Decorating & Design
These Are House & Home Editors’ Favorite Colors To Decorate With
Around the offices of House & Home we all play favorites when it comes to color. From the enduring shades we think will stand the test of time to the trendy hues we can’t wait to test drive, find out what colors we’re crushing on now!
“My favorite color to decorate with right now is icy blue. This shot from Vancouver designer Sophie Burke’s dining room epitomizes my approach to spring decorating — or anytime for that matter — lots of white, wispy floral arrangements, bare oak and touches of icy blue (shown subtly here on the faux sheepskin throw and taper candle). — Emily Evans, Associate Editor
“I’ve always loved the idea of playing with color on my stair risers. This ombré look appeals to me because it makes a rather utilitarian area of the home into something playful and fun — and teal is having a moment right now (it was recently our H&H color of the month). Plus, it’s not as scary as painting an entire room in a bold color!” — Alice Lawlor, Editorial Director
“This year I’m really feeling greens of all shades. Card Room Green (79) from Farrow & Ball is a dark grey-green with a rich, heritage feel while still being bright and cheery, especially when paired with creamy whites. I would love to use this in a bedroom as a soothing cocoon of color.” — Jessica Flower, Assistant Editor
“Be its sunny association or the energy it brings to a room, there’s something about yellow that I just can’t resist. And while it isn’t as common an accent color as blue or green, it offers the same flexibility: lighter shades make a room feel youthful yet bold, while more subdued hues read almost as neutrals. In fashion executive Bonnie Brooks’s living room, a collection of mustard pillows adds a hit of color, while greige walls ensure the space still feels grounded.” — Amanda Tucci, Editorial Assistant
“Maybe one day I’ll be bold enough to cover all the walls in a room in pink. The lovely, plastered effect achieved here by Jersey Ice Cream Co. is certainly inspirational.” — Sally Armstrong, Senior Editor
“Green — I’m definitely not a blue person but greens are a color I find very livable, perhaps because they are innate, signifying nature and are all around us. Whether it’s fresh grass green, brights or deep olives, they all feel just right.” — Morgan Michener, Senior Editor
“I like the calming effect of this pink. I painted the walls Setting Plaster by Farrow & Ball in my own bedroom — it’s more earthy than sugary.” — Kai Ethier, Design Editor
“Olive green can go modern or traditional and I love the way it pairs with some of my other favorites, like blush-toned peaches and powdery blues. I use it almost anywhere — walls, furniture, accents… and here it is in my hallway!” — Jennifer Koper, Design Editor
Jennifer Koper, Instagram
“Even though this hue’s heyday might be fading for now, I’m still partial to decorating with grey. It’s versatile, it’s cozy and it’s great for adding texture or layers to a room without adding too much color. Understated, contemporary looks anchored by grey tones? Sign me up.” — Day Helesic, Managing Editor
“I never get tired of our emerald green sofa — it looks rich and inviting. The iconic green velvet sofa in Hôtel d’Orrouer, designer Hubert de Givenchy’s Paris home, has drawn fans like Tory Burch for decades.” — Wendy Jacob, Features Editor
“One of my all time favorite colors to decorate with is a dusty, greyed sage, which always feels livable, calm, natural and fresh. I generally gravitate towards a neutral palette and I love how this color, in a West Village townhouse by Rita Konig, smoothly integrates with warm or cool neutral tones.”— Lauren Petroff, Design Editor
“I love yellow as an accent color. It’s a happy, welcoming color for doors against crisp white walls. I swoon over a yellow sofa. A little pop of yellow in a patterned wallpaper or fabric perks up any print. Yellow flowers embody the sunny warmth of spring and summer. Yellow can look bold and modern paired with primary colors, or country and charming mixed with muddy tones. It’s hard to go wrong.” — Kimberley Brown, Executive Editor
Donna Griffith
House & Home June 2014
Sally Armstrong and Sarah Hartill