Design Challenge: Purple, Green, and Gold, Oh My
Happy Fat Tuesday, all! Or should I say “y’all?” It’s time to break out the beads, serve the King Cake, and pile on the purple, green, and gold. Now I will take King Cake all year long, and give me beads any time, but purple, green, and gold — I don’t think so. If you ask me that’s a pretty terrible color combination that should be kept to Mardi Gras floats. However, I like a good challenge, so I challenged myself to come up with a purple, green, and gold bedroom that I would be able to live with. Here it is…
I would start with the one person whom I think does purple really well – John Robshaw. The man has a way with pattern and color that most people don’t. The Navatta quilt has all three colors in a way that won’t make you reach for another Hurricane. Pair that with the sweet lavender of the Nalika pillow shams – and duvet if you’re so inclined – and you’re got a good start. I’d toss on a few of his colorful pillows for good measure. Or, I’d basically take everything shown on that bed…
The biggest/most pattern you use in the room is usually the best jumping off point. From the bedding I would add the Francesca bed upholstered in Aspen Gray linen with antique brass nailheads from Cisco Brothers. In my Red Barn world, brass is better currency than gold. I would keep the bedside tables super simple and symmetrical and would pair them with brass lamps and white linen shades from Jamie Young.
Across from the bed would be a large dresser with plenty of space to put all the clothes I bought from my favorite Old Town boutiques. I love the warm wood mixed with white in this Bungalow 5 dresser. Above the dresser is where we bring in fun and bit of flare. This amethyst mirror, also from Bungalow 5, packs a punch. It’s one single statement that doesn’t overpower the room. Add another brass lamp from Jamie Young to counter balance all the glam. There is a green version too if you prefer!
Finally, to anchor all of this I like Dash & Albert’s Jute Woven Bleached Oak rug. It’s soft and understated and it lets the rest of the elements in the room shine. Plus, I just love this natural color with the gray bed.
So there you have it. A Mardi Gras bedroom the Red Barn way. Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!
- About the boutique
Red Barn Mercantile opened its doors in September 2007 with a single vision in mind: providing old and new to offer our customers signature whole-room designs at great prices.
We’re more than a furniture boutique and provide more personalized service than a big box retailer. We work hard to bring you the highest quality furniture and gifts, the most unique conversation starters, wall hangings and accent pieces, whether they come from off-the-beaten-track flea markets, or the latest designers.
1117 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.838.0355
