Monday, July 14, 2008

Neutral and Neoclassical






You know how a lot of people are scared to have color in their homes? Not me. I love color, especially rich, vibrant hues. And prints and patterns? Yes, I feel confident in mixing them too. But when I start to think about neutral palettes, well, let's just say that I don't have the same self-assuredness as I do with color. Many people say neutral colors and tones are the easiest to work with, but I'm not quite so sure. You have to know what you're doing because otherwise the result can be dull, lifeless, and boring. And perhaps this is why my tear-sheet files contain only a few homes with neutral color schemes.

One designer who is quite adept at executing a chic and warm neutral room is J. Randall Powers. I just love his project that is featured in the August issue of House Beautiful. I won't spoil the article for you, but the images above are just a few of the many gorgeous rooms in this Powers designed Houston home. While I was reading the article, it finally dawned on me that the neutral homes that appeal to me the most are those with a Neoclassical feel. It's not really the contemporary, neutral rooms that strike my fancy but rather the homes where the past is very much alive and well and serving up doses of inspiration.

The Powers article made me think of Bill Blass' home- one in which a neutral palette seemed to be chosen to better display his fine collection of antiques and objects. In fact, Powers' Houston clients chose him because they felt his work resembled that of Blass. The Blass home has long been inspiration to many so it really should be included in a post on neutral color schemes. Don't you agree?










(Images of the Powers' project from the August issue of House Beautiful; photographer Luca Trovato. Images of Bill Blass' home from House & Garden's Best in Decoration.)

10 comments:

  1. Jennifer - like you, Iove color, but am drawn to neutral rooms when I see them. One of the things I love about the Neo Classical influence in neutral rooms is that hint of black. Perfection.

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  2. Patricia- That's a good point; you need that jolt of something dark to give the room some pop.

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  3. Jennifer -- I so agree with all of your points. Especially how neutrals pair well -- or bring out the best in -- classical antiques! I'm reminded of Nina Griscom's home, and Dan Carithers and sometimes Mary McDonald. But I think the Blass example is the ultimate.

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  4. True, the Blass example is the ultimate and always will be. Neutral, and filled with art and objects of the very highest quality, but never once boring or museum-like. Don't you think that neutral rooms call for better furnishings? Rich colour can disguise or absorb things of lesser provenance but neutral rooms are far, far less forgiving.

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  5. Courtney- I forgot about Griscom's apartment, which is appropriate as she was close friends with Blass!

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  6. Toby- You're so right. Color can serve as a type of smoke and mirrors. With a neutral palette, the pieces need to be top-notch (design wise) and things have to be well-edited.

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  7. Peak - I knew you would love this! It has such a masculine quality to it - don't you think? And so luxe. I especially love all the framed prints around. There is a lot in the house, which I adore, as opposed to just a few precious accessories. Powers is more well known for his contemporary interiors so it is a real treat to see his range. He is really on the upswing with two Elle covers in one year, quite a feat for a Houston designer. We are very proud of him here.

    Joni

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  8. Love the oranges in the bottom image!

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  9. I love those Bill Blass rooms.

    Oh, and by the way - I've passed on the Brillante Blogger award to you!

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  10. Jennifer- I love color, especially red...red also works well with neutrals, you only need a bit. One thing I like to see in neutral spaces is lots of texture...It keeps things visually interesting... Fay

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