Posted by
Alicia Cox Thomson
Wednesday, September 14, 2011 11:35 AM EDT
I've been loving blue and orange together for a while now (it's actually our wedding colour palette and the accents in our living room), and this room by Sam Pynn from season 1 of Pure Design has always had a special place in my heart. The MidMod aesthetic is appealing, yes, but it's the contrasting colour duo that adds personality and warmth.
The homeowners already had an impressive collection of MidMod furniture like the accent chairs, sofa and coffee table. The soft blue-grey on the walls is the foundation -- not too blue, but blue enough that Sam could use it as a jumping off point for the darker shades. The natural woods are warm and homey, while the abstract orange artwork takes centre stage on the gallery wall and really brings that -- hate to use a cliche, but it's true -- pop of colour.
When you get into the details of the room, you can see the palette develop further. The solid throw pillows are all piped -- blue with a patterned orange and white print, white with blue, orange with contrasting orange and brown with contrasting brown. See that little stool to the right covered in an orange and white print and the blue patterned pillow on the chair to the left? I love how they all work together. It's subtle, but deliberate -- a good thought to have when you're decorating.
Retro sofa, Structube
You can create this look at home with a comfy retro-inspired sofa, soft blue-grey paint and bright and unique accessories.
From top left: Gemini pillow by Serena & Lily; Sera pillow by Hammocks & High Tea; A New Kind of Love poster (UK), Art.com; Support by Sarah McKenzie, 20x200.com
I'm going to have to buy this Gemini pillow -- not only is it in our palette, but I'm a Gemini! That's the perk of this job; you get to search for things that you may just end up being perfect for your home. (Or call it a drawback for my wallet, actually.)
Caribben Mist 560C-2; Cool Sky 530E-2 by Behr
What do you think of this fun and colourful -- and slightly retro -- palette? What accent colours do you love?