Decorating Guides
Straight From the Runway: The Blues to Use at Home
Bring looks from Fashion Week home with navy and teal mixed with black, red and more
Design disciplines are connected; what applies to one often applies to others. Fashion and interiors are no exception. There is so much overlap, what we see on runways at New York Fashion Week will easily translate to home applications.
And while generally the sky's the limit at these fashion shows, trends always pop up and this year's are giving me tons of ideas for home fashions. There are so many fun color combinations and examples of awesome pattern layering. Let's take a look at one of my life-long favorite colors — blue — in its many forms, from inky darkness or sweet sky lightness.
More: Straight From the Runway: Orange and Pink
And while generally the sky's the limit at these fashion shows, trends always pop up and this year's are giving me tons of ideas for home fashions. There are so many fun color combinations and examples of awesome pattern layering. Let's take a look at one of my life-long favorite colors — blue — in its many forms, from inky darkness or sweet sky lightness.
More: Straight From the Runway: Orange and Pink
Navy and black. It's amazing what results from two colors that appear to be so closely related. It seems navy is the new gray, which was the new black. So, for simplicity's sake, I think it's sage to say that navy is the new black. J. Crew debuted their first runway show this year and it was full of navy and black love.
Navy and turquoise. Take a cue from Rag and Bone's spring 2012 collection and combine navy with turquoise. Or just add a pop, as Peter Som does in this ensemble, which speaks to the bedroom pictured not only for it's exceptional use of navy and turquoise, but also for the fun application of zebra!
BCBG Max Azria also has the right idea, with bright turquoises tempered by black and white. The subtle pattern mixing in both the fashion shot (purse and shoes) and this bedroom (wallpaper, pillow and headboard) give both outfit and room depth.
Blue and red. Jewel tones aren't ending at navy. Get in on some brooding blues combined with bloody reds.
Red, white and blue. Nothing says nautical like red, white and blue. Tory Burch has the idea!
Blue and yellow. Blue pairs beautifully with so many colors. Here, navy and yellow (along with a zesty floor pattern) are looking very chic. I can only assume that Rodarte and Oscar de la Renta concur.
Achieving a similar look is simple; one big gesture will go a long way. Changing your rug or drapes will made a dramatic difference without a full room overhaul.
Achieving a similar look is simple; one big gesture will go a long way. Changing your rug or drapes will made a dramatic difference without a full room overhaul.
Teal. A blue-green, teal is one of those transitional colors that can float between definitions and expectations. I love to see it paired with warm colors, as seen in this gorgeous living room.
The impact of teal makes it a great complement to patterns, too, as see with the toss pillows and ottoman. Ralph Lauren combined teal with floral patterns to great effect in his spring 2012 collection. The sweetness of the florals are toughened up by the boldness of the teal.
The impact of teal makes it a great complement to patterns, too, as see with the toss pillows and ottoman. Ralph Lauren combined teal with floral patterns to great effect in his spring 2012 collection. The sweetness of the florals are toughened up by the boldness of the teal.
More teal (and red and yellow). Like navy, teal plays nicely with other colors: blues, coral, yellows, browns — the list doesn't stop. When I saw this look from Proenza Schouler's line, I immediately thought of the living room pictured. There are so many colors and patterns at work and yet there is nothing busy about the finished product.
A well-selected variety of toss pillows make this a fairly easy look to achieve. When layering textures, patterns and colors, if you stay mindful of scale and hues, you can get away with mixing such elements as cowhides with coral branches and modern art!
A well-selected variety of toss pillows make this a fairly easy look to achieve. When layering textures, patterns and colors, if you stay mindful of scale and hues, you can get away with mixing such elements as cowhides with coral branches and modern art!
Blue and orange. Don't even get me started on this color combination. Okay, I guess I got myself started. But, seriously, is there anything more fresh and full of cheer? Just like the living room pictured, Rag and Bone's spring 2012 collection incorporated blue and orange, with some well-placed touches of pattern and metallics.
Blue and brown. So, clearly I love how blue combines with other colors, but nothing says "sophisticated preppy chic" like blue and neutrals, like saddle leather brown. It's no surprise that the preppy powerhouse, J. Crew nails the combo. So does Garrison Hullinger. It's no doubt that this sunny room would have been lovely without it, but the tufted leather chair adds dimension and a sense of history.
More: 2012 Fashion Inspiration for Your Home
How to Layer Patterns Right
Saturated Color: Using Peacock Blue
More: 2012 Fashion Inspiration for Your Home
How to Layer Patterns Right
Saturated Color: Using Peacock Blue