Inspiration: Outdoor Entry Color Scheme

 I have a new door knocker!  What do you think?

I imagine that it will turn into Marley and haunt me.

I usually make an oak leaf wreath every fall, but I just don't have time this year.  I made this one in literally 10 minutes with a foam base and sheets of moss.  I added a drape of burlap I was done.  Simple and quick.  I'm thinking I need one more, though, for the other door since this is so simple.  

I scanned a picture from my House Beautiful magazine to show you my front entry inspiration.  Even though my door is more blue than purple the pops of green are perfect.  All I need now is a green glass pendant and (eventually) I will trade up for some really nice green urns.  Mine are fine and I love the color.  I especially love this because the inside of my house is decorated with a lot of greens and blues.  I think it is fun to have the outdoor entry announce, in bolder hues, what my friends and family can expect on the inside.  

 My pots are from Walmart.  $16 each.

Even my garden is done in a range of blues and of course, white.  I have one red mini-rose (do you see it?) thrown in...it came with us from our last home and I think it is kind of fun to have a rabble-rouser in there!

High Contrast Spaces

cottagemodern

Using high contrast instead of color for impact takes some know how.  It is a great look, like a black and white film, timeless and sophisticated.  There has to be some balance in order to draw the eye where you want it to go.  It can be used to highlight architecture like windows and molding treatments.  I believe that, when it is done right, it is one of the best looks out there.  It is great for people who don't want a color commitment but all the drama.

image from decor pad

decor pad

Another wonderful thing about these rooms is that they are a great balance of masculine and feminine.  If you are one of those couples that never agrees about decor, this might be the solution.  Lighter, European styled furnishings with a backdrop of grey, black, navy or brown.  The result is a space that both men and women love.

image from Meet Me in Philadelphia

image from juxtapost

Image from PBC Style

photo by Elizabeth Haas

My office has deep grey paint on one wall which allows all the white to pop and give it a more masculine feel (since my husband also uses the space).  I really like how the dark wood tones of the picture frames add richness.

Bee Cottage

I love the magazine House Beautiful.  Last year they followed the renovation of "Bee Cottage;"  one room an issue until its completion.  The owner, and design enthusiast, Frances Shultz carefully decorated each room in a playful and inviting scheme that still has a traditional cottage element.  

Perfect little storybook exterior

Every detail of the house and property was thought out: notice the bee cut out in the gate.

Bowers of flowers

Blue and green is a classic combination, but Frances wasn't afraid to make them bold.

 

Her collection of Staffordshire ware is perfectly highlighted on these shelves.

Garden green never looked so fresh

Two shades of green for the drapes:  I must remember this idea.

     

Lattice, stripe and floral.  I must say that while it is pretty, it is a bit frenetic for me.

A funky half canopy adorns the bed in the master.

A weird little nook has been transformed into a functional and beautiful vanity.

Softer shades in the guest bedroom.

Now this is gutsy, but somehow it works.  Frances said that she was channeling Bunny Williams with the choice of the dog lamps.

"Bee" is everywhere...love it.

Frances highlights the odd ceiling in the bathroom with the striped paint treatment.

The galley kitchen looks so fresh:  No upper cabinets and an overall light color scheme helps the space feel larger.

Plates are perfect in the kitchen as art, but the color on the chairs really makes the space pop.

A teal ceiling in the butler's pantry....hmmm I think you will see this treatment again somewhere soon!

Frances says that the dining room is her favorite room in the house.  I think it is a real departure in terms of color, but it still has that garden feel with the botanicals and the bird cage light.

I like how the large mirror is just leaning against the wall:  It gives it a more interesting and casual feel.

The fabulous backyard.  I am in love.

I have taken so many ideas from this patio space that I can't wait to use.