Color Balance in the Guest Room

A while back, my in-laws gave us a rug that I planned to use in the guest room. Lots of major changes needed to happen to accommodate the rug's color scheme and after playing with different options, I decided to nix the rug because I wasn't 100% loving any of the options. If I was working from scratch, I'd use it in a heartbeat because I love the design and think the color palette is fresh and unique. However, like I constantly tell clients, if there is something that you're jumping over hoops to work around, then it might need to be edited out.

The walls are grey (Restoration Hardware's Slate) and the bedding and rug are both neutral so after removing the most colorful accent in the room, it was important to infuse color elsewhere. As a quick fix, I shopped in my own house and assembled a new mix of colorful accessories for the space. The color balance achieved by using turquoise ceramic gourd lamps on the bedside tables, a playful Lulu DK Colorwheel, a colorful mix of books, and some lively hued artwork actually feels pretty good. What do you think?

 I still desperately need to reupholster the wing chair and having an upholstered bed made is also on the to-do list. Finally, I need to get proper draperies. I've been so busy with client projects that the adage, "the cobbler's children have no shoes" definitely applies to me! With those items, I'll be adding some textiles and will probably keep the mix pretty simple because I like the current color-neutral ratio.

This is the Lulu DK Colorwheel pillow. I love it but I'm kind of wishing that the colorway was Vine which is shown below...

Photo shoot spectators...

Using flashes of color along with greys/black/whites is a really easy and fluid decorating plan. It's a foolproof way to get the color balance right in any space. You can constantly change up your colorful accents without spending much time or money so it's great for those who are fearful of commitment. Plus, those accents - art, books, pillows, lamps, and throws - are fun to buy and collect as your taste and style evolves over the years.

Do you employ this strategy in your home at all? Are there specific color combinations that you love or are you like me and pretty much like all color (burgundy/maroon is the only caveat)?