Spring Green

It is the most beautiful day here in Charlottetown.....it's hard to believe it's only March 12!  It feels more like late April and is beginning to green up.

So, I have green on my mind today.  And have had for the past few weeks.  I know Pantone has named Tangerine Tango as the color of the year, but everywhere I look, I am seeing green............particularly in the most recent issues of decorating magazines, including House Beautiful and Country Home.

You really have to check out the new issue of Country Home.......the green on the cover is absolutely luscious!  This first picture has the green wall I am referring to, but this image does not do it justice....if anyone knows what the color is, please let me know!

Enjoy!

Above images Diamond & Baratta, Anne Coyle, Meg Braff

Quentin Bacon, House Beautiful and Traditional Home

A Southampton Home by Meg Braff

This is a pretty house with interior designs by Meg Braff.

Since the house is located in East Hampton, New York, I immediately thought the color scheme was based on the surrounding scene of sky and ocean (blue), sand (sisal, toile and stripes in master bedroom) and the natural third accent color would have been yellow to represent the sun.  But, I was wrong.

As I perused the images, I saw the third accent color was green.  Aha!  Never assume anything!

As I read the interview with the designer, I realized it was the living room painting over the fireplace from which she drew her colors.  It's one of her favorite 1960's Swedish artists, Gustav Bolin, whose works she collects.  Although the clients were at first hesitant about the painting, Meg convinced them to try it for a month and they were thrilled with the final results.

And therein lies the secret of easy color combinations by designers.  I've heard it over and over again......if you are not sure where to start with a room color scheme, use a favorite piece of art, fabric or colorful carpet.....after all, the artists and designers of all of these items are master colorists.    

We all know that the artist, Matisse, is famous as a master colorist, so I was intrigued to read some time ago, that he used fabrics of the time to gather his color schemes.  Interesting!!

Enjoy!

All images via House Beautiful