Sink into glamor with a drip of royalty as the Chromatic Theology series continues with violet.

Each post in this series explores an individual hue, but the characteristics of the topic color can be translated into tints and shades. Keep in mind that the effects and emotions we discuss are most prominent and intense in pure, saturated color. To some extent, the distinctive attributes of violet will be present in color variations – lavender, plum, eggplant, periwinkle, magenta, etc.

VIOLET is a secondary color with a challenging personality. Take a mental meander back to elementary school and recall that violet is a mixture of red and blue. This specific combination of hues is ambivalent, as a heavy dose of tension exists within violet’s conflictions of warm and cool, calm and intense. Spaces and color schemes implementing violet are often ambiguous and dramatic.

Pale tints (amethyst and lavender) boast whimsical and magical reflections of light, while deep shades (eggplant and plum) are symbolic of dignity and regality (and sometimes laced with a threatening undertone). If you are new to the world of color, or your eye is less than impeccable, avoid saturated violet tones or dabble with caution (sometimes the power and force of pure drama result in discord and uneasy aesthetics). Oh, but when violet is applied with skill – the result is stunning success, insinuating artistic expression and sensitivity.

Want to get acquainted with the rest of the rainbow? Indulge in the rest of the series with these previous posts.

(Images from The Society Inc., Trine Thorsen, James Merrell, and The Style Files.)

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The recent Chromatic Theology series has given me a slight tinge of color envy. Soak up this post and feed your jealous streak with a heaping dose of green.

Each post in this series explores an individual hue, but the characteristics of the topic color can be translated into tints and shades. Keep in mind that the effects and emotions we discuss are most prominent and intense in pure, saturated color. To some extent, the distinctive attributes of green will be present in color variations – grass, avocado, chartreuse, apple, kelly, olive, etc.

GREEN is a secondary color with harmonious emotional content. Green draws life from yellow, while blue lends a calming effect. One of the only unanimous forms of beauty is nature; green is the predominant color in nature – commonly regarded as the ideal color, carrying the positive charisma of all hues. Color schemes implementing green have been used extensively in offices, institutions, and public spaces, denoting the negative “˜institutional green’. Even in large doses of saturated color, green is rarerly offensive. This hue is considered innately pleasurable, sharing calming and restful implications with nature.

Come back next week for an optimistic and lively case of the blues. In case you need to catch up on color, gather a ray of sunshine or a drop of citrus with these previous posts.

(Photographs from James Merrell and Elle Oh.)

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Rejuvenating with a drop of citrus is a refreshing way to continue the Chromatic Theology series. To some extent, the distinctive attributes of orange will be present in color variations – mandarin, magma, creamsicle, rust, marigold, sweet potato, etc.

Never underestimate the power of color. Each post in this series will explore an individual hue, but the characteristics of the topic color can be translated into tints and shades. Keep in mind that the effects and emotions we discuss are most prominent and intense in pure, saturated color. (In case you need to catch up on color, gather a glimpse of red or a ray of sunshine with the previous Chromatic Theology posts.)

ORANGE is a secondary color with conflicting emotional content. Recall a few of your second grade lessons and remember that orange is a mixture of red and yellow, boasting the charisma of both colors. Orange demands attention, yet simultaneously extends a warm invitation. The intensity and drama of red are balanced with the mild optimism of yellow. If you like the dangerous connotations of red, opt for a softer, subdued effect with orange. If you find yellow a little too submissive, add a hint of personality with orange.

Come back next week for a dose of color envy – green.

(Photographs from Living Etc, James Merrell, A Creative Mint, and Little Brown Pen.)

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Brace yourself. Your eyes are seconds away from falling on an interior simultaneously wearing composed white walls and a chaotic chromatic rush – radiant pockets of vivid hues embellishing a blank shell. This bold serving of design is the London flat of Liza Giles. Ms. Giles has borrowed brilliant color and feminine details from her profession as a senior designer and stylist for Designers Guild.

Ms. Giles has arranged isolated tufts of seemingly unrelated elements that coalesce for a sense of overwhelming cohesion. Each vignette is a gathering of shiny new objects and flea market charms (which, by the way, has me yearning to locate her blissful flea market resources). Once again, James Merrell‘s photography has flawlessly captured endless design details with his talented lens.

This flat literally sings to me; gushing and admiring comes easily when the space is this perfect. I still remember the first time I set eyes upon this interior. Love at first sight. Every time I devour these images I find a new detail that makes it even more endearing (like the unassuming charcoal lace quietly dangling over the living room window). I would move in immediately, forsaking all personal possessions and arriving with only one suitcase and one husband. I have adored this space on my personal (humble, little) blog more than once. I still love it.

I am smitten with the sense of unintentional variety laced with deliberate eclecticism. The subtle whispers of color (through muted artwork) adjacent to the not-so-subtle shouts of color (reflected through gleaming metallic teal wallpaper) form a palatable, delicious tension. All this contrast is balanced into tranquility by the overwhelming silence of stark white walls, floors, and ceilings.

Still craving more? Gain a little more insight (or at least an additional opinion) with these features on {this is glamorous} and decor8.

(Photography by James Merrell via decor8.)

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With their luxurious ambiance and versatile allure, tufts are back! James Merrell has dotted his photographic portfolio with inspired spaces adorned with elegant upholstery tufts. I am completely involved in a reverie about a charismatic blue tufted sofa; this image has captured its likeness perfectly. By the way, Mr. Merrell’s portfolio is a horizontal slide show of pure pleasure.

There is a tuft for every space – from Bohemian to Urban and feminine art nouveau curves, to masculine perpendicular edges and from silken aqua velvet to raw grey linen, there is absolutely a sofa, chair, bench, ottoman, or pillow with lovely tufts calling your name (I hear a chorus of tufts beckoning me). Here is an amiable gathering of tufted places to rest your derriere.

Clockwise from top center: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Chester Collection Sofa, Serena & Lily Lucille Ottoman, Cisco Brothers Reina Chair, Cisco Brothers Nell Sofa, Cisco Brothers Goodman Chair, Serena & Lily Piccadilly Chair, and Crate & Barrel Azure Sofa (Looking for a few accessories to pair with the Azure Sofa? These suggestions will charm you).

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