Is Mauve Making A Comeback?
Mauve was a hugely popular color in the 80′s and early 90′s. It was everywhere – on the walls, upholstery, throw pillows, carpet and mini-blinds…
…and it was often paired with pastels, gray or black as shown above in the polaroid {hooked on houses}. Then, after years of riding high, mauve fell from grace. Using it was now considered taboo because its very presence could make your home look dated {gasp!}. However, almost twenty years later, a color change is in the air.
Recently it seems mauve has been creeping back into the limelight and it’s even generating a bit of designer buzz. Mauve has been spotted in the most elegant of spaces in tones ranging from smoky plum to muted lavender to rosy pink. This season, mauve is also making an appearance in the fashion and beauty industries.
This soft-spoken hue caught my attention for the first time this year when my hubby surprised me with Jean Paul Gaultier’s Classique perfume:
Not only does this fragrance smell insanely delicious but it’s packaging is intriguing at best. I think I must have stared at the bottle for a good few minutes trying to figure out the exact color before determining it was indeed mauve.
In interiors we’re seeing mauve combined with rich blues, violet, white and off-white — creating a new ‘modern mauve’ palette.
{Home accessories are also making a “mauvelous” statement. These lamps from 1stdibs were already sold at the time of this posting.}
One thing about mauve is for sure — either you love it or you hate it.
Even though I like some of the spaces featured in this post, I don’t think mauve will be invited into my home anytime soon. I’m partial to some of the more lavender tones, but I still see mauve as the color of those big ‘pinkish’ throw pillows that I used as back cushions on our futon when I first got married in 1992. I don’t think I want to go back there. What are your mauve memories, and how do you feel about this trend?
Additional photo credits: homestars; vi.sualize; countryliving; flickr; blackroosterdecor
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Yellow and Black
Yellow and Black is probably the most powerful color combination on Earth…
These two hues command our attention like no other color duo can. In nature, yellow and black insects warn us of their danger or perhaps attract us to their beauty.
On the road, the same colors catch the eye of drivers and communicate the need for extreme caution.
So how does this translate into interiors? Spaces that combine the cheerfulness and radiance of yellow with the sophistication and elegance of black provide a very dramatic setting that is both lighthearted and refined — as shown by the following two spaces designed by Tracy Murdock.
By adding white or gray, the strength of yellow and black is lessened; therefore creating a space that is not so startling but still lively.
{printed canvas available at The Contemporary Home UK}
{Viceroy Santa Monica Hotel – design by Kelly Wearstler}
A yellow and black space is bold but it need not be too brash. Avoid equal amounts of each hue by using one as the dominant color and the other as an accent. Also remember to use splashes of white, gray or any pastel to soften the palette. Follow these guidelines and you too can create an attention-getting space that will also put a smile on your face.
additional photo credits: lovehome; my home ideas; bhg
Color and Texture {A Perfect Pair}
Any space can go from drab to fab with pops of color and texture.


One of the best ways to ease into a fabulous colorful life is by adding accessories — throw pillows, area rugs, vases and don’t forget fresh flowers. Even a bunch of grocery store flowers can brighten up a room.


And don’t underestimate the power of texture. Particularly in room with neutral walls, texture will add interest and drama. Think gold and silver metallic accents, velvet or satin throws, a crystal chandelier or a shag area rug.

{I love the distressed wall treatment in this bedroom — tons of classic texture.}


Don’t limit yourself to just one style. Your texture can be sleek and ornate, modern and traditional. The key is to mix it up — contrast will always make a space more appealing {and less drab}.
All photos from livingetc.com
Nesting Newbies – A Colorful Magazine
There’s a new magazine on the web scene that has caught the attention of design bloggers alike.

When Nesting Newbies arrived in my in-box recently, I was immediately intrigued by the striking orange, black and white ‘front cover.’ An hour later, I was color happy.

This lifestyle magazine offers cover to cover ideas and inspiration for decorating, entertaining and cooking — all with abundant color!


You’ll find great tips from a variety of creative professionals, and did I mention the color?



One of the best features about this magazine is that you can navigate easily and quickly through the pages and also print with ease — very important for on-line publications. Nesting Newbies is a great read. You can visit their site to subscribe.
All photos from Nesting Newbies



































