Modern Green & Neutral with a splash of Bue

Green has to be the most versatile of all colors.   It goes traditional, modern, retro, rustic.  It looks good with browns, oranges, neutrals, blues, reds, pinks, purples…….The combinations are endless!

Raspberry Ice

It’s the holidays!!   And yes, this post is indulgent and jazzy, but it’s the time of year when we’re all drawn to sparkle and splash.  Think sweet treats, blinking lights and pink champagne cocktails!

All Furnishings:   The Jamie Drake Collection by Lewis & Mittman

Mirror by Baker

Rug by JF Fabrics

Wall Sconce by Holly Hunt

Spice Route: Colorful India-Inspired Interiors

One of the remarkable things about the culture of India is its vivid colors, rich textures and blending of patterns.  While living in Toronto, one of my favorite things to do was to stroll the Gerard Street India Bazaar, a largely Indian community with storefront after storefront of amazing fabrics, saris and jewelry, not to mention fabulous Indian street food.  From doors to spices, it is an exotic treasure trove of color, history, and enchantment!

Flickr photo by E. B. Sylvester

Flickr photo by Khaotic Serenity

Flickr photo by nethopper

The spice route can be interpreted in a modern fashion for today’s interiors.  Think of using a lively color palette.  I like to start with a dominant color like this electrifying orange and then highlighting with blues and greens.   Mix textures like velvet with high gloss laminate trays, embroidered pillows, and sleek modern pottery.   I like to add something highly carved with an aged finish to suggest the ancient architecture and craftsmanship of the area.

Whatever Floats Your Boat: Nautical Interiors

Nothing spells relaxing like a big body of water, boating, and sunsets.  Why wait for a week of vacation when you can recreate a little of that atmosphere in your own home?  A nautically themed interior space can be crisp, clean and reminiscent of having your feet buried in the sand.  I like to minimize the use of primary colors and instead use shades of blue with natural tones, aged finishes, and antiques.

John Robshaw Textiles has some of my favorite printed bedding and Lacefield Designs the most vast collection of decorative pillows.  Go Home Ltd has affordable and stylish accent furniture and accessories to help create that seaside atmosphere.

I suggest keeping the themed accessories to a minimum.  This pillow with an anchor is whimsical and perfect for the space but too much of a good thing is like having to explain the punch line of a joke.  Instead, opt for using unexpected furnishings like a locker-style cabinet or a side table with a chicken wire front to hint at a driftwood finish.  Look to art suppliers like Sugarboo Designs for printed artwork on vintage wood.

Orange you Golden!

I love layering shades of orange, terra cotta and cinnamon with metallic gold tones, tans and browns.  The end result is a really warm inviting space but the metallic accents turn up the notch a bit.   I lean toward more modern lines but I like a nice blend of straight simple lines with curvilinear forms.  Too much of a good thing is always too much of a good thing so contrast is key in keeping a space interesting.

Products below can be purchased from my online store at Project Decor or contact me directly at jkern@designtheoryinteriors.com.