Color Theory: 2011 and why honeysuckle doesn't suck

I may be a little late to the game in regards to Pantone's color of the year, Honeysuckle. But many of my friends and associates have been disparaging the new hue as too "girlie", preppy or limiting. This of course challenged me to find ways in which this pungent pink could become more palatable.  I have assembled a grid of fabrics that are great examples of reasons not to 'hate on' Honeysuckle!  As you can see they offer complimentary colors that help tone down the pink.  From the suit inspired houndstooth 'Sandpiper' to the batik ethic print 'Innovate'  to the sedate stripe of 'Wexford' there is something for everyone to love!
Pairing Honeysuckle with gold and brown brings it down to earth a bit... alongside a melange of antique wood tones and worn brass, it becomes bohemian chic.  

Via Good taste good tasting

For a more contemporary look, using the honeysuckle next to taupe, beiges and warm grays can make a neutral room pop! 

These fabrics are sold to the trade only.  If you wish to purchase any of these fabrics email Me !

Color Theory: gray + yellow

Around March in Chicago, I get a mean case of the grays.  All around me is gray sky, gray snow, and the pallor of my gray skin as it has not seen sun in months.  So, this got me to my big Ah Ha moment of the season discovering the reason why I am so in love with the gray/yellow color combo... "it's about balance, stupid"...This I mutter to myself because all around me is gray and the one thing that I feel I need desperately is sun...and what color is the sun?..... so you see why I'm calling myself stupid... easy right?, simple... The sun and the clouds balance each other out for one of the most soothing palettes you can imagine, and calm without being dull.  So, in honor of the gray days of march I have assembled some items to make you look forward to sunny days.... or at the very least create a room so that you can have that balance any day of the year!

What is also great about using grays and yellows together is the many different varieties and shades... Grays can go into metallics such as in the Osbourne & Little Carnation Wallpaper, or the blueish tones as in Serena & Lily's Kitchen, or even go greenish gray as in the credenza.  Yellows can be incredibly acidic as in the Adler bedding or closer to green as in the Carnation wallpaper.  Whatever the tone, it's a combination that is quite heavenly...pun intended!