You read my blog because colour really and truly affects the way you feel every single day in your home. When I am hired for a consultation, many times I’m clear it’s because it’s not easy to decide what there is to change because each change then creates another change. It opens a can of worms.
Just like renovations to your home. You change the carpet and suddenly the tile that connects to it looks old and dated. You move into a new home that seems 10 times better than your last one but then the kitchen starts looking old and you start thinking about a new one.
Sometimes a client will call me because they need validation that their colours and the direction they are going with their decorating is working.
Photos by Maria Killam
My lovely client Lisa in Seattle has a beautiful, brand new home with a lovely private drive leading up to it. The exterior colour is Pratt & Lambert Wendigo. It’s 3 years old but Lisa and her husband are still installing the finishing touches.
She had found so many stunning chandeliers and light fixtures on eBay for a song (which I now wish I had photographed). I seriously need to figure out how to do that; I have never shopped on eBay!
Sorry the picture is dark, the light from the windows always creates that with a snap and point camera!
Lisa’s primary concern was the great room. She had a sectional and antique chairs that carried the theme from the rest of the house. Since one of the main focal points was the great room which you could see from the entry, I suggested changing the simple contemporary sofa table for one of her antiques (below).
We carried it down and I tweaked the great tablescape she already had by adding some framed photos and filling in the area below the desk.
I also recommended switching out the existing solid, cut and bound rug for an oriental one that would tie in the green chairs and gold/yellow sectional. The room needed a unifying element. Lisa confessed that she gets tired of pattern easily which is why she doesn’t readily purchase it for her home.
Here’s an example of a room with three solid colours in the upholstery which are unified by the area rug. If you decide pattern really isn’t for you, then you need to reduce the number of colours in the space to one or two maximum.
Here (above) we have a monochromatic palette which works well without pattern.
In the above photo, the charcoal sofa and cream area rug and drapes act as a neutral along the pale blue chairs and ottoman.
Lisa’s living and dining room which flanked the entry were painted in Pratt & Lambert Raven and the main colour which carried into the great room and the ceilings are Pratt & Lambert Petaluma.
The ceiling in the entry was separate which allowed for a different colour and she had it painted the same colour as her living/dining room which added high drama to the space.
Since all the ceilings were the same colour as the walls throughout the main areas of the house I suggested repainting them a lighter colour since the same colour goes darker on the ceiling. She liked this plan over changing the colour in the dining room to reflect the accent colour which was also one of my suggestions.
I had to snap a photo of how she displayed her kitchen utensils! Such a great idea for a large kitchen, it looks like a bouquet of flowers! Thank you Lisa for allowing me to show your beautiful home!
What about you? How do you feel about pattern? How much is too much?
If you would like your home to fill you with happiness every time you walk in, contact me.
Related posts:
Does your Home have Colour Flow? Take the Toss cushion Test
2 Questions to ask before you Renovate/Decorate
While you’re here, subscribe to this feed so you don’t miss out!
well I am struggling with that issue right now doing my living room over. i love pattern and color but it does get tiresome. i have jumped in with both feet on a bright floral rug from company c in pinks yellows and other colors on an aqua ground. i have decided you can't have three equal portions of colors…two perhaps, but three is too much..so the aqua has to be the accent. I have yellow walls and a bold bright pink toile slipcover sofa with yellow toile accent pillows. I jsut whipped up some yellow gingham tie tab draperies and love them with the toile. I know the rug is the offender in the room…and have decided it will be my summer rug! I had painted my mantle paladium blue to pull out the blue in the carpet, but now will either change it to white or darker yellow. I will be doing a post on this process! so answer is I love pattern, just have to use it correctly as you do color. Although those cream and beige and grey rooms look swell ( I could do it blindfolded) I just think they are a bit too grand for the feeling I am trying to convey in our family home. Welcoming traditional with frenchy tones is the look I want!
Personally, I find those monochromatic rooms boring – my eyes are busy looking for something to focus on. I've bought home stuff on e-bay and found it successful. I'd be happy to talk to you about my experience (especially with faucets). Contact me at [email protected]
Karen
I happen to love pattern. I guess it really depends on the person, though, as to what works for them. I think a healthy balance of patterns and solids mixed with texture is always best. Some people might just find pattern to be completely obnoxious, though. I understand that. When its a big item or big investment, you have to really be crazy for it, otherwise it may end up wearing on you. Example- I purchased a big sofa with a beautiful, simple, modern shape at a thrift store. It was $50. It was also covered in a rich ember colored velvet. I'm sitting on it right now wishing it were slipcovered in a light linen. Why? Not because I hate the velvet or the color orange, but because its a huge commitment for someone who is constantly changing things in her home. So I think if you're afraid of pattern the best way to use it is in a very neutral color or small print so that it reads as texture or use it sparingly or on easily replaceable things. And for investment pieces, stick to classics like stripes or paisley or any pattern you've always found yourself attracted to. Just my take…
I do love a monochromatic look, but there is something about pattern that makes me fall immediately in love – be it an explosive print pillow or chair and patterned rugs always seem to hide a multitude of sins and be the "road map" for a room. The older the rug, the better!
pve
Love the antique in place of the console. Much better weight and scale for the space. Also love that they used such dramatic colors and painted their ceilings. As usual, you ROCK, Maria!
Look at almost any home in Architectural Digest for my personal take on how much pattern is toooooooo much! If you don't want a lot of pattern, but you have some colors to tie together, then my preference is to find wall art or accessories that incorporate all or most of the colors in a single piece. It has the same effect as an area rug if it is significant in size. Also throw pillows — the workhorse of the design world :o) — are such a great way to add pattern that ties together your colors. If you get tired of them they are so easy to change out.
Like your client, I tire of pattern quickly and like to add it on pillows, throws, etc that can be switched out easily. What do you think of the idea of using neutrals on the high ticket pieces and adding a variety of color, maybe even 4, with accessories?
I think a little pattern somewhere unifies the whole scheme. How about some throw cushions in a pattern if she thinks a rug might be a bit too much? But I agree, a room of just solid colours needs some pattern to avoid the room from becoming boring.
Jennifer XX
I like pattern but use it in curtains and pillows so I can cheaply switch it out when I tire of the pattern 🙂
I second what Annie said. Pattern can also be achieved with various displays, such as artwork on the wall, books, any kind of collections.
I have done much buying and selling on Ebay. More than glad to share info/experience if you so desire.
I'm not big on patterns either. I change my mind so quickly that it would be an expensive venture to buy patterned furniture. I, however, surprised myself recently when I agreed to a tone-on-tone herringbone pattern fabric for my sofa based on my designer's suggestions. Crossing my fingers that I will love it. I feel patterns can be a bit dating, but I'm expanding my tastes the more I read your blog.
Wow, this is so detailed and helpful.
Great photos to help those of us less experienced to understand.
Thanks,
I"m doing that domino thing at my house now….I only wanted to paint the bathroom, but then it was the trim, then I didn't like the walls any more, so now I'm painting all the living spaces in the house…going to class with the kitchen cabinets too! My old colorway had a gold base, and my new colors have more gray…not going to be friendly! I love the suggestions you gave her. It looks like a great house!
I love pattern in pillows and accents, with textured solids on the furniture and rugs. Patterned rugs are tough, not my taste.
xx
I LOVE my patterned rug, it is the anchor in my home and I can't imagine not having it. Gotta say that home is drop dead beautiful, did you pick the outside color, spectacular?
Went back and took a second look and a better rug is absolutely what needs to happen in that living room, it just needs a pop of pazzaz.
stunning home, just beautiful. Pattern and texture stimulate the senses and keep the interest there, I think.
I think a patterned rug would be stunning in this room. Pattern does add a layer of interest in my opinion. The home is simply stunning, thank you for sharing it with us.
PS. I LOVE the exterior colors as well.
Nancy
I like pattern if most of the bigger items in the room are solid. I feel like I need some patten to liven up the room.
I agree with you on switching out the rug for an oriental; it would add a nice punch to the room.
By the way, what a difference you made by switching out the sofa table for the antique…wow…very nice switcheroo there Maria!
I love gray and white houses, and love how you painted the entry ceiling in gray!
I recently saw a room painted that color of deep gray, with lime green and caribbean blue accents in striped and batik upholstery and draperies. It was stunning, and a combination I'd never have thought of. The green and blue patterns kept the gray from being somber, and it looked sophisticated.
Can't wait to see this house when it's done!
I waffle. I love a completely monochromatic room and I also love a room with pattern. For me, it completely depends on how tastefully it is done. You did a very nice job here helping your client balance things and created more interest. Have a great weekend. Mona
Like your client, Lisa, I also tend to tire of patterns quickly. To solve that problem I use pattern in all my throw pillows. I have dozens and dozens of these and switch them out with the seasons, trends or as the mood strikes. Right now I am into brown, orange and the new limey green color and my pillows reflect that in an abstract floral. Looks great with all the summer flowers. Who know what will be next but this is a great way to use pattern and not worry about tiring of it too soon.
I think a little "pop" of pattern is good in any space… by "pop" I mean, artwork, a patterned throw, pillows… a little whimsy goes a long way!
Maria, would it be possible to share the exterior paint color?
I absolutely LOVE pattern and it may be the reason why I have a passion for both textiles and wallpaper. For example, a richly woven piece of plain textile still can have a wonderful pattern and the texture of a wallpaper such as grass cloth can also as well.
In a nutshell to me it is not so much the case of 'how much is too much' as it is … what one interprets as 'pattern'.
-Brenda-
Beware of doing a consultation with Maria! It will change your home, even when you think you've decided that you can't change a color. I recently spent two hours on the phone with Maria. I told her I "can't" change the colors on the walls — it's a new home, been there, just did that. BUT less than three weeks after the consultation, we've repainted the master bedroom and m. bath. Maria casually remarked on the phone, after viewing our photos of the place, "so why didn't you paint the walls the same color as your curtain panels?" Brilliant but I resisted. I can't but I just did and it looks amazing! Builder-beige be gone. It will take me months to transform into reality all that I learned in those two hours (years, my husband is hoping!). She's good . . . I am signing in as anonymous here because I can't get my google account to work but Maria knows me as Cheryl from Idaho.
very lovely pictures, they give me many ideas for my home. thank you a pleasure tu read your blog regards
Hi Oonafey,
The exterior colour is Pratt & Lambert Wendigo.
Thanks Cheryl for the compliment 🙂
x
maria
Sometimes what I love best Maria is pattern on pattern, tone on tone, or the layeing of the same tone in different weaves and textures!
I do stay away from a lot of colorful pattern because it fights ahgainst the art works.
Karena
Art by Karena
I love a monochromatic room that sits on a muted colorful rug. My all time favorite way to add color is in the artwork. Nice large scale paintings that have some pizaz to them and add character and a story to the home.
Beautiful crock she has her utensils in.
love what you did with switching out the sofa table! Looks beautiful and so loved.
i'm a pattern-lover but love to be able to switch up my patterns… i find the constant patterns in my home (rugs, upholstery, curtains) and are much harder to decide upon than things like pillows, artowkr, etc.
great job on the house!!
xoxo,
lauren
Hi Maria, I really enjoyed this post. The house you showed us and the colors are gorgeous! I really think the changes you suggested added some energy to the room that was needed though.
I was getting tired of too much color in the livingroom myself, but the gold accents were a great idea! And I got brave and tried a really obvious pattern in the area rug. I do wish it was bigger. We really want a cowhide rug someday.
I think pattern is great if the rest of the decor is quieter and vice versa.
xo
Donna @ Comin' Home
Urgent help request! My fire damaged shake cedar cottage, very similar in lines to this house is under construction. I love the roof and exterior colors. Any chance you might know the manufacture and color of the shingles. Which white did you use for the trim with the Wendingo house body color? THANKS A BILLON!
The exterior color is NOT P&L Wendigo. P&L Wendigo is a deep and quite displeasing brown. Can you double check?
Hi Stephanie, This was the colour the client gave me once I posted this house and everyone wanted the colour and it is a brown/gray. Maria
Just wanted you to see the P&L website showing Wendigo. We had this color mixed in a sample size for our house, expecting the beautiful color featured in your photo and were sorely disappointed. http://apps.varatys.com/virtualdesigner/index.aspx?a=387884f0-88c1-4722-bc5c-d699d3c72563
I love the external colors used for this house. My hubby and I are on a search for the exterior of our house and would love to know what colors were used???? TIA
They are posted in the comments! Maria