Orange in a New Light

I have never been a fan of orange in interior design, probably in large part because it is typically used in very modern or hip rooms. However, these three rooms have caused me to see orange in an entirely new light and I am frankly smitten. This first room is from the apartment of Mary Jane Pool. I love the tufted orange day bed, the deep orange glazed walls, the leopard carpet, and the pink chair.

This second room room is by interior designer Sara Story and was shown at the 2008 Orchard Hill Show House. It was featured just recently in the April 2009 Traditional Home. The use of orange to create the feel of sunset with this gorgeous hand painted Chinoiserie wallpaper, instead of the more expected blue Chinoiserie was inspired. Notice too how the black really pops against the orange.

This stunning room is from the Greystone Show House and was created by interior designer James Lumsden in this gentleman's bedroom. I love the orange walls and the mix of  French Moderne, Italian, and English with the bold graphics. Notice the use of red and blue accents.

If you are looking for an elegant orange paint color, check out Farrow & Ball Orangery-a typical 18th century terra cotta color used much in orangeries.

Mary Jane Pool

Perhaps my favorite article in Domino Magazine was the piece they did in March 2008 on the apartment of Mary Jane Pool. Pool is one of the best magazine editors of the 20th century. She worked for both Vogue and House and Garden, and served as editor in chief of House and Garden from 1970-1980. House and Garden was never better than under her perfect eye for detail. I love these photos of her place-the wonderful colors, Venetian antiques, sumptuous fabrics and wallpaper, and the keen mixing of antiques and 2oth century pieces. Notice the split photos showing earlier and later versions of the same space. She incorporates perfectly all of my favorite things-Chinoiserie, lots of books and magazines, painted furniture, mixing of antiques and modern, hand-painted wallpaper, blue and white porcelain, leopard, wonderful mixing of pattern, yellow, silks, oversized lampshades, needlepoint rugs, pillows, tufting, coral pink, I could go on and on.... This is my dream apartment.