I'm (Still) Loving. . .

Black and blue.  I posted about my love of this color combination a while back and seems I just can't seem to kick the obsession.  Truth be told, just about every article of clothing I've purchased over the last few months has been black.  I know, real original...but black is classic, is the perfect backdrop for colorful jewels, and looks great with just about every other piece in my closet (including blue). 

And as far as interiors go, black lampshades are my go-to and are the perfect way to add a little drama to a room (Black Magic post here). The Nate Berkus designed dining room pictured above would have had a completely different feel if they would have used ivory shades instead of black, don't you think?  The black shades make the antique French sconces pop against the textured burlap wallpaper and they look great next to the blue James Nares painting.  I recently used a similar palette in a client's living room, lush blue velvet Louis armchair, vintage alabaster lamp with black shade and textured ivory pillows - I just love the way it turned out!  Black leather is small doses is also pretty great but more on that later.

Do you have a favorite color combination?

(Images Taylor Tomasi Hill // Jacques Grange // Nina Garcia // Nate Berkus // Peter Pilotto // Nate Berkus)

Mad About Hue | Emerald

.Emerald + Tan In my mind Miroslava Duma can do no wrong--that tan and emerald color-blocked shell is killer and instantly reminded me of the leather pedestal sink and dramatic Fornasetti Malachite wallpaper in Nate Berkus' powder room.

.Emerald + Navy Why is Emma Stone so stinking cute?  The Burberry emerald sequin skirt and navy peplum top that she wore to the CFDA Fashion Fund awards this week is going to serve as inspiration for my holiday ensemble. This rich combination also makes for a warm and welcoming kitchen like this one à la Lars Bolander.

.Emerald + Yellow Valentina Siragusa from Factory Style Blog accented her black and white dress with a pop of emerald and yellow.  Designers Courtney Coleman and Bill Brockschmidt used a similar scheme in this moody Manhattan bedroom.

Did anyone else watch Flipping Out this week?  I loved the scene when Jeff's Grandmother described herself as a "fall color person".  There have been times when I've jumped onto the pastel color train but and the end of the day I'm a fall color lover through and through.  Emerald is currently the fall color at the top of my list because I just I love that it's bold and fun without being flashy. Above are a few emerald items I'd love to incorporate into my wardrobe and home. What type of color person are you?

Fornasetti: The Complete Universe | Missoni green bar glass | pillow | Gold and emerald thin ring | Suede and leather satchel | Mined stone knob | Diptyque Holiday Candle | Decorative chain link | Silk screen printed paper by Lalkonik

Simple.

Simply put, black and white is a classic and chic combination.  To me, a limited black and white color-palette evokes a sense of upscale sophistication with endless possibilities.  Whether your design style is traditional, modern or eclectic black and white will work!  I love it paired with soft pink, crisp khaki and shiny metallic but this high contrast combo can definitely hold up on its own.

When shopping for or wearing black and white I look for classic, tailored pieces with interesting details. For interiors, I prefer a softer look layered with fun textures, interesting patterns and a bit of warm grey.  This scheme isn't for everyone...could you live in black and white or does your world need a little color?

1. Classic Tee | 2. Mulberry Bag | 3. Track Link Bracelet | 4. Cooper Watch | 5. High-Rise Skinny Jeans | 6. Pointy Ankle Strap Flats | 7. West Elm Chevron Pillow | 8. MGBW Fielding Sofa  | 9. James Devlin Marble Table | 10. Madeline Weinrib Tray | 11. Curly Lamb Ottoman | 12. Jenna Snyder Painting

(Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 )

Mad About Hue | Soft Citrus

Nothing says Summer like watercolor citrus colors and a bag of vodka lemonade! I'm loving the softer shades of lemon and lime paired with calming neutrals, a refreshing palette for sun soaked summer days! 

(Images 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5)

Mad About Hue

Obsessed doesn't even begin to explain how I feel about the color of the Row Resort 2013 collection dress Ashley Olsen wore to the CFDA Awards last night. Magenta, berry, garnet, red-violet, whatever you call it, I love it! The moment I saw this stunning silk dress I was reminded of bold ceiling in interior designer Sara Story's Gramercy Park kitchen. The rich, feminine hue is the perfect compliment to the graphic, warm gray tone on tone painted floor. Instead of weighing down the room as I expected, the dark color adds depth and increases the sense of glamour. The dramatic color also provides a background for the elegant, modern chandelier.

Matt Murphy used a similar palette for his SF Designer Showcase guest bedroom design.  The large shams, made from Nobilis Fleur de Lin, have a bit of red in them so they add energy and prevent the room from feeling too sleepy.  If warm neutrals are too boring for your taste, try pairing this rich hue with icy blue à la Prada Spring 2012.

(Images: one / two / three / four / five)

Mad About Hue | Black + Blue

Whoever said that black and blue clash was clearly mistaken! This killer combination has been the top topic of my pinning lately.  It's bold and dramatic and looks great both in fashion and interiors.  Navy and black is a classic combination that works well with cognac brown and crisp white whereas cobalt and black is a trendier option that feels vibrant enough for summer.  Above are a few of the cobalt accessories I've got my eye on for the hot summer months ahead...

chalcanthite mineral / oil painting / givenchy antigona tote / charles by matthew zink bikini / python frame / madeline weinrib blue clair simon pillow / stripe pillow / yves klein book

(Images 1, 2, 3, 4,  5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)

Mad About Hue | Bluish-Green

I think my apartment could use a nice dose of bluish-green. It's a luscious, unexpected hue that makes a statement when paired with other muted colors like copper, gold, gray and black. I really want this Area Home blanket but I'm on a budget, so for now, I think scouring ebay for a piece of dioptase may do the trick.

(Images 1-2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

Mad About Hue | Bedroom Inspiration

Now that my living room is squared away it's time to focus on the bedroom. Right now the design is pretty much nonexistent. I hate to admit it but the picture I posted earlier this week is pretty darn deceiving. The lamp, painting and bedding are just about the only good things going on in the room. I'm in desperate need of a headboard (Santa, Mom, anyone?) and a new dresser. I like the current black + white color scheme but I think it needs to be bumped up a bit.  A punchy coral, edgy chartreuse or muted mustard might do the trick...add in a chocolaty fur throw and a little leopard and we'd have a winning combination.  I know some of my inspiration images aren't of bedrooms but you see where I'm going with this, right?

(Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)