The Colors of the Impressionists

If you're an art and a color person like I am, you'll appreciate this pretty infographic designed by Arthur Buxton and Derek Ruths. It represents the color usage of ten artists that played a role in the Impressionist movement (some are Neo-Impressionists and Post-Impressionists). As you may well know, Impressionism revolutionized the way color was used in art about a century ago. So the study of the color "trends" of each artist is pretty fascinating and the visual snapshot of the information is beautiful on its own account.

Don't worry...I won't go into a big art history lecture here (but I urge you to read the info from the Met linked above), I'll leave you to soak up the color inspiration. And if viewing digitally isn't enough for you, a Ten Years Ten Artists giclée print can be purchased through Arthur Buxton or Howkapow...

Smart Smythson Style

For a while now, I've been coveting a Smythson tote to use as my work bag. Besides the sturdy construction, I love the versatile, preppy-sleek style that the label is known for. All of Smythson's leather goods effuse a straightforward, dramatic simplicity and the 125-year-old company often employs a fabulously bold color palette. The look is always polished and sophisticated, but the color adds a bit of pizazz.

I am really drawn to their style...it definitely echoes the aesthetic I'm into for interiors. It's like the clean lines and brass accents of Paul McCobb meets the classicism of Maison Jansen, all with hits of modern, colorful lacquer thrown into the mix. All in all, it's timeless and current at the same time and that's the perfect balance in my book. So, to celebrate all of the loveliness that Smythson is, here are some of my favorite Smythson pieces and colors blended with things for the home that are of the same color palette or aesthetic...

Paul McCobb Sofa - Empiric 1964-01 Vesper Coffee Table - Smythson Cooper Tote - Hand Tufted Brio Rug

Navy Louis Chair - Smythson Chameleon Cosmetic Case - Madeline Weinrib Lavender Carlotta Cotton Rug - Smythson Small Grosvenor Clutch -  Double Sconce with Shades

Empiric Eight Arm Chandelier - Mary McDonald Annika Lamp - AFK Gramercy Desk - Smythson Chameleon Camera Case - Flat Weave - Maroc - Amina Rug

Cole & Son Tweed Wallpaper - Waylande Gregory Blue Fan Peacock Small Bowl - Smythson Chameleon Medium Zip Around Wallet

Stray Dog Designs Jay Chandelier - Furbish Stripes 'n Tassels Pillow - Jaipur Flat Weave Maroc - Smythson Jackie Tote

Isn't Smythson fabulous? I love the tiny, thoughtful details and the simple, classic design aesthetic. And of course, I am crazy about their vast color palette. It's hard to pick a favorite item, but I have my sights on a Cooper Tote. And I have to tell you that I am mourning the loss of an uber-special Colorblock Cooper Tote (shown above with the turquoise Paul McCobb sofa). I found it ON SALE at Barneys this week and stupidly didn't snatch it up. Now I'm totally kicking myself for being financially responsible! If any of you bought it and want to sell it to me, let me know ;)

Kim Parker Art + Textiles

If your home is in need of a jolt of color and vitality, then consider bringing in some of Kim Parker's creations. A painter whose work has attracted attention from heavy-hitting retailers like Bloomingdale's and licensing deals with companies like Spode and the Rug Company, Kim Parker has built a little empire with her art. Not only can you purchase KP's original works and prints for your walls, you can also buy her pillows, rugs, fabric, bedding, accessories, and stationery.

Not surprisingly, I really like her bold, quirky textiles. Pillows, rugs, and fabrics are produced under her own label,  and can be purchased directly through her online store. These hand-embroidered 100% New Zealand wool pillows are super fresh and fun:

Kim Parker Home® Designer Pillow Collection

KP's Jeweled Garden fabric is available by the yard in silk shantung, linen, and velvet. I love this for draperies in a girls room:

Jeweled Garden from the Kim Parker Home® Fabric Collection

Now produced by hand in India (she talks about this on her blog), Kim Parker Home® rugs are packed with the same exuberant, colorful original designs as the other textiles in the collection. Add one of these to a bland space and trust that it will no longer be boring to the eye. As you can imagine, many of the styles are floral but I'm more partial to the geometric and abstract ones:

"Cantaloupe Stripe" Throw Rug

Kim Parker Home® "Samba" Plush Designer Rug, © Kim Parker 2009. All rights reserved.

I loved this one that the Rug Company produced when KP was collaborating with them:

Blue Rink rug, © Kim Parker 2009. All rights reserved.

Kim Parker Home® produces lots of bedding. The "Anil's Garden" design is available in a Kantha pillow and quilt set. I love its funky boho vibe:

Kim Parker Home® Kantha Quilt "Anil's Garden"

And to wrap up, we have to go back to the brand's foundation, Kim's artwork. I'm a fan of Kim Parker's paintings, which can be viewed on her online gallery. She is a brilliant colorist and has a knack for creating movement, life, and texture. Her floral pieces area really beautiful...here's one of my favorites (it's for sale):

"Morea Garden" ©Kim Parker 2010. 20'' x 26"; acrylic on canvas.

And I was immediately drawn to many of her abstract works...most of the ones on my wish list are from her Urban Essay series. I'd love to have a set of them hanging in my house. Although I insist that you go look at the whole lot, here are a few examples:

"Urban Essay No. 1" 22'' X 30'' ; Acrylic on paper ©Kim Parker 2012. All rights reserved.

"Urban Essay No. 24" 22'' X 30'' ; Acrylic on paper ©Kim Parker 2012. All rights reserved.

"Urban Essay No. 3" 22'' X 30'' ; Acrylic on paper ©Kim Parker 2012. All rights reserved.

What do you think of the Kim Parker Home set? I can't help but love all of the color and flowers. And it's so great to see an artist's work used in so many different iterations. It must be pretty wild to see your art on everything from plates to pillows! 

I also applaud her for progressing beyond the licensing deals with the larger companies. With her own brand, she decides how her products are manufactured and distributed which puts her closer to the artisans who produce everything. That freedom and control helps ensure that her vision is executed and I'm sure it will keep the brand from becoming overexposed and generic.

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)?