams seem to go hand-in-hand with winter. They are soft and subtle. Deep and calming. They make you just want to curl up in a corner with a blanket.

I think that is why this color combo is so popular in bedrooms.

A kitchen composed of all neutrals is my absolute fave. I love how light and open it feels.

Gray and cream can be quite stunning. And stylish.

I love the soft gray tones, but also the charcoals, too. They add just the right amount of drama and contrast to the space

Check out this lovely paint palette from Better Homes & Gardens! (click on picture below to get more info on colors)

This look is pretty hard to mess up. Just pair varying neutral shades and textures together, in a mix of warm and cool, and you’ll have that polished, relaxed look:

color story - gray, linen, and cream color inspiration board - vim & vintage blog

sofa, chair: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams | pillows: dwell studio | paint color: Benjamin Moore, Kendall Charcoal | rug: Dash + Albert

(all images link back to their original source)

color story: citrus tones

We all draw our inspiration from different places. Finding inspiration in food… that’s perfectly normal, right? Yup. Some of the most cheery colors out there are citrus tones. Lime, grapefruit, orange, lemon… They are like little works of art. Especially when styled like this pic below:

And besides, what’s summer without good music, longer days, – and of course – bright colors?

Oh and Margaritas!! Can’t leave that off the list!! (Click the picture below for the recipe to this Pink Grapefruit Lime Margarita)

Honestly, this may be my favorite color palette in the world. (I may have said that before in a blog post, but I was just kidding, and am super serious now.)

I mean, some of my favorite interior shots EVER are in this palette:

You may remember the image from above. This home was featured in Coastal Living.

And this one: well if a green banquette doesn’t make you smile, I don’t know what will.

Tastefully done with some more traditional flair.

This nugget below made the cover of Southern Living’s May 2012 issue. For me, it still remains one of the best mixes of prints I’ve seen in an interior.

And let me just say – Mandi at Vintage Revivals is the bomb-dot-com, because she gets the last 2 photo mentions.

This first one is the love child of retro vintage and bohemian styles and it’s awesome.

And YES, one of my favorite DIY projects of all time!!! Seriously, still can’t get over that hex wall. She’s a genius!

MYTH #1: You have to live in FL to rock these colors.

MYTH #2: Using a bunch of bright colors together creates disaster.

As proven by the pictures above, both of these statements are totally false! Yes, these colors do favor coastal environments, but when done right, anyone can pull off this look. Intermix some of these fresh tones in, and the fruits of your labor will pay off (See what I did there?)

1 // such an awesome book with inspiring bright colors, from Will Taylor of Bright Bazaar

2 // I don’t think it’s possible to talk about bright colors and not bring in some Jonathan Adler. This chair comes in a variety of finishes and colors!

3 // of course you need some fun fabrics. ( Clockwise from top left: Robert Allen Out of Bounds Chartruese, Kravet Almora 712, Robert Allen Delighted Citrine, Robert Allen Cats Cradle Papaya)

4 // yes, I always have to feature a watch. This Michael Kors one is pure dynamite!

5 // pretty pillow cover

6 // most possibly the cutest set of measuring cups

7 // simple, elegant, and versatile summer wedges

8 // I wish I could have each and every one of Madeline Weinreb’s rugs. They are absolute perfection

9 // another fun, midcentury-inspired JA chair!

10 // vintage vase in a fun yellow color!

Have yourself a bright and cheery day! xo

(inspiration board is my creation, but all other photos link back to their original source)

color story: peach + emerald

Bold emerald green matched with soft peach is both flirty and fierce! I’m loving these 2 colors together.

(It’s past my bedtime, and I’m sleepy. So instead of attempting to come up with witty captions, I’ll show you pretty pictures and your imagination can take it from there 🙂 )

Do you think these 2 colors work well together? Would you use them in an outfit or your home?

(all images link back to their original source, if known)

color story: chartreuse + plum

Chartreuse and Plum: A dynamic duo. Fresh and spunky, yet deep and powerful. They are not your usual couple, but hey I’ve heard opposites attract. Even as bold as each color is, these two can share the spotlight together if done correctly.

Both colors a little muted here and they compliment each other beautifully.

Love it with the lilac or raspberry too!

. better homes and gardens purple and green room

The key is to blend the greens and purples with other neutrals, browns, blacks, or whites. Mixing in rich brown tones and/or black (as shown above) gives off a luxurious feel. Or use white in the color scheme (shown below) to achieve a more serene & sophisticated environment.

Using gold with these 2 colors looks great too!

Bold colors = modern feel

Just a few favorite items put together just for you! 🙂

a: robert allen alpenglow fabric / b: suburban home ringo fabric / c: centenniel sofa (available to the trade only!) / d: cb2 rex chartreuse chair / e: z gallerie new hope plum art / f: rug (available to the trade only!) / g: crate + barrel link pillow / h: etsy decorative handmade floral pillow cover / i: jonathan adler capri lamp / j: jonathan adler lime lacquer cube

(all photos link back to their original source, if known. inspiration board brought to you by yours truly.)

color story: navy + yellow

Navy and yellow. A perfect pairing for the lover of the crisp and classic blue mixed with a cheery, modern ray of sunlight. I’m starting to see the pair together more… and I’m liking what I see!