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Thursday, March 13, 2014

Color Scheming: Muted Tones

Once upon a time, I planned to start making inspiration boards that were based on existing color palettes. I pinned 9 million of them on Pinterest like a super organized person ("Time management! I'm doing it!") and got ready to make it a regular thing around here. And then, as I do, I got distracted and forgot to write more than just the first one.

Whoops! But I'm fixing that now. Say hello to the muted tones palette:

source

This is my jam. The palette from October (five months ago! bah!) was a little brighter, so I felt like snuggling back into my comfort zone for the re-launch.

sofa  //  area rug  //  dresser  //  coffee table  //  similar lamp  //  studded pillow  //  striped pillow  //  chevron pillow
London print  //  California print  //  silhouette

This is a really good example of how you can have an interesting space that's mostly neutrals. Obviously the red sofa will catch your eye, but that's a pretty muted shade as far as reds go. (I've actually drooled over it in person and the upholstery is a red and tan weave, which tones it down.) The real key to making this feel layered is the mix of patterns. It gives you a lot to look at, but since the colors are so soothing, you can still kick back with a good book and relax. Sprinkling in some contrast will stave off monotony, too. I made sure to include a couple of dark items (the striped pillow and the silhouette) to break up all of the lighter pieces.

What colors are catching your eye lately? Any requests for the next post? Do you suddenly find yourself wanting a red couch? I can't believe how much I want to plop that in our basement...

14 comments:

  1. I was really hopeing for a bike room! but I guess that's not the point ;-) I love the lines on the couch! And the California print. I've been thinking of making one of those string art things for my brother and his new wife - and it would look just like that, with the heart over San Diego.

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  2. Love the soft color palette! I won't mind a Red Couch if balanced by neutral decor, but in a Sun room, basement or in a crafty space, not in the living area for sure. I like the cushions in your set.

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  3. I LOVE designseeds!!! I could spend a lot of time on there checking out palettes. hey.........we must have color on our minds this week.........I did a color palette post yesterday! the one your featured is so soft and pretty and love the pop of coral/light terracotta.

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  4. Your inspiration board is a great representation of the muted tones palette -- that couch just makes things pop!

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  5. Very pretty! I love when art or throw pillows kind of ties a room together.

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  6. I love that couch and the pretty pillows.

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  7. I love that couch. It's such a muted color, it could really go anywhere. :)

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  8. The color palette is fabulous. I'm really enjoying the red couch, too.

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  9. Love it! I had a red couch before I moved in with the boy. Nothing as nice as this one, but I loved it - so sad there was nowhere to put it after the move.

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  10. I like the soft neutrals, but I think they hurt my Miami fiancé. He'd probably go for the couch, though, if we didn't already have two!

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  11. Love that palette. The pop of red adds some interest and warmth, but the neutrals are soothing -- they just sort of say "Ahhhh -- come sit on my pretty red couch and RELAX!!" Love the rug.

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  12. So pretty with that one pop of color, which is such a soft tone, even that isn't overwhelming. I love Design Seeds, too- it's fantastic for mixing fabric tones.

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  13. That red couch would go so well in my living room. It would brighten it up without actually making it too flashy.

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  14. I want that Ikea dresser. WANT it. If only we had a place in this house it would fit. yeah. Our house is that small. :)

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