If I've learned one thing since moving to New York and entering the design scene here, it's that more is more. Because most NYC townhouses and apartments are smaller square footage-wise, it becomes increasingly important to utilize every inch. And what better way to make a statement than with one bold color or pattern throughout the space? Of course it's a risk, and can easily become distasteful, but if executed well the result can be breathtaking:
In the room above, decorator Tom Scheerer chose Clarence House's Vase wallpaper in blue to line the hallway walls and main stairwell of this Rhode Island home. I think the busy pattern works here because these spaces are more of pass-through areas, rather than rooms where you would gather or sleep within.
And in this breakfast nook, Lourdes Gutierrez used Quadrille's happy Arbre de Matisse fabric in jungle green:
I love the mix of the bright green with the sleek white Knoll Platner arm chairs and Saarinen dining table.
And as a big fan of cherry red, I do love this sitting room by Miles himself. The varying heights of the furniture as well as the over-scaled table lamp give the room a bit of quirk.
The impressive guest room at Michael S. Smith's Rancho Mirage home features a canopy bed, headboard and wall upholstery all in the same fabric. Definitely a risky move- but I feel Smith executed the look seamlessly.
Another interesting technique is to blend the wall coverings with the window treatments, like Michelle R Smith did here:
While I'm not normally drawn to orange, I do dig this bedroom. I do have the urge to pop in a contrasting color to break it up a bit though, like cobalt blue or palm leaf green.
Speaking of leaves, how fun is this tiny bathroom? Even the Matouk towels have a green piping detail.
I think the most fail-proof space to do a bold pattern or color is the powder bath or guest bathroom. Since these spaces are tiny and enclosed, a loud look can really pack a punch without spilling over and having to work with adjoining rooms.
So what's your take- are you a fan of pattern or color saturation?
