Color Study

There is a good lesson to be learned from this image:

 Photo by William Waldron via Elle Decor

Per the usual, Steven Gambrel works his magic to finesse a grand space out of a relatively small hallway. What a captivating pass-through...but that is not the lesson we are learning today (the one about even a small space being special when done right). 

Today's lesson is about color.

This very traditional hall was painted with lacquered teal/aqua/seafoam walls. A color that is loud and somewhat juvenile. But note that Steven counters the buoyancy of the hue with deep neutrals in the furnishings - rich browns and blacks provide balance. And the effect is stunning, dripping with sophistication. And the teal walls keep the space feeling energetic and designed...a twist to keep the eye happy.

So don't be afraid of using big, bold color! Just be prepared to strike a balance to keep it feeling sharp and tailored.

» Click Here to Leave a Comment «

Friday Crush

I saved this gem from my post on Steven Gambrel for today...I am CRAZY about this bar. And the wood paneling. And the light fixture. And back to the bar. It's not normal to have such strong feelings for a piece of furniture (and it's surrounding embellishments)...but I have them. The orange is a nod to Mr. Gambrel's love for UVa., perhaps?

Hope you all have a fun weekend ahead. For those in the DC area, don't forget the Lucketts Spring Market going on this weekend in Leesburg, VA. See you Monday!

Wahoowa, Mr. Gambrel

Elle Decor's recent "A-List" of their fave designers mentions the University of Virginia in the short blurb of NYC-based Steven Gambrel (a graduate of the University's architecture school). UVa. and Elle Decor typically don't tango, so I was excited to see two of my worlds come together in print - my natural reaction was to head on over to Mr. Gambrel's site to check out his work.

Designer Steven Gambrel

I've seen Steven Gambrel's spaces dotted amidst the blogosphere (actually, some of the pix I'm now realizing were his), and I'm smitten with my fellow Wahoo's aesthetic. I love seeing a portfolio that runs the gamut...he's wonderful with color, neutral spaces, hip and eclectic, elegant with touches of traditional...again, like that CD where all the tracks are good.

The proof:

All images via srgambrel.com

I got a little picture-posting-happy because I literally couldn't pick just a couple to post...I loved them all (and I'm even saving one for tomorrow). And I only scratched the surface of looking through about 3 or so of his "Town" projects (his portfolio is split between Town/Country)...that means that I'll obvi be going back for some more inspiration and a tour through his Country spaces.

Another designer to add to my list of favorites...