In a previous post I discussed how Fashion Week influences color themes in interiors. Then, I took a walk to shop for produce at Pike’s Market. Since I live and work in the Pacific Northwest the farmer’s markets with vibrant fruits, vegetables and flowers add bursts of color. They also allow an opportunity to imagine and select colors via a variety of garden gifts. In the open market purple eggplants combine with golden squash; red peppers with nectarines and peaches. You get the picture. What a way to learn about pairing colors! I love the bouquets of flowers assembled by the women selling flowers at Pike’s Market. Each season brings a fresh interpretation to the hues seen in selections for furnishings, fabrics, bedding, carpet, rugs and of course paints. And each season fresh produce offers inspiration.
Recently in STIR magazine for Sherwin Williams, Lauren Makk of the Learning Channel, commented, “When it comes to regional color schemes, colors are driven by three factors: architecture, nature and the people who enrich the culture.” I love the traditional colors of New England derived from documentary fabrics and historical influences. When you open an issue of Veranda you see the deep burgundy reds, navy blue, and complementary greens. Benjamin Moore has a wonderful representation from the Historical Collection to use for projects involving architectural elements of columns, Colonial and Georgian furnishings.
Moving Southeast and on to the Florida Coast, the colors are increasingly vibrant and mingled with the ocean blue, corals, softer greens, tropical oranges and sunshine yellows. In the South history calls forth richer, deep hues similar to those of New England. In the center of the United States where all four seasons occur and indoor activities occupy many months, the warm colors invite people to linger and colors literally provide a sense of heat.
The Southwest reflects the historical Hispanic and Native American traditions. Old World architecture embraces colors of terra cotta, brick red, coppery gold and rich chocolate brown. Not surprising Southern California pumps up the intensity with limes, rose pinks, and tangerine-orange yellows.
Back in the Pacific Northwest and during and after the vegetable harvest, neutrals form the background for walls and furnishings. Just like that colorful arrangement of fresh produce bursts of color accent interiors and furnishings. Warm tans, reds, greens enter inside our homes complementing the abundant green of the landscape.
