Color Scheme: 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 color scheme. 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
Autumn Tablescapes

I love a lavishly decorated table. Even if it’s a look that appears to be out of my price range, I enjoy getting ideas from a ‘dream design.’ Then I’ll run to Target, the craft store, and the fabric store and re-create the look.

{Love the Moroccan feel of this one, and the turquoise accent fabric}

These awesome autumn-colored tables {ceremonymagazine.com} are full of great ideas for a Fall wedding or other celebration. A simpler version of any of these settings would make a beautiful Thanksgiving table. I feel a re-creation coming on…


{The decorative balls are made from yarrow.}


{You could easily make this tablecloth by applying grommets and adhesive beads to satin fabric}

{Thanksgiving will be here in less than two weeks!}
Yellow and Blue

Yellow and blue is a classic color scheme that has not been limited to any one particular style. With hues that represent the sun and sky, these colors naturally go together, and they’re very easy to live with.

Yellow and blue is the perfect balance of warm and cool colors, so it creates a very comfortable feeling for many people.

To spice up this classic combination, experiment with different variations. Instead of a pale predictable yellow, consider using a golden saffron or a youthful lemon yellow. Likewise, forgo the the usual sky blue or navy, and try turquoise or teal.

Yellow and blue is a timeless color scheme that will suit any room in your home and it’ll never look dated. Those are a couple of good reasons to give it a try!
Garden Variety Color
If you’ve been following my blog, you know that I often derive color inspiration from nature.

That includes paying close attention to my garden to see what’s blossoming, what’s in full bloom, what’s beginning to turn, and what’s bare. So, after taking a few photos in the yard today, I created this vibrant paint palette:
{Colors are from Sherwin-Williams: Radish, Festival Green, Daisy, Invigorate}




Color Scheme: Citrus Spaces
Living with a citrus colored space means always having an uplifting place where you can go to get your juices flowing.

With the vibrant, happy hues of lemon, tangerine, lime and yellow-green, the citrus color scheme provides an instant pick-me-up and an inspiring backdrop for work, play and reflection….every home should have one of those.







Citrus Celebrations
Comprised of sunny yellow, tangerine, lime green and chartreuse — the citrus palette is as festive as it is colorful. Citrus-themed celebrations, such as the events pictured below, are sure to keep your guests in a cheerful mood:







Coming up next: Citrus Spaces
A Retro-Sweet Easter
If you’re planning an Easter gathering, here’s a hot idea for a sweet display that you can pull together using glass vases and other inexpensive items.

I used my black piano to set up this Candy + Cookie Counter. The backdrop is an acrylic bubble mirror from the 70′s {a gift from my aunt — it belonged to her}. Create a similar look by pushing a table against a wall. Cover the table with a black tablecloth; place small storage containers {or piles of books} underneath the tablecloth to create the tiered look. Use any large mirror for the backdrop {just lean it against the wall}.

I chose yellow as the main color because I wanted a bright and cheery feel, and I’m also loving yellow, black and white right now! Along with a mouth-watering combo of retro candy {love the flower Peeps!} and cookies, I added a centerpiece of tulips embellished with a white chocolate cross. The look is completed with retro-style vases filled with good old-fashioned Easter basket grass.

And don’t be afraid to use paper plates and napkins. Your guests will appreciate this no-fuss element to your design — especially if small children are present!


Budget-friendly and beautifully basic. I hope this has inspired you!

Black, White, A Touch of Sunlight
I was so inspired by this photo in the new White House Black Market catalog.

Are they selling shoes or flowers? Black and white is very chic these days — for fashion and home. The yellow adds an eye-catching, happy pop of color.

{bright yellow walls can be toned down with white draperies; from countryliving.com}

{even a small dose of vibrant yellow will stand out, and make a black and white space seem less serious — love the pendant! From lampsplus.com}

{a single black lamp shade is teamed up with navy blue for a less dramatic look; from valspar.com}


{softer yellows also warm up a black and white space; from designersguild.com}

{you can’t help but to be in a good mood if you’re sitting on a sunny-yellow sofa — I bet the Ugly Doll is happy; from domino}
Restaurant Color {The Bicycle}

One of my favorite topics to blog about is restaurant design & color. Trendy eating spots provide an array of great ideas that we can incorporate into our own home or business. My hubby and I recently dined at The Bicycle, an Asian-influenced bistro in Baltimore. Comprised of two renovated row houses, the atmosphere here is very cozy and colorful. Shades of blue, olive, yellow and a few other earthy hues serve as the backdrop for eye-catching artwork and photography featuring…what else? Bicycles.





Inspired colors from The Bicycle: Lobelia, Tansy Green and Butter Up {from Sherwin Williams}.
Top photo by Kelly Porter. Other photos: bicyclebistro.com, baltimoresun.com
Valentine Treat Table {Get The Look}
In my last post, I introduced my budget-friendly Treat Table for Two. I wanted to show that you can create a colorful, romantic setting without breaking the bank. In this new post, I offer specifics on how to pull it all together. Move your cursor over the word “Notes” in the PictoBrowser to see details for each photo. A scroll bar will appear for some of the photos, so that you can read the entire description. Have fun!





























