Accents of color

The spring/summer 2014 issue of New Old House magazine features a new house by architect Rafe Churchill  that is traditional in its detailing, spartan even, but modern in its outlook. Most striking to me was the use of color throughout the house.

Today the norm is white or cream painted trim in every room right? Any color in this generally seems strange or odd. Not quite that long ago colored trim was commonplace and it's a device interior design is missing today. Even in my 1930s apartment I discovered all of my trim had originally been a bright turquoise while doing some work!

 I especially loved this screened porch -my favorite 'room' in the house.

 The cheerful apple green paneling in the family room is cozy, charming, and eye catching.

 The dining room features mustard yellow trim with white walls that tie into the kitchen.

Upstairs paint is taken to another level with glossy white painted floors in this bedroom. Interestingly while the trim is also painted a soft green, the door is left the natural wood.

Even this unusual 'country mancave' as I refer to it features dark painted trim, albeit with exposed stud walls. I'm not sure I'm brave enough to risk this much color in such a way in my own home but would you, could you?  Maybe we should all take a clue from the not so distant past and skip the white trim for awhile.
All images by John Gruen

Let there be light

One of the most underrated light fixtures in my humble opinion is the sconce. Mounted at eye level sconces create flattering light unlike the shadow lines created on ones' face from overhead lighting. Also, they don't take up precious table space like lamps or clutter a room like floorlamps.

This weekend I helped a friend install some antique sconces we had picked out at Artisan Lamp (my favorite lighting source here in DC) onto some existing built-in bookshelves in his den. The effect is magical particularly in this small room without any existing lighting!

Not only are they the jewels of the room, the warm light cast by them is ultimately flattering and practical. Don't forget sconces in your next project!