It seams like everybody has a color of year or month...Pantone, Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore and so on, and so on...usually these selections are driven by public opinion, surveys or votes on what people feel are popular and a great deal of research goes into what's hot in any particular season. I view color as a very personal and subjective element in any color scheme albeit, interior design, fashion, and art. So, just for fun I decided to run a twelve month long feature based on the birthstone gems, "CGD Color of the Month" and explore how the beautiful colors of these stones can be found and used in our everyday interior environments. Hopefully you'll be inspired by what will be presented and how you can incorporate more color into your world!
CDG Color of the Month
January 2017
GARNET
Gemstones have been valued for their beauty and supposed powers dating back to biblical times. Much later in 1912 the Jewelers of America adopted an official list of birthstones which has changed a bit over the years. The Georgian calendar has poems matching each month and the famous Tiffany and Co. published the first "Georgian Birthstone Poem" in 1870. For this series I'll stick to the traditionally known birthstone gems of the 21st century.
"By her who in this month is born, No gem save garnets should be worn; They will ensure her constancy,True friendship, and fidelity."
Red of any shade is definitely a bold color choice for any interior environment, so if thinking about using this color you may want to use it sparingly.
I also find it interesting how color in fashion and interiors play off one another. Usually the fashion industry colors will dictate current themes and trends found in home decor.
Although usually found more in a traditional decor style, here in this contemporary vignette Garnet, used as accessories, pairs nicely with a medium gray and earthy green palette.
I used this gorgeous Duralee fabric recently on a client re upholstery project.
The deep red background is brightened up by the rich gold, yellows and greens and looked fabulous on the chase lounge. My client calls this her "happy place"!
Another great complement color to a deep red is turquoise or blue. These colors are opposite on the color wheel so make an excellent combination. I love to use color combinations found in nature because they are "perfectly and wonderfully made" Using a little or a lot of one or both colors will definitely make a statement, Beware, the interior photos following are not for the faint of "color heart"!
When considering this Garnet or any deep red color for any interior decor project you may have, remember all the great complementary colors that can be used with it. Use more if you want a bold statement, or plan on using garnet in accessories like lamps, artwork or pillows for a more subtle look. Use as much or as little of this bold color as you can mentally take, and have fun!
Until next time,
Tina
