There is something mystifying about a well-designed space, and even more so when it unexpectedly manages to bring bright colors or bold patterns into harmony. Because we love to lust over beautiful interiors, we reached out to Memphis’ premier designers, architects and builders and asked them to share some of their favorite, inventive uses of colors and patterns, and the results are breathtaking. Peruse these wonderfully innovative spaces, and be inspired to experiment with colors and patterns in your own home.
Ami Austin Interior Design
Ami Austin of Ami Austin Interior Design creates a gorgeous balance of bold colors and stunning prints. Rather than having too much of a good thing, Ami brings just enough of each element to this dazzling dining room. “I was able to balance the bright green wall covering by using softer shades of the same color variation with the chandelier, window treatments and rug selection,” says Ami. By seeing the big picture, she is able to bring the room into harmony, rather than focusing on smaller features.
The floral accents and accessories around the room complement the colors and patterns rather than competing for attention. Image: Sélavie Photography
This lavish powder room is striking with its slate walls and metallic accents. The metals unite with the pattern of the slate to create a powerful and pleasing duo.
“Of course, the touch of a bright fuchsia orchid against the dark walls really brings the color and texture into balance,” says Ami. Note the patterned tile floor, which cleverly draws on shades found in the metal and slate elements. Image: Sélavie Photography
Gusmus Construction and Selena McAdams of spruce
Understated neutrals and distinct colors are a match made in design heaven. Gusmus Construction and Selena McAdams of spruce revamped this home with surprising pops of unique and underused shades that delight the senses.
The juxtaposition of the bright chair and darker rug creates a beautiful and intriguing display. Image: Julie Wage Ross
This gorgeous, moody library has an aura of elegance and mystique from the charcoal gray and the deep shades of red.
The design of the rug plays off the design of the chair cushions in a way that balances the space. Image: Julie Wage Ross
John Harrison Jones Architect
This Belleair Mediterranean-style residence is a captivating renovation from John Harrison Jones Architect. The sunroom was dramatically changed by adding more exterior windows, allowing a fresh layer of bright paint and a variety of bold patterns in whimsical hues to find harmony basking in the natural light.
The bold pattern of the chair and the drapery stands out against the dazzling and dynamic color of the walls. Image: © Mike Boatman 2015; Interior designer: Anna Lattimore Interior Design
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The bright, natural light streaming in from the windows allows each of these unique patterns and colors within the space to pop. Image: © Mike Boatman 2015; Interior designer: Anna Lattimore Interior Design
RKA Construction
Lindsey Black and her husband Josh knew they wanted their home to be both bold and timeless, and RKA Construction brought that vision to life. Starting with the kitchen, Lindsey picked a statement shade and designed the rest around it. “The green we chose is deep and rich, but still bright, and I love the way the brass fixtures and hardware stand out against it,” she says. “The handmade terracotta zellige tile backsplash is subtle enough that it doesn’t compete with the cabinet color, yet is still interesting with its color and texture variation.” By choosing bright shades for the counters, the backsplash and the island, they were able to offset and complement the darker hues of the cabinetry.
“I love the warm color and grain of walnut, so I added walnut accents with the wine rack, pull-out coffee maker shelf and bar stools,” says homeowner and designer Lindsey Black. Image: Stefanie Rawlinson
How perfect are these pops of color in the china, alongside the rich pink and bright orange of the grapefruit? We can’t get enough of these refreshing colors! Image: Stefanie Rawlinson
By continuing the use of walnut as an accent in the master bath, Lindsey carried design sensibilities from the kitchen to the master bath for a sense of continuity in her home. “I loved the patterned floor tile from the minute I found it, and, because it is so bold, I kept the wall tile white, but used a large hexagon with a dark grout to highlight the shape,” says Lindsey.
While the color scheme may be understated, there is nothing subtle about the use of pattern in this magnificent master bath. Image: Stefanie Rawlinson
Post 31 Interiors
Teresa Davis of Post 31 Interiors designed the bedroom of our dreams, and we could not be more in love with this stunning floral wallpaper and the way that the rest of the room integrates its subtle and moody color scheme. The contrast of bright whites and creamy ivories with the depth of the charcoal grays is breathtaking.
The touches of greenery accent the dramatic color scheme in this showstopper of a bedroom. Image: Emily Minton Redfield Photography
Greg Baudoin Interior Design
This incredible, modern living room designed by Greg Baudoin Interior Design, with the help of architect Carlton Edwards and Archer Custom Builders, is the ultimate in subtle uses of color and patterns. Small statements can change the entirety of a space — the gallery white paint on the textured brick allows the artwork to pop, while the steel-clad color plays off of the cut velvet in deep tones of midnight and charcoal on the chair. “These colors are a nod to the Veda Reed and Mary Sims paintings flanking the fireplace,” says Greg. Use a beloved work of art or a statement furniture piece to inform the rest of a color palette, and the design is sure to be cohesive and stunning.
In partnership with Archer Custom Builders, Carlton Edwards and Old City Millwork, Greg Baudoin curated this dreamy space to have just the right amount of color and pattern. Image: Alyssa Rosenheck
The dining area in this repurposed warehouse space utilizes similar and cohesive design aesthetics as the living room above. The decorative pillows contain tones of yellow, lavender, taupe and charcoal that effortlessly accent the Kit Reuther painting.
The subtle nuance of the color scheme in the painting, pillows and accents has an alluring quality. Image: Alyssa Rosenheck
Rhea Crenshaw Interiors
Playing off the hues and rich colors of this bold rug, Rhea Crenshaw of Rhea Crenshaw Interiors created a warm and seductive space with the convergence of several dramatic, yet subtle patterns with the rug, throw pillows and the drapery. Each of her options does not compete with the others, but rather they complement the overall space.
When integrating colors and patterns, there is no need to be matchy-matchy. Contrasting hues and designs create more interest for the eye. Image: Julie Wage Ross
Using the same pattern on the bed and window treatments, with diverse designs on the bedding and headboard, Rhea helps bring kinship to the diverging color and pattern. Each pattern complements the others, either in color or style.
The two more subtle patterns of the headboard and the bedding complement the boldness and the whimsy of the pillows and drapery. Image: Julie Wage Ross
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Using a color scheme of rich browns and soft neutrals, Rhea matched the textures in a way that makes the colors and patterns coherent within the room as a whole.
Unique textures in unison with subtle patterns can sometimes be more powerful in neutral tones. Image: Julie Wage Ross
B. Gaines Interior Design
The focal point of this B. Gaines Interior Design bedroom is the exquisite upholstered headboard. This stunning textile-turned-headboard fabric from Sarkis Kish Oriental Rugs creates a spectacular art-forward focal point for the bedroom, and the deep shades of gray serve as a striking contrast to the bright whites of the bedding.
This antique rug from Sarkis Kish Oriental Rugs is used as a headboard for a creative and unique way to feature the beautiful pattern of a textile in your interiors. Image: Steve Roberts
Kitchens Unlimited
This custom kitchen design by Karen Kassen, Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer with Kitchens Unlimited, in partnership with Jim Herbst, integrates an exciting and unexpected use of bold color. Karen and Jim used quarter sawn oak for the hutch with a windswept finish technique, topped off with a zinc countertop. The combination of both subdued and vibrant shades makes this space spectacular.
The warmth of the backsplash color highlights the homeowner’s gorgeous pottery and serveware. Image: Julie Wage Ross
Karen also designed this exceptional kitchen space, complete with custom cabinetry and a custom paint finish, which features an exquisite rub-thru on perimeter technique. The bold pattern of the backsplash complements the design of the floor tiles.
The bold backsplash is complemented by a more subdued surrounding color palette, so as not to overwhelm. Image: Julie Wage Ross
Another spectacular Karen Kassen design, this powder room with a honed granite pedestal sink brings together a convergence of patterns and textures, in warm golden shades. The subtlety of the colors allows them each to find harmony together in this small space.
All of the varying patterns and differing shades of brown and gold find a cozy home in this powder room. Image: Julie Wage Ross
Now take a moment, pick your jaw up off the floor and use all that inspiration to integrate colors and patterns into your home interiors. It can be bold or subtle, a major focal point or an understated sideboard surprise, but don’t shy away from being innovative and out-of-the-ordinary. Follow your inner design arrow and let your uniqueness shine!
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