White on White – For Holiday and Everyday

by Jamie Kern, ASID, ARIDO
President, Design Theory Interiors

If you’re like me, you’ve stumbled through years of trial and error with holiday decor only to toss aside more than you can work with.   It’s a daunting task if you really want your home to have that holiday wonderland feel and the price tag that goes along with it leaves no margin for error.    But there’s an easy and affordable way to make your home elegant for the holidays and it could be as close as your kitchen cabinets or linen chest, or closet.  

A white-on-white color composition is a simple way to present a chic and luscious decor theme.   White awakens memories of  fresh snow,  fur parkas (think Lara in Dr Zhivago),  pearls and purity and has long been the most sophisticated and glamorous of all colors.   And when layered with textures, it creates a tactile environment that delights the senses.

Think beyond the boxed ornaments by creating a centerpiece of white dinnerware.   Add some silver or gold for just a hint of sparkle.    Toss a fur throw loosely over a chair.  I use a fur throw as a tree skirt during the holidays and a luxurious accessory the rest of the year.   Empty white boxes can be beautifully wrapped in ribbon and ornaments and can be used year after year for pennies.    Do you have an old dress form?  Then dress it up in glamour and pearls for the holidays.     Faux pearls make great tree garland and decorative accents.

So, channel your inner Alice and be prepared to find your Muchness.   Be Much Muchier . . . . . .

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Interior Color Trends: The Tranquil Palette

by Jamie Kern, ASID, ARIDO
President of Design Theory Interiors

I don’t believe in color trends.   A trend is a passing fancy; a contrived style whose goal is to attract the masses for a short period of time.   We run out and spend our money on the current fad only to realize that everyone else has done the same thing and we’re now a drop in the bucket of mediocrity.  If my clients are willing to spend their hard-earned cash on my expertise, then I want to ensure they have spaces that are aesthetically pleasing for years to come.

So, let’s use the term “Color Trends” loosely and look at some really great spaces that have successfully achieved wonderful results.  This post we’ll focus on a tranquil palette that is soothing and peaceful.  And you’ll be surprised how many ways this can be achieved!

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The white-on-white space is a sophisticated way to create a tranquil, relaxing space.  But you have to layer your whites; off-white, pure white, even a hint of tans/neutrals so that it doesn’t feel institutional.  and add punches of any color to relax the eye.  I love the unusual marriage of the pink and gold in the pillow and tabletop accessories in this photo.

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How romantic is this?  Seafoam green walls with lots of white and hints of pink and neutral upholstery.  The French-style carved legs of the sofa and chair are ethereal and I love the contrast with the primitive bench.  I can almost feel the summer breeze blowing through the gossamer window treatments

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Now this space achieves the same goal in a very different way.  Very calming and yet much more traditional.  Formal, yet still casual.  Pale blue walls and wonderful white painted trim is yummy with the wide plank painted floors.  Add a simple French provincial-style table and the room starts to relax.    Wonderful addition of texture and interest with the crystal chandelier and the metallic dining chairs

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This is for the bohemian hiding in all of us.   Striped walls, alternating paint and wallpaper are so clever.  I love the asymmetrical placement of the antique frame.  Sets the casual tone of the room.  Again, a lot of white but in this case, toned down with a barrage of pastel accessories and even a hint of red to add  a little sexy.

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This bedroom is the epitomy of sophistication.  Much more going on in this room with the patterned wallpapaper, rug and bed throw, but the cool colors paired with white bedding is stunning.  And any space is enhanced with a hint of black to add visual depth.  Notice the finish on the chandelier.  That’s a topic I’ll be pursuing in the next couple of weeks so stand by!

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And finally, we have sleek and contemporary.   This space pairs whites and neutrals in a range of shades so that you get nice rich browns without feeling like you’re in a cave.  The space is still bright, crisp and soothing.

Check back!   Next I’ll be introducing my favorite color palette . . . . . .