10 Ways to use Pantone's Colour of 2014

The news is out and after much  guessing  by designers the world over Pantone has declared Radiant Orchid as the colour for 2014.

2014 Pantone Colour of the Year

 It seems to leave people a little speechless.  Now I am a purple lover and have hits of it around my house, but I lean toward the bluish purples.  Even my front door is BM french violet. I have lavender  front porch cushions  etc.  I wear lots  of purples in clothing.   But this is more pink.

It is a far cry from last year's emerald. 

 If you bought into emerald last year here's a combination of the two.... 

source

Certainly colourful.  Notice how white is used to quieten this scheme.

But how to deal with this vibrant pink purple.... 

source

 Play it safe and use it to add a  jolt of colour in flowers... Beautiful and temporary.

 

 source

Invest in a little leather that can be moved from room to room.  

Paint a piece of furniture or a mirror.

 source

Throw in a daring light fixture. 

source 

 Buy an accent chair in this lovely hue and connect it with a patterned pillow. 

source 

Mix it up in lovely patterned bedding. 

 source

Or on a ceiling or headboard.  Notice the leather ottoman from a previous shot.

 source

Now we are getting daring with drapes, a bold geometric pattern and peonies.  The dark furniture provides a rich backdrop for this scheme.

 source

Or have the full meal deal with walls, bedding, drapes, pillows and art.  Thankfully the white offers the perfect foil for the vibrancy.

Did you notice any trends in how it is used? 

And good- bye with one of my paintings that works with this lovely colour

source

Margaret Ryall ( In Between) mixed media on canvas, 12 x 36 inches , private collection

READ MORE

Stolen moments

I do not know about you, but sometimes I sneak in some stolen moments at a small cafe around the corner, which makes me feel like I am on vacation in France. I know, 

I am pushing it here...

via

I indulge in a delicious soy latte and unfold a magazine or two, just to browse and to get some inspirational juices flowing.

There is a seat across from me, so why don't you sit for a moment and have a peak?

Truthfully, I have no idea which magazines they are from, I guess Elle Decor, House and Home, House Beautiful?

Anyway, there is something about a white kitchen....

and patterned walls and a sofa with a pop of color....

And ... oh, should we try this perfume? It says here it's unisex (LOL), but I think there is no such thing, really?

And speaking of unisex.... this bedroom just appeals to me, very feminine/masculine

While this one is just girly, wouldn't you say?

And so happy!

Next magazine: Another gorgeous kitchen, in the city I adore??? Ohhhh...

Sorry, the light here.... this turned out pink, but its a lovely off white on white....

 Another glam bedroom! Three pillows....

But this one here is an killer amazing room! I absolutely love the moody feel of dark walls in a library, with the cozy seat.... and a silver ceiling? Get out! Sorry, a really bad photo, but you get the idea?

And this one? Can it get more elegant and fun? 

Turquoise, white and gold with a dash of red!!! 

J'adore!

Shhh, we are way to noisy, the patron over there gives us already the evil eye....

Are we done?

Let's just go home now and put to good use what we have learned here!!!

via

Au Revoir!

See you next week darling, have a splendid weekend!

All images via various current shelter magazines, sorry no exact source.

READ MORE

Today I love...

These soft and romantic interiors. They are neither overly frilly, nor too reduced in style. I like a sofa to sink in, laced with pillows....

I like the garden stool, yes, used all over, but why not? An ottoman to put my feet up and a romantic chandelier! The lightest pink on the walls, offset by the milky sage green.

via

Or this garden style room, where large windows invite the outside in. I absolutely love the window casings in a darker shade, while the walls and floor blend gently together! 

This is a very large room, and yet, it feels cozy! Summer calm!

via

And this interior has me absolutely enchanted, I love everything about it: The soft colors, the darker paneling and door frame, painted floor and the overall styling, which reminds me of the early 19th Century! Nature inspired wall decor gets me anytime! Again softest pink walls!

via

And do I need to explain that I find this girly bedroom utterly charming?

via

Lately I love the idea of darker painted woodwork. What do you think? White or color?

Happy Tuesday!

All images as indicated!

READ MORE