Color is a language all of it’s own. Color has such a strong emotive quality that it’s influence on us just can’t be overlooked – and yet we all seem to be drawn to different colors for different reasons. In my years of working with paint, textiles & photography the most consistent compliment I have received is ‘you have a wonderful sense of color’. Sense is really what it is all about…. almost like a sixth sense, some unspoken understanding of the nuance and influence of tones & shades, how they interplay, combine & resonate together. Those who know me, have ever worked with me or visited my boutique know I love a cooler palette. All the watery ethereal tones of sea & air. In all my life I have never really been attracted to ‘hot’ colors. There are a few exceptions. Saturated hot pink in a tropical climate is amazing. Warm blushy tones are so elegant mixed into a neutral palette, and a pop of rosy coral or chinese red can be such a beautiful contrast to a turquoise or sea green palette.There is one ‘warmer’ color that I truly adore and use consistently as an accent, and that is the lovely & versatile lavender.
This winter I created a whole festive tableau in lavender. I was inspired by an amazing sea urchin I had found that matched the tones of a wonderful old tuscan pitcher I own with a rare glaze of dappled lilac. It was an unusual choice perhaps, but I peppered it with snowy whites and tarnished silvers to give it a glimmer.
I just love mixing lavender tones with natural raw linen. I actually painted my living room wall the palest tint of lavender, as seen here with my linen drapes. The mouldings are all white and you can’t quite even tell if there is color on the wall or just warm rosy light bouncing off of it. It is very uplifting yet soothing. That’s the great thing about lavender, it acts as a neutral [ I once said lavender is the new grey! ] mixing so well with greys, browns, taupe and creams yet is also is such a compliment to other colors such as blues and greens.
Lavender is kind of like the more mature or masculine version of pink. Lavender has gravity to it, yet is still undeniably pretty.
In nature it is found everywhere, you would be surprised. Not just in seashells and flowers, this tone surfaces like a velvety cloak on many natural forms.
The sophisticated depth of lavender [ it can range anywhere from a greyish tone to mauve, lilac to rose or even almost an indigo ] is a fabulous choice to mix into an earthy palette.
It sort of elevates a still life or room to something beyond just ‘natural’. Look how well this antique satin ribbon plays off the patina of the antique silver and livens the little bird nest scenario. In my book I will further explore the use of color and all the wonder it evokes. Even purists who love only whites know that within the palette of white there is a myriad of shades to explore, with undertones of grey, cream, charteuse, blue or yes even lavender!
