Sometimes all it takes is a fresh spin on a colour palette to make it feel contemporary and new. Take burgundy for example -- or should we call it Merlot? -- it’s one of those colours that can look old-fashioned and dowdy especially when paired with forest green. However, combine it with burnt sienna and chambray blue, and the colour looks instantly fresh and au courant.
Apartment Therapy; Zara; Coco+Kelley; Apartment Therapy
This Fall, the runways have deemed burgundy their darling, and to make a statement are combining rich bordeaux (sounds better in French), candy apple red, burnt sienna, muted orange and a range of azure blues to make a statement.
If you know your classical arts, you'll note that this palette is not new. These rich tones are the hallmark of the Renaissance, epitomized by colour choices of some of its most celebrated painters like Raphael. The look is at once regal, plush and rustic but also very versatile. I've created a mood board to inspire you to incorporate these colours in your own home:
- Tortoise shell tray, Chapters/Indigo
- Bordeaux and gold metallic fabric, "Vera" 6/P5433, $32.99/yard, Designer Fabrics (Toronto)
- Carved wood parat, West Elm
- Bordeaux boucle fabric, "Tess", A720, $25.00/yard, Designer Fabrics
- Blue chambray cotton gauze, CG 1057, $5.99/yard, Designer Fabrics
- Paint Colours: "Claret", "Blue Fir", "Graham Cracker Crust", all Martha Stewart
- Marmoleum: "Marigold" and "Red Amaranth"
- Small terracotta bowl, West Elm
- Small wood bowl, Tap Phong
- Washed linen background fabric: pillow cover, "Chili", West Elm
- Feathers, West Elm
Use this mood board as the jumping off point for a bedroom, guest room or living room -- a natural fit for the plush coziness this look can bring. I'm seeing a dark ebony carved four post bed and/or dark floors, paired with faded sky blue
linen sheets and layers of burnt sienna and crimson pillows. Deep
bordeaux velvet or cotton twill drapes would soften harsh lighting, while natural elements like the tortoise shell, feathers and
foliage (brought in with accessories) would keep the look intriguing
and conscious of today's trends.
What a nice break from white, wouldn't you say? Are you a fan of this colour palette?
Emma Reddington is the lifestyle maven behind the acclaimed blog, TheMarionHouseBook.com, where she experiments with interior design, cooking, baking and do-it-yourself projects.
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