Gray Matters

  In the interior decor world Grays are getting lots of play these days... especially walls. I think we're just catching on to their versatility and how to use them.  With their many undertones they can be used as neutrals. Warm up the gray palette with wood finishes and colorful textiles. Gray has always worked well as an accent color.  What draws me into a gray space is the serenity created by the color. Pair it with soft textiles and let the space become an open invitation to the dweller.

Rooms by designer Mary McDonald don't always come across simple.  But, this one does.  It's soft, elegant with straight clean lines from the drapes to the moulding.

This is one of my favorite grays... Sherwin Williams - Gray Area SW7052.


The finished living room... Gray Area.

Sherwin Williams Gateway Gray SW7644 brings a soothing sophisitication to urban living.

The best of contemporary gray.

Dura Lee Fabric Crush

Dura Lee has  beautiful fabric and I especially love their Thomas Paul prints. In fact I have a fabric crush on all of  them... They're fresh, fun, and versatile. Use them in a contemporary or traditional environment to add a bit of whimsy and a punch of color. Check out the DuraLee book below full of these fabulous designs.  Let me know if you want to order any and I'd be happy to send you a sample swatch. Sale: 20% off

 

Thomas Paul 2 - book # 2738

20959-19

20960-23

20956-19

20965-619

Kennedy's Kalorama Home

The late Sen.Ted Kennedy's grand home in the Kalorama area of Washington. DC has recently sold for $6.5 million to the Republic of Gabon.  The structure is classic Greek Revival and sits on a well groomed tree line street. I would have loved to tour this property but with the listing price of $8 million I didn't quite meet the requirement to "show financial ability" to get a look. Can't you imagine the political discussions that must have taken place in the senator's library? With more than 8,900 square feet, six bedrooms, an indoor pool, two balconies, five fireplaces and beautiful gardens this house is nothing short of elegant...a grand house for entertaining and large family gatherings. I understand the Republic of Gabon will use it for it's official ambassador's residence.

 Greek Revival exterior

Elegant and traditional living room

Stately dining room

What fireside chat's took place in the senator's cozy library?
Sun room

Sun room with walk our to terrace

Classic neutral bedroom

Balcony overlooking the garden

Floorplan

Red in Bed

I've heard it said never use red in the bedroom if you want to get a good night's sleep.  Red is an 

energy color. It stimulates.  I have no problem with a red bedroom. Whether in fashion or in decorating I always say, there's a red for everyone. Just choose the right red... with the correct undertones. In my book these bedrooms rock! Which room would you want to spend time in? 

Who said you shouldn't paint a bedroom red.  SW6313 by Sherwin Williams is perfect for a masculine feel good bedroom..  

image:HGTV

A red and green color pallet shouldn't be reserved for the Christmas season. The charcoal gray walls add depth.

Beautiful coral red adds a  feminine  touch to this bedroom.

Great tomato red room in a small space.

Red gauze and back lighting bring the drama... this red is spicey

Red Hot

You're gonna love the three Red Hot picks this month:

This has got to be the Red Hottest wall covering I've ever seen....it's great for apartment dwellers....Tempaper. The vinyl coated self adhesive wallpaper is also perfect for lining cabinets and drawers. Use it on an accent wall or line the back of a plain stock bookcase then paint the outside of the bookcase a high gloss contrasting color.  You'll be amazed. 


 The Mini Chair. Not only does this chair have a vintage flair it's modern aesthetic works with any design style. When it comes to comfort this chair is no mini. It sits lean and low. Upholstered in the plushest white leather...wrap yourself  in this beauty and relax.

Miriam Aust's vase and lamp design is hot! The combination of a translucent glass vase filled with aquatic plants and converted into a table lamp is unique.  Once the waterproof light bulb is integrated in the design what emerges is something green and fresh.