sunny

The widespread infatuation with the goldenrod hue has finally won me over. I love the range of the color here, it's inspirational. I'm not entirely sure if you could really swing it in real life, but I'd welcome the challenge. A room this cheerful is hard to resist.

Image Source: Posted by decorology.

hourglass checkers

How's this for a quirky library? Offbeat enough to be interesting, this room hits all of the right notes. Most upfront, the shelves make an eye-catching arrangement for books-- it certainly keeps the room from feeling stuffy. The buttery-yellow furnature and carpet helps the atmosphere feel gently bright and energetic. I like how the traditional winged armchairs are contrasted with the modern, squared couch; they flow together well, linked by the solid yellow fabric. Finally, that eccentric chandelier is terrific for this unusual room.

Image Source: Grey Crawford

squares and orbs

This interior is put together so skillfully. Most of the elements here I would not ever choose on my own, but here, they look fantastic. The sharp angles of the room structure, the couch, the canvas, and the cushioned stools are set off by the round shapes of the light fixture and the inner yellow of the map painting. Also, the complex texture of the wood grain on the coffee table and the black on the map provide focal points amongst the solid colors of the rest of the interior. I'm finally starting to enjoy this color combination that's becoming so popular: steely greys and lavenders with sunny yellow. All of this together makes for a marvelously modern atmosphere that took an impressive designer to envision.

Image Source: Annie Schlechter

bright as yellow

Heavenly, isn't it? This setting is an escape in itself, even if it isn't in a vacation home or something. Perfectly relaxed and mellow, this bedroom is positively idylllic. I really like the arrangement of the windows-- it's wonderful for the light, and I bet the kitties would love it (...I'm a cat person, these things stand out to me). The palate is soft, allowing the green outside to glow while still being warm. I'm also really liking the choice of the bedspread-- the brown square panel brings some slight structured contrast to the gentleness of the rest.

Image Source: Aug/Sept 2008 issue of Western Interiors. Photo by Matthew Millman.