From the look of it, leaves falling from walnut trees—the first of the season, my grandfather used to say—change is upon us. But before the garden slips away and with it, a summery palette of colors I love, here's a bit of inspiration to bring change from the outside in. For the third and final leg of a late-summer series from my garden to the table and around the room, zinnias and phlox reveal their more painterly sides.
With fabrics from two of my favorite sources, Calico Corners and Quadrille, along with paints from Benjamin Moore, here's a scheme for a cheery master bedroom that's sure to warm up the fall. On the walls, I imagine a faux striae in pink, together with all white trim. Then, for the ceiling, a rich yellow lacquer with a white plaster medallion and a dripping crystal chandelier with nickel-plated hardware and red chandelier shades. For the furniture, I'd do a four poster bed with an upholstered head and footboard in the yellow trellis fabric, flanked by two red lacquered side tables with pink opaline lamps, white drum shades, and yellow grosgrain trim. At the foot of the bed, I'd place a mid-century modern chrome bench, covered in yellow trellis and tufted with pink covered buttons. The bedding would be a luxurious mix of patterns: a duvet and two Euro shams in the pink Chinoiserie toile and yellow linen sheets with red monograms on each pillow. Finally, for the windows, I'd do plush drapery in the toile, trimmed in red. How dreamy and sophisticated is that?
Now, for the nasturtiums—hearty, beautiful and edible—I thought it was only appropriate to conjure the ingredients for a fun, retro-modern kitchen with an equally sophisticated feel.
To start, I'd do a yellow and cream Linoleum checkered floor, high-gloss yellow cabinets with polished brass hardware, and butcher block countertops. For the island, I'd do a red-rubbed finish and butcher block countertops, along with four industrial orange enamel stools with seats covered in banana yellow plaid. Next, I'd install an antique farmhouse sink at the window with a simple roman shade in the red berry pattern from Calico Corners. In the dining area, I imagine a built-in banquette, red-rubbed with back and seat cushions covered in yellow plaid, together with pillows in the red berry pattern. Then, I'd do a long antique farm table and bench in beautiful French waxed oak. The light fixtures over the island and farm table would be industrial orange enamel, together with all copper pots and flame cookware from La Creuset.
For me, fresh flowers are the best part of summer, and although my garden soon will fade with the impending chill of fall, it's the inspiration I'll carry with me, growing brighter and more vibrant everyday.
But enough about me, what colors might inspire your fall decorating?
Eddie, I love the way you describe a room, I can totally visualize it.If we could only make it come to life. I love your inspiration, it never fails, Hugs Kathysue
I love these colors- time to enjoy them before the reds, oranges and yellows of the fall leaves!
All of my favorite color combinations! I love it!
We have been anxiously counting down the days to fall here in north Alabama. Your colors are gorgeous! I love the inspiration nature shares with us. I love to decorate with rich chocolates, moss greens, with various shades of red and orange thrown in. It just warms up a home! Wouldn’t it be just fabulous to be able to completely redo a room as each season changes? Have a fabulous week, Jennifer
For Fall, I always love the golden hue, the brick reds, with orange -and the crisp air…I love a room that is grounded in earthy neutrals and then accented in pops of color like leaves on the tree. I love the details of fall. I always look to the country for Fall inspiration.
pve
Just returned from a weekend watching a brown cow and her black calf crisscrossing across a green, green pasture. So, how about brown, black, green and white to punch it up.
Warm yummy colors…I love’em! They remind me of sherbet. Years ago when I was doing decorative painting, I did a glaze on the walls in this home here on ack in that vibrant yellow. It looked so lovely and then the home owner went and painted the dinning room set this awful salmon/mauve-mud shade…eww! So much for fresh and lovely there. I think they could have used the Eddie touch frankly 🙂 I love your use of color Eddie…it’s plain pretty!
Christie
xo
Candy corn….one of the fabrics just made me crave candy corn…yes, Fall is near~
Your second room are the colors of my house – Red kitchen, spiced pumpkin master and a yellow and brown bag living room. I love them!
I would probably do something in various shades of green and brown with some creamy white for accent.
Cheerful colors which I love for the fall, so many arrangements look so dark, and my spirit is never willign to yield to the season that quickly.
Just back from France where the fall is upon them as well. Lovely deep greens, jewel inspired greens and blue with a warming gold. Love the fall. The colors are so inspirational for all the comfort food we enjoy for up coming holidays!
I just painted a bath in warm bright yellow and the master in periwinkle on the gray side. In the living room, accents of reds, terra cotta, corals and pops of blue. I will send you some images soon!
I love it when you show this color/paint. Your mind works incredibly.
I love the color palettes that you are showing. It is fantastic to show people that they can infuse their homes with color. As a fellow designer, I am embracing the bright, fully saturated color palettes and releasing the muted colors of the last decade.It is wonderful that you give a beautiful visual representation for people to translate colors from the garden to their interiors.Bravo!
Hello Eddie!
My name is Michelle, I’am brazilian..
Just wanted to say that your blog is AMAZING!
LOVE IT!
Lot of kisses…