Timeless
duos: macaroni and cheese, peaches and cream, Bonnie and Clyde . Some things just go together. Design is no different. Powerful combos add to the look of our homes,
our wardrobes, and the styles that let us shine.
Colors
combined show flair and visual interest in how we paint our walls, outfit our
furniture, and stock our closets. You
can never go wrong with the classic black and white. It’s traditional and yet always
contemporary. A twist is navy and white,
which is a classic combo this time of year with its nod to the nautical. Other popular pairs include navy and aqua,
coral and turquoise, spring green and pink, and gray and butter yellow. Think along these lines when picking new paint,
upholstery fabric, bedding, rugs, invitations, jewelry, and handbags.
Layering
patterns together has gone beyond the old philosophy of one-at-a-time. Put a lattice design, with its wide geometric
print, with a tighter, more intricate pattern like a modern paisley or
floral. Mix a zig zag print with
sunburst dots, or an animal print with a brighter solid. The power of two is in letting each shine in its
own individuality while making a unified statement together. Think couches and throw pillows, rugs and
drapes, sheets and comforters, and even accent wall wallpaper and
headboards.
Storage
and organization go hand-in-hand. Oh,
you knew I had to throw that in. Even
great decorating can take a back seat when a home has an overall feel of
clutter and chaos. Meld organization
techniques right into design by using attractive storage solutions: dark woven
baskets, linen boxes with lids, fabric bins, and acrylic cases. “A place for everything and everything in its
place” is an organization motto to adhere to in order to keep your chosen
design style in the spotlight.
Good
things can be better together. The right
pairings come together to make bolder statements than the individual pieces
convey alone. Take the Noah’s ark
approach and move forward two-by-two to double up on style.
DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star July 22nd.
