Valentine's Day Orchid

One of the pleasures of my job is when representatives from fabric houses visit to show me new additions to their product lines. On one recent visit, a color palette materialized and struck me as so trend-worthy, I really thought I was onto something. How surprised (and truthfully, deflated) I was when I saw the very colors in a House Beautiful magazine I started reading from October 2011. I call the color orchid because it's like a pale mauve bordering on lilac. I see it especially for the "boudoir." Imagine it with polished chrome or nickel and shimmering accents. I can't imagine that anyone would not feel totally glam in this environment. So here are some images of rooms decked in this luscious palette as well as some of the fabrics and finishes that highlight its virtues. Tell me you're not drooling.

Interior Design by Pat Healing of HB Home, House Beautiful October 2011The orchid in the living room above is a subtle accent color, just enough without being overwhelming. I love it in the deeper yet translucent lucite coffee table. Another favorite accent is the metal leaf on the ceiling: a great way to add light and sparkle to interiors.

Interior Design by Pat Healing of HB Home, House Beautiful October 2011The dining room chairs are upholstered in a lilac silk mohair--one of the most elegant and luxurious textiles you can use. The wallpaper is DeGournay--hand painted. Enough said.

Interior Design by Royce Pinkwater, House Beautiful October 2011The orchid is again reflected in a sumptuous mohair on the sofa and chaises. Orange is the accent color here, an interesting counterpoint to the orchid. I love the gold sheer roman shades, diffusing a warm subtle glow.

Bedroom by Martyn Lawrence BullardHere's a great example of orchid used in the boudoir. This room, designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard of Bravo TV's Million Dollar Decorators fame, showcases the lovely juxtaposition of orchid with polished metal represented by the mirrored canopy bed. Add the glossy finish on the flooring and you can imagine the richness of this color palette in the bath between tile, fixtures, lighting and wall treatments.

        

If I were to use orchid in a bathroom design, I would use it with these two materials. On the left is Pamir Mirror Mosaic tile in Silver by New Ravenna Mosaics. Part of its Ikat Collection, this pattern complements the orchid by illuminating and reflecting its beautiful tones. On the right is an Andrew Martin fabric for Lee Jofa called Baccarat in Silver and Taupe. The damask pattern has a suedey texture on a silver mylar ground. I'd use it on a vanity stool, ottoman or slipper chair near a free-standing tub.

       

These two fabrics exemplify how orchid and metallics work in the bedroom to add sophistication and shimmer. On the left is an embroidered brocade by Suzanne Kasler for Lee Jofa. And on the right is a jacquard woven fabric by Threads at Lee Jofa.

       

Two more fabrics that I couldn't resist, here in shades of pewter and aubergine--a deeper, more reddish violet color. On the left is Satara, an ikat pattern by Castel, which has the shimmer and texture of a raw silk but is mostly synthetic. On the right is Junko by Castel, an embroidered fabric of silk and linen. I just love how the illumination cast by the silky pewter tones intensifies the deep, rich reddish violet color.