Maple Oak & Olive

All white kitchens. Grey walls. Eye-numbing neutrals everywhere. It’s monotonous madness and there is only one cure. Color. But color can be a scary thing, requiring boldness, commitment, and imagination…but not too much. Going too far off the rails today means investing in a re-do sooner rather than later. Trendy is as trendy does. Timelessness is a more practical strategy. Another is more non-comital methods for adding that visually-stimulating, heart-warming pop of color. Accessorize with rugs, curtains, pillows, art. Go old school with peel and stick wallpaper, which, by the way, has come a long way from your mama’s bright orange cabinet-lining Con-Tact paper. And nothing beats the old fashioned can of paint.

Struggling to pick a color? There are several approaches you can take. Want a color that fits your personality? A good place to start is your closet. Most of us wear colors that we like and that look good on us. Why not let that flow into your home. Maybe you are a massive fan of monochromatic houndstooth like me, unable to resist a luscious wool coat in the timeless style that screams nouveau riche, paired with a sensuous red silk blouse and white pencil skirt. And boom, now you have your color pallet and design inspo for your boudoir sitting room. Red a little too scary for you? Start with some pillows, maybe work up to a rug or vase. Remember texture matters too. Pair silks and velvets with scratchy wools and linens for a polished, balanced look and feel. Pay attention to shine, careful not to go overboard with lacquer and glass.