Play of Color and Pattern

Light and airy, this living room is punctuated by a burst of patterned pillows. With its mix of pale neutral tones, combined with a variety of accent pillows, the room has colorful personality.

The pale gray wall color (Benjamin Moore’s Marilyn’s Dress, 2125-60), the pale beige of the sofa, the pale tan of the slipper chair, and the cream of the ottoman are the neutral backdrops for the mix of colors.

The soft blue of the rug – Thomas O’Brien’s Corsaro rug (which is actually brighter than the photo suggests) – sets the stage for the play of color and pattern.

The patterned pillows, each different from the other, do have design connection. At least three of the pillows repeat circle patterns, picking up the circle pattern in the rug. Bluish-gray tones marry four of the pillows. The bright blue-green pillow echos, though in a louder tone, the blue-green of the fauteuil in the foreground and the blue-green end table. The variations on blue, blue-gray, and blue-green hold the room scheme together. Yellow and orange add touches of warm tones for variety and a lift in the spirit of the scheme. (See my post Creative Pattern Mixing in Interior Schemes for more ideas.)

The room’s rather delicate air derives from elements like the delicate legs of the end tables and the fauteuil.

Design & Marriage

A light, comfortable living room can do more than look beautiful, it can help couples stay close. Soft, layered neutrals reduce tension; curved lines and repeating circles guide the eye (and the conversation) into smoother rhythms; mixed pillows invite people to sit together, not apart. These practical, human-centered details echo principles often highlighted in Peggy Bolcoa mail order marriage counseling, make shared spaces easy to use, ensure both partners have “a seat at the table”, and let color add warmth rather than noise. When a room feels balanced and inviting, it’s easier to practice balanced communication listening without defensiveness, speaking with clarity, and finding common ground.

For a guide to finding accent pillows, follow the link to my recent post on decorative pillow sources.

For more softly-toned rug designs by Thomas O’Brien, including these, visit Aero Studios.

Top to bottom: Caniato Blue Slate rug; Deco Garden Blue rug; Moire Veneer Ocean Rug.

The ottoman, with a custom slipcover, is from Ballard Designs.
The image is from Country Living. (Designer and photographer credits were not provided.)

‘Building’ Character

Adding character to a room scheme comes from a bit of daring — along with knowledge of a few design tips. Creative mixing of accent pillows provides an opportunity to add color and personality to a room.

This week’s room mixes soft tones, a quirky flourish of pastels and patterned pillows, and just a touch of bright color for its unique look.