The Color of Purple

Those of you who know me, know that I've not been a fan of any shade of purple most of my design career. (especially lavender). Still, when a newer color trend emerges, it tends to get my attention. Not long ago, I found these fabulous photos in purple hues on Pinterest:




I would say yes to plum (a dusty shade of purple!) + chartreuse any day!


And this plum-y tone + silver (both fabric and the real old silver plate) is just plain yummy.


Some time ago, one of my cute clients, Cathy, called me for a "design dilemma". She had not so long ago had her family room done by a design professional and been less than happy with the result...actually, never completed. (No "before shot" on purpose here!)


The main problem I could see was a big one! Two sofas, different frame styles and different fabrics-WAY different! One was leather and one was a woven fabric. There was a nasty chair in the picture too! While it is stylish to use two sofas, they are generally the same sofa...not so in this case! Cathy had never been happy and she thought to call us in. I had some immediate thoughts and color direction as directed by this totally cool chair she had recently purchased!

It was totally a lame duck in the room! But what a cool starting point! Dusty purple (plum) and warm stone (taupe)! My mind was set in motion. Her purchase was the catalyst for a new room design and I couldn't be happier.




We selected two of my favorite Vanguard sofas in a mohair-like velvet; color-taupe. And check out the contrast piping on the pillow in a perfectly paired plum! We selected several pillow fabrics in plum prints and one stripe (not delivered as yet!)


The tables are from my store as well, and the small influence of reclaimed wood and soft grey/taupe stains grounded the whole design. Two matching sofas now told the correct and interesting story, married with the graphic print chair of Cathy's choice. Wow! The room was coming together.



We are in the process of getting new drum shades for the floor lamps. The draperies were an expensive investment the first time around, and we hemmed them to be a more fashionable length (just kissing the floor). Good save!

As for accessories, check out my favorite new piece of art! It's a bit distant, but it is a canvas of random chairs in neutrals and hints of plum hues. I think this piece of art might just be the inspiration for my own family room make-over!



Here's a closeup of the coffee table details-love that warm stone colored matt dish with ceramic stones in it! Stylish succulents top off the accessories. What is it about succulents, anyway?!


One of Cathy's mantles was adorned with apothecary jars filled with small Lima beans and vintage photos. Cream colored book boxes with script motifs add just the right height and architectural elements, and a favorite concrete shore bird from my list of favorites topped it off! The clock was hers. *note that we painted the mantle itself in SW Warm Stone*


In the adjoining kitchen table nook, we added these graphic grommet ed panels. I couldn't contain myself when all was installed! What a transformation and what satisfaction.

Cathy gets the credit for the inspiring pallet. Good choice! Black-eyed Susan gets the credit for adding just the right style, color, art and accessories!

I guess plum just made it into my go-t0 accents. I love this room!