The Sunny Side of the Street

I figured this dreary fall day was a good time to continue with my color series and talk about the color that always makes me feel happy…YELLOW. This sunny color is one that I’ve been using lately in my design schemes as a “highlighter”. It perks up the more subdued neutral that has been one of my go-to colors for a while now-gray. Yellow can be a bit tricky-not too warm as it may read as gold and not too cool as it may turn to that acidy-greenish yellow that can be as unflattering in interiors as it is in fashion.This yellow stunner from the runway would send whoever walked the red carpet in it straight to the top of the best-dressed list.

And why do you think those iconic rain slickers come in yellow? Gotta be because they’re one of the bright spots on a stormy day.

This intriguing door system in yellow really grabbed my attention. It turns an industrial look into a chic design statement.

I credit the yellow I used in this designer showhouse in part with helping me land the cover of Traditional Home. The estate venue was limiting for many of the designers because of all the dark wood that had to remain untouched. Luckily I had free-reign and knew that my room would feel like a ray of sunshine.

"Some painters transform the sun into a yellow spot, others transform a yellow spot into the sun." -Picasso

Tickled Pink

Pink is one of those excitable colors that lingers with you long after it's gone. Even though Pink is often associated with little girls & their dream bedrooms, there is a way for even us big girls to bring the blush of Pink back into everyday life. I always jump at the chance to have some fun with Pink....

Here are some great examples of how pink (and more specifically Hot Pink) can work in every area of your life....Pink often adds that perfect pop of unexpected color that just holds your eye captive and in this case defines the space. I love the idea of painting the trim so it appears so predominantly....Unforgettable whimsy. Or, if your on the brave side, you can allow Pink to take center-stage by covering an entire wall with a bold print, like suggested below. And paired with that neutral chair...Magical!

Pink has had many admirers over the years...One being design icon Dorothy Draper. Her book, In the Pink, is a must read if you're as crazy for this hue as I am.

Pink is certainly no stranger to fashion either. I've found that Hot Pink is either making a cameo as an accessory or completely dominating an entire outfit. This Chanel bag is the perfect accent to punch up any outfit...Whether it be your classic LittleBlackDress or just jeans & a Tee, heads will turn.

I am madly in love with this jaw-dropping Marc Jacobs raincoat...I'm certain I could weather practically anything in this coat, completely armed in style.

And then there's every girls dream....a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes. These Pink pumps are such show-stoppers. So Carrie Bradshaw!

This beautiful velvet Designer's Guild fabric was the perfect shade of Hot Fuchsia-Pink that my room needed....No other color would've sufficed. These slipper chairs were my exclamation point to a neutral base and complemented the artwork by the late, great Stanley Twardowicz perfectly.

We all feel connected to this little Pink symbol and October has dedicated itself to the Pink ribbon in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It's a good reminder to all of us women to be taking care of ourselves and those we love. It's important that we continue to support & donate to wonderful organizations such as the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer foundation. Pink continues to inspire.

"Pink it's my new obsession. Pink it's not even a question. Pink is the love you discover." -Aerosmith