Friday, May 1, 2009

Know Thyself - And Then Create a Fab Color Palette

Over the years of decorating missteps and oh-that's-REALLY-wrong's I've figured out what I'm most comfortable living with in my home vs. what's going to drive me crazy. I love so many things out there that it's sometimes hard to be focused, but I've learned that if I create a list of colors and other elements that I know I love and then choose from that list when decorating my house, it's pretty darn likely that I'll be happy with it for a while...yes, even I (Ms. Compulsive Decorator) will be happy with it.

Here's my foolproof list:

White/Cream





Straw/Seagrass/Natural Fibers/Pine Wood








Taupe





Dark Chocolate-Espresso Brown




Black Accents






Silver/Mercury Glass/Chrome


Blue and Green


As you can tell, these are all natural beach-like elements with some classic European flair thrown in. Apparently, that's my thing. I have a good friend who's most comfortable in warm, rich colors and wood tones - that's her thing.

Most of us know what we like and dislike, but try narrowing it down to a handful of elements and see what you come up with. I know for myself, by identifying a set list of things I know I love, the chances greatly increase that I'll end up with a room I'll love. I know...duh...but seriously, give it a try.
Photo Credits (all bazillion of them): White/Cream: 1. Pottery Barn Belgian Sofa, 2. Coastal Living; Straw: 1. Pottery Barn, 2. West Elm, 3. Country Living, 4. Bhg.com; Taupe: 1. Jbeachem on Rate My Space, 2. Cottage Living; Espresso Brown: 1. White Twig on Etsy, 2. Pottery Barn; Black Accents: 1. Ikea Molnig Chandelier, 2. My own "F"; Silver: 1. Delta Kingston Faucet, 2. West Elm; Blue/Green: 1. Alicia Bock on Etsy, 2. Pottery Barn, 3. Pottery Barn.
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19 comments:

  1. niartistMay 1, 2009 at 9:03 AM

    Agreed! I love the idea of rich mochas and espressos with white and creams, blues and browns. Unfortunately I don't live in a house where decorating that style really fits. I've had so many ups and downs with mine - but when I stopped to listen to what the house wanted, that's when it all started to come together. Love your style!

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  2. Janis@HomeStyleMay 1, 2009 at 9:29 AM

    I think I'm your Canadian twin....those are EXACTLY the colours that make me swoon!

    Thanks for the inspiration.

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  3. bethMay 1, 2009 at 9:46 AM

    I don't have to come up with my own list. You just did it for me! :) Those happen to be my favorite colors for decorating, too. No wonder I love your home, huh? :)

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  4. christyMay 1, 2009 at 11:34 AM

    I think you have summed me up too! Love the colors & accent pieces.

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  5. SarahMay 1, 2009 at 12:27 PM

    That’s a fabulous idea to actually make a list. It would eliminate a lot of confusion and questioning when trying to make a design decision. I would also think it would save a ton of money and make for a more streamlined home in the end too! Great advice!!!

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  6. Amanda @ Serenity NowMay 1, 2009 at 12:35 PM

    Oh, good post!!! I made soooo many mistakes. I love the taupe color I have on most of the downstairs walls---goes with everything, I think. ;)

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  7. JenMay 1, 2009 at 2:44 PM

    Yay! Your "thing" is my "thing" too! I have a special name for it, too...but have to blog about it first!

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  8. Laurel @ Ducks in a RowMay 1, 2009 at 3:24 PM

    Love love love it. I get teased for not having more "color" in my home, but I like what I like. Seems like you like it too.

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  9. JeanaMay 1, 2009 at 4:00 PM

    These neutral colors are so soothing and a great backdrop for adding that punch of color when I feel the need for something else.

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  10. BMay 1, 2009 at 4:40 PM

    If Janis is your Canadian twin then I'm your "English triplet residing in Canada"! I love all of that stuff; what star sign are you? I'm Pisceas and I think that's why it's all so natural and beachy (just my theory) I'm moving back to the UK in 2 months and am looking forward to buying a new house and decorating it in exactly that style - again! Love your blog :o)

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  11. Amber FilkinsMay 1, 2009 at 8:20 PM

    Beautiful stuff, AnNicole!! I LOVE your style. It's pretty close to mind, actually. I just like a little shabby thrown in there too.

    Great eye candy!! All bazillion of them! :)

    Have a great weekend!!

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  12. RebekahMay 1, 2009 at 9:30 PM

    This post reminds me of that "Find Your Style" show that was on HGTV for a while. Somehow breaking decorating down into simple choices (sleek or rustic? Dark wood or light? Silver or gold tones?) makes it seem much less intimidating.

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  13. AnonymousMay 1, 2009 at 10:09 PM

    I know what you mean....I have made a lot of decorating faux paus and I always gravitate back to what I love. That has been a hard lesson for me to learn. I think I am the Queen of changing my decor!!

    LeAnn:)

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  14. Mandi @ Sweetly HomeMay 1, 2009 at 11:06 PM

    I think I just read myself in your post. I agree with everything you mentioned...cream, white, taupe, natural elements...love it! In fact, when I first started redoing my house, I didn't take into account some of those colors and now I'm majorly regretting it. And getting ready to repaint/redo this summer. Bleck. :)

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  15. Misti of Studio M DesignsMay 3, 2009 at 11:12 PM

    I have just decided that I like EVERYTHING. Why decide? I will just throw it all in together like a crazy recipe and just go with the flow....

    Love your chair post! Anything with lettering gets me everytime.

    ~Misti

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  16. AnonymousMay 4, 2009 at 8:53 AM

    You are talking my language! My house is all awash in whites, creams, taupes, natural fibres, wood and silver - but I do have a dash of red in there too as opposed to the blue and green. I think we two could do some serious shopping together if we were ever to be on the same continent!

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  17. Julia @ Hooked on HousesMay 5, 2009 at 11:14 AM

    This is a great idea. And I love everything on your foolproof list, so this post made me happy. :-)

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  18. mimi charmanteMay 5, 2009 at 4:25 PM

    I absolutely adore that cream chair and burlap-covered footstool!!!

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  19. UnknownJune 23, 2009 at 11:43 AM

    now here's the problem, what do you do when a person like you (me) is married to a person like your friend? (my hubby)
    He got all annoyed today because I spraypainted an ugly laminate piece of furniture to make it a sexy satin black. I was totally just like 'whatever, cry me a river, I can't stand to be in the house with ugly things all day' - he's only home in the evenings, and I'm a SAHM. *LOL*

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Don't be shy. I LOVE reading each and every one of your comments. If you have a question for me, watch for a response in the comments or shoot me an email. Thanks!