COLOR!

Suzanne Kasler

...my favorite word. Actually "sale" is my favorite word...no wait, "free" takes the cake, but color is my third favorite.

I have file after file on my computer of different rooms, homes, and design ideas that I often find myself forgetting what is actually in the little blue desktop folders. I pretty much haven't been out of bed in over 24 hours {thank you, baby, for sitting on my sciatic nerve}, so I actually had time this afternoon to browse my stored treasures from months and years on end. I came across so many wonderful images full of color that I cannot wait to share with you all! I hope they bring inspiration, or at least some cheeriness, to your life :)

My first set of images to show you are my absolute favorite colored walls, most of them fantastically done in lacquer. Our home now does not lend itself well to lacquered walls but one day, I assure you, I will have at least one brightly colored lacquered room in my house! I am thinking...red...with gold....shhhh don't tell Biz...!

These first two images are very soft and not something I would go for personally, but I really do love the feel of them. Very soothing and almost neutral. And check out the ceiling in the first one - very cool!

Now, the fun stuff. I think this library by Jan Showers is my favorite of all time. Dark, cozy and perfectly masculine without resorting to the typical mahogany covered walls with red accents. The navy, deep chocolate brown and avocado all work perfectly together, and I love the accent pillows.

What a great way to add pizazz and sophistication to an entrance hall. The unique thing to me is that the green is pretty much your basic kelly green, which is really not often seen these days. It's all about avocado, chartreuse, deep jade, celery...no one goes to the basic palette of your red, yellow, blue and green crayons anymore. I love this though!

Also digging this deep turquoise... almost as much as the navy from the library. I really like that there is NOT a rug in this room! I always love cozy carpets but the shine of the floor compliments the shine of the walls, and the brown wood against the blues and greens helps everything to balance so nicely, yet it all pops out at the same time. Perfect!

Black, white and blue with soft lavender and pink accents. Not your standard color combo for sure but it works beautifully. Zebra skin rugs go ANYWHERE.

And now, pattern! Mega heartsies. Busy patterns actually make smaller rooms look larger, FYI, and small spaces full of crazy prints are one of my favorite things of all time. This room below is not a small one, and nicely demonstrates that, if done correctly, patterns are not overwhelming.

Now, how could you ever be afraid of color after seeing those?! Stop leaning towards muted tones and go for ones that pop. Your home AND your life will be happier, cheerier and brighter as a result - cross my heart!

Have a great week everyone xxx