Color Me Coral

via Martha Stewart

For some reason I have always associated the color coral with the garish coral and turquoise décor that could be found in Florida homes circa 1980. A lot has changed since my childhood, and it’s time to take a fresh look at coral.

Coral is not as jarring to the eye as red, it makes a subtler statement. Depending on the shade you choose it can add a fun pop of color or simply be a soft warm accent.

Coral is a great compliment to gray and can even be used as an accent along with yellow.

 

Spice up an otherwise neutral room with this wool throw by Kelly Wearstler for Sferra Linens. Add a chair or ottoman upholstered in Thiabut Metropolis Stripe.

The new Corsica Collection via Peacock Alley is an easy way to add coral to your basic ivory or gray bedding. In a little girl’s room coral wall paint is a more sophisticated alternative to pink.

If you can’t bring yourself to paint an entire room coral, this affordable wall art from Urban Outfitters can give you a pop of color without the commitment.

Coral has come a long way since the classic Golden Girls décor of the 80’s. I think Blanche would agree it’s time for a revival.

Thank you for being a friend and reading my blog!

Green With Envy- My Obsession With Malachite

Malachite is one of my favorite things. This deep green mineral is named for its resemblance to the leaves of the Mallow plant, and can be found in jewelry, objects, and furniture. Malachite has an eye-catching color and organic patterning that pairs well with over-the-top interiors and gold accents a la Tony Duquette. Jim Thompson also carries a Malachite-patterned fabric designed by Mr. Duquette.

Malachite also works well as an accent in more neutral rooms, especially a big statement piece like this faux malachite coffee table.

image via MFAMB

For those who want to envelope themselves in Malachite, Cole and Son offer this Malachite patterned wallpaper. I don’t know if I would wallpaper an entire room in Malachite, but a small powder room or plain hallway could benefit greatly from a bold paper.

Linda Heckman via Elle Decor

Kate Schintzuis via Designsponge

For just a touch of Malachite try upgrading the pulls on your bedside tables with these knobs from Eduardo Garza. A Malachite box is great for storing jewelry and looks beautiful on your dresser. Choose a modern look or go for an antique.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Malachite can work in a variety of different interiors, but if it doesn’t work in your interior I recommend buying a fab piece of jewelry like this one from Stephen Silver…at least that’s what I would do. Cheers!

‘Tis The Season

Now that December is here, everyone’s thoughts turn to holiday decorating. Some people take a homemade approach. Homemade decorations are easy and inexpensive, and often you can toss them at the end of the season rather than store them year after year.

To jazz up some plain candles, fire up the hot glue gun and attach some festive candy cane or cinnamon sticks. For plain votive candles, try turning a double stack of delicious star cookies into decorative votive holders.

If you don’t have the space for a tree, try some DIY options. A couple of strings of lights arranged on the wall create a modern tree-shaped glow. A post-it note tree with mirror backdrop allows you to draw in your own ornaments, or maybe ask guests to write down their favorite things about the holiday season.

If you are celebrating Hannukah, light up this ultra-sleek iron and glass menorah via Simon Pierce. If modern isn’t your style, get a golden glow from Gracious Style’s Odelia menorah.

If Snooki is on your Christmas list, or if you just like to decorate your tree with a sense of humor, try Crate and Barrel’s pickle ornament.

 

Happy Holidays!