Sunday 30 September 2012

Tangerine Tango part 1 - Do you like orange?

It's begun to feel a bit autumnal and I've started noticing  warmer colours appearing again in the stores particularly  russets (not to mention Christmas decorations). It reminded me that an orange colour was singled out by the Pantone Colour Institute as the Colour for 2012 - the one colour expected to have the strongest impact on fashion and home decor during the year. Pantone called the specific shade of orange 'Tangerine Tango' and describe it as a spirited reddish orange with a lot of depth to it - sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive.

I can't say that I'm a huge fan of orange - perhaps it has something to do with my dislike of marigolds. But, that aside, I have been interested in watching how various designers have been using this colour. So, I've rounded up a few pics to show off tangerine and to see what you all think about it!  Let's go, let's tango.....  



If you are a follower of fashion, you will know that bright orange is the signature colour of the luxury French brand  - Hermès. I'm mentioning this because all their products come packaged in orange gift wrap. And, it's their distinctive orange boxes that seem to have been appearing more and more as interior designers' accessories .......




Stacked Hermès Boxes
Here orange makes a stunning stair runner burst with colour in an otherwise white interior ....


Many different designers continue to use orange as a stunning 'tangy' accent colour -  in table lamps, cushions, stools, throws and lampshades .....





Garden designers have also been adding some tantilising tango to their schemes.





Well, I certainly could embrace a little tangerine as used in some of these  lovely images.
How about you?  Can you see adding Tangerine to your decor?  If you're tempted, my next post gives some tips for using orange successfully ~ see Tangerine Tango part 2 - How to decorate with orange ....... now, where did I put those marigolds seeds? 

Post by: Sharon

Saturday 29 September 2012

Tangerine Tango part 2 - How to decorate with orange



In 'Tangerine Tango part 1 - Do you like Orange?'  we looked at how the colour orange has been widely used in the design world - and how it was designated the colour of 2012.

However, many people shy away from  using  such a bright colour in their homes because, in large quantities,  it can easily overpower a room.




There is no doubt that tangerine tango  packs a punch - it's  a strong attention grabbing colour.  So, if the idea of all-over orange makes you feel somewhat faint, then here's some tips on how to use it:

TIP 1: Use orange very selectively on walls - limit it to a feature wall or as the background of shelves or a bookcase

TIP 2: If you want to use it on a piece of furniture, such as chairs or a cabinet, set it against lots of light neutral colour to cool it down - white works perfectly in this respect

TIP 3: It looks beautiful with charcoal grey too. Its warmth will really dress up any grey-inspired room 

TIP 4: Use it to add energy to a soft coastal scheme, it particularly co-ordinates well with aqua and soft blue 

TIP 5: Use it just as an accent colour on a few accessories – cushions, pillows, bedspreads, lamps, a rug to give your decorating a 'pop' of energising colour 
These tips can even apply to outdoor decorating.  I think this blue and white coastal style scheme with accessories in a coral/orange is just delightful set against the garden greenery ....

Remember, the trick to easy decorating with orange is to use it sparingly and to pair it with a complimentary colour that will tone it down and not try to fight for attention.
Need more inspiration? 
Click here for over 150 images showing inspirational decorating with orange.  
Have fun adding a citrus boot to your decor!

Post by: Sharon

Sunday 9 September 2012

Blue Lake Boathouse

This boathouse took my breath away when I stumbled upon it online at Style at home magazine.

It is the stunning lake home of Canadian architect and interior designer Dee Dee Taylor Eustace. It has fabulous interiors, with a rich royal blue colour scheme, and was deliberately built to include a platform for jumping into the lake - such fun!

Architect, Dee Dee in her Screened-in Porch


Screened-in Porch

Dining Room

Tabletop Accessories
Kitchen

Elegant Dining Chairs

Having Fun!
Photography Donna Griffith

More images and full story at Style at Home.

Post by: Sharon