From Monochrome to Marvelous

Follow the lead of Lynda Hughes, and punch up a neutral design palette, like the one in her Carroll County, Georgia, Victorian, with bright pops of color, pattern, texture and special collectibles for a scheme that is both refreshing and relaxing. Take away some of Lynda’s tips for introducing color to your rooms:

Pattern Play.

Patterns are one of the easiest ways to bring life to a neutral design scheme. Mix and match stripes and ticking with floral prints and various other patterns on linens, quilts, throw pillows and duvets.

Perky Palette.

Introduce touches of vibrant color to interior architectural elements, such as shutters, trim and doors, or place brightly painted side tables, chairs and other small furnishings in rooms that need a little drama and flair.

Textiles & Texture.

Incorporate area rugs, quilts, pillows and throw blankets featuring bold motifs or textures into your rooms; accent with a range of unique materials, including lace, burlap, cotton and woven fabrics.

Collated Collectibles.

Group favorite collectibles and unique accents in small vignettes to provide visual appeal in a room with a neutral backdrop. Shaker boxes, primitive buckets, stacked antique suitcases, vintage game boards, old books, and framed photos and artwork can serve as perfect decorating accoutrements.

A prim quilt in a monochromatic square pattern blends nicely with a long striped runner in a similar color palette, both of which set off the beautiful hardwood floor in the den and hall. The handmade walnut cupboard with raised-panel doors features a variety of muted earth tones, which complements a colorful stack of primitive Shaker boxes atop an 1820 white sideboard. The charming miniature wingback chair is an original furniture-store sample created to demonstrate quality of craftsmanship. Lynda had it reupholstered, and it now occupies space next to an 1840s solid-walnut step-back cupboard filled with floral-patterned dishware and white ironstone. 65