Shades of soft, washed-out blue; sand; driftwood; and watery greens- these are the colours of my home. It is a colour scheme that was unintentional - it just happened - as a result of a quiet yearning for cool, fresh colour after living with warm, sunny yellows for many years. I was previously scared of blue, fearful that my home would end up resembling a baby boy's nursery. As far as I can tell, that hasn't happened... but it doesn't mean that I don't still yearn for more decisive colour.
Somedays, I think I would like to wipe the slate clean and start over with a colourful, new palette. Of course, this would be entirely wasteful and unnecessary, and I would never actually do it (nor could afford to), but it would still be incredibly fun! I could give in to the "calls of the wild", and let myself gravitate to the bolder hued furniture and trimmings when in the shops. Instead of calm shades, I could buy the cheery, cheeky, bright fabrics and stroke colour all over my furniture and walls. I imagine that such an environment would leave me more energized, emboldened, and up the tempo of my home.
Screech...!!! Would this be the case? Would a major shot of colour send the atmosphere of my home into a constant state of energy? Because that sends me back to last Halloween, when the infusion of so much black and orange had me jumpy and agitated...that feeling of holiday mayhem that is okay for a while, but then overnight becomes dizzying and tiring. In fact, I can remember the feeling of calm that washed over me on November 1st, after I had removed all traces of Halloween and its excitement.
photo source: unknown
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Ummmmmm, color, I feel like I fall into the same color patterns again, and again...thanks for a fresh perspective!
ReplyDeleteI like a simple backdrop too, but a splash of colour makes me sing! Great photos!!!
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I've been struggling myself with this very subject. I was always the one with the bold colors and lots of them. Red, taxi cab yellow, chocolate brown, lime green, cobalt blue...
ReplyDeleteNot so much anymore. I have been terrified that it's my way of escaping making a color mistake, but now perhaps I'm realizing it my heart's way of simplifying and calmly slowing things down.
Thanks!
Very interesting the effect that color has on us. I didn't know that the orange and black had you jumpy, but I can imagine that it would do the same for me. I like color, but I prefer some sense of calm. I don't know, it's a connundrum.
ReplyDeleteI have been admiring this apricot velvet I found for $8.00 a yard , it would make lovely new kitchen drapes ,I am still thinking ,I am considering a island makeover , maybe black , I will mull this decision over for a while .
ReplyDeleteI love my colourful striped dining room rug it always makes me happy all its colour.
Ha! My house has a bit of both...there are shots of saturated color...and then rooms that are white...with just color accents. I must be schizoprhenic that way.
ReplyDeleteThis little house is so cute! I was just over at country living looking at this same house and then I came to your blog and I see it again. I thought that was kinda funny. Have a nice day! Daisy~
ReplyDeleteFunny how color changes our moods. I love the soft colors, but I always gravitate to warm reds, oranges and greens. My house looks like fall all year round. I always say, decorate in the colors you like to wear the most. I don't know...works for me. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way. Love all that color, but just can't live with it. It just makes my mind "on" all the time and I prefer the quiet, slow feeling I get from tan, and creams. But every now and then, I'll throw a splash of color in with a pillow, throw, or kids art work. Have a great week! Kathi @ traybellakc.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteGreat post! My hubby and I love color, but we've decided over the years that we feel most comfortable at home when things are airy and calm. We just use "pops" of color, mostly in accessories.
ReplyDeleteBright colors do tend to make me get up and do something. I guess I need to put some color in my sewing room . Maybe that will motivate and inspire me!
ReplyDeleteI can really relate to this, Linda! My house is very neutral and calm, but sometimes I get the urge to punch it up. Try some totally new colors and patterns that have more oomph.
ReplyDeleteLove all these photos. The color is so much fun to look at. I'm just not sure how long I could live with it before painting everything tan and white again. My need for calm and cool surroundings always trumps my need for excitement in the end. :-)
Love the last one ;) I adore color, and use tons of pattern and color at the same time, but bright green and orange that strong are not my thing either, too much visual energy ;) Bold is great and fun and I appreciate it in other peoples homes , or small rooms too ;) just in smaller doses for me ;)
ReplyDeleteThese are some gorgeous pictures for sure. I'm torn, sometimes I love the cool, simple, pale colors, and other times I go crazy. Which is probably why I keep my walls white and gray... playing it safe for all the furniture I end up painting. :)
ReplyDeleteOur house has just the same colours as your - soft grey-blues, greens and a bit of yellow. I let my 16 year old daughter choose the colour for the basement family room and she choose a full-on bright tropical turquoise with an orange carpet and accessories. While I don't use the basement room all that much I have to say it is fun and works surprisingly well. If it was up to me I know it would have been a soft pastel or neutral, for sure.
ReplyDeletecheers,
Blueberry
I love color, but not bold or bright. So I guess I am just a softer kind of color. I love all your thoughts on this. Gives me something to think about.
ReplyDeleteHugs;
Alaura
I admire colorful homes but find calm colors in my own home suit me best. I do like the little seasonal touches of color but am happy to put them away after the holidays and be back to calm.
ReplyDelete