Friday, January 28, 2011

Desert Rose

Kristen Scott Thomas dying in the desert in the movie, "The English Patient" is I think one of the saddest, most poignant movie scenes of all time. In this scene, she is alone and gravely ill. With each dying breath, she struggles to keep writing in her journal, talking to Ralph Fiennes, the love of her life, who was out somewhere looking for a way to rescue her. The lonely beauty of the desert landscape is only rivaled by the haunting love story and by the outfits worn by the characters in the movie. Though the desert looks hot and dry as a bone, the characters always seemed to be cool and polished in their billowy white shirts, and pants and coats that were almost always in shades of camel.

Forecasts show that desert tones are the colors to watch for spring and summer. Shades of cognac, tan, sienna, burnt orange and dusky coral echoing the striations on a red rock cliff are neutral enough to satisfy even color-phobes. The beauty of it is that it can be minimalistic while being warm at the same time.

The color to watch: Coral Rose (Pantone No. 16-1349). It's a sophisticated orange, with spicy and gregarious undertones.While it looks great when combined with desert chromes of tan and brown, it can also be used with different colors depending on the style.

With Beige
Pair this punchy color with time-tested neutrals for a sophisticated feel. Accent with burnished gold for extra chicness (Notice the Rope Twist Coffee Table by Baker (www.kohlerinteriors.com).







In this redder version of the color, the palette is tempered by the beige walls and sofa, allowing the orange be an accent. Designer: Massucco Warner Miller via www.thelennoxx.com
The Rope Twist Coffee Table by Baker, www.kohlerinteriors.com

With Blue
Coral and turquoise are beautiful together. Since they are pulled from orange and blue with are complimentary colors, they just naturally look great together. Brighter blues make for a livelier palette, while softer and lighter hues give a more vintage feel.

Benjamin Moore's Calypso Orange is delicious on the dining room wall. Design by Jamie Drake via www.elledecor.com
Sea Glass Lamp by Pier 1, www.pier1.com
With Green
Orange and green look fresh and juicy together. Like the fruit.
The orange is used as a punch in this design, splashed here and there with green. Photo courtesy of www.southernliving.com
Bamboo lacquerware, www.zgallerie.com




With White
White makes any bright color pop and look crisp and fresh. Looks great with dark wood tones.
Crisp white wainscoting temper the orange walls. Design by Steven Gambrel via www.elledecor.com
Benchwright Dining Table, www.potterybarn.com

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Where or please WHERE can I buy the curtains in the living room picture by Massucco Warner Miller???