Shock Therapy: Shock of Orange

Orange? One of my least favorite colors. I never wear it. It seems harsh on my eyes. But at the same time, I must admit that I have seen it done well. So well, in fact, that I might be changing my mind. (Gasp!) Check out some of the most convincing spaces I've found...

Kathryn Ireland's house inspires me so much. Again, love that architecture, but I love how she's made it feel so cozy and earthy. Obviously, I also love her textiles that are peppered throughout.

Living room above is Kathryn Ireland's

Robin Lester's Sneak Peek on Design Sponge

Okay, I know I'm supposed to be observing the great orange-related choices, but I can't take my eyes of that black and white bathroom. Love it!

Gramercy Park Residence designed by Robert Passal via Decorati

Sweet little seating nook here in muted tones. Makes me feel like I'm in a desert... in a good way. Think she uses the concealed corner behind the door for storage? I would!

Image from Stacey Sargent of Love and Photographs on Design Sponge

Here they used an Ikea fabric as a table cloth. This is a creative use of an affordable textile. Injecting personality into your space does not have to cost an arm and a leg.

Outdoor space from the Sneak Peek of Anna of Dutch Door Press via Design Sponge

I'm obsessed with this whole house below. The entire house is like nothing I've seen done before. They took my favorite type of architecture and just made it through-the-roof-cool. Note the bold choices of colors in the big pieces like this sofa. So brave!

Living room of Ramin Shamshiri of Commune, via Design Sponge

Mostly black and white can easily handle a small shot of orange. (Orange fur, no less!)

Upper East Side Apartment designed by Diego Garcias, via The Glamourai

A kitchen this sleek needs a jolt of whimsy and personality. The hutch supplies this plus more storage. I dig it.

Image found via Little Green Notebook

Here's a take on the toned-down version of orange, more of a sorbet. These walls and the airy choice for the chandelier beg for a bulky table. The more saturated colors in the pillows keep it from being too sweet as well.

Kitchen from Elle Decor, June 09

The nursery is always a great place to go over the top with a color scheme. Here, just a dash or two of orange are heard loud and clear.

Image from Heather Balliet of Amorology's Sneak Peek on Design Sponge

One of my MOST FAVORITE applications of this color! The juxtaposition of the wallpaper and the patterned curtain is unexpected and to die for. And that framed painting just completes it!

Bedroom designed by Kimberly Ayres, via Decorati

I really like this sweet but energetic bedroom. Another example of many different prints playing well together because of the unifying color scheme. I also love that graphic artwork above the mantel. Oh and under my bed is TOTALLY that clean. Yours too, right?

Bedroom designed by Ellen Hamilton, via Decorati

This space is crisp and clean-feeling which lends itself well to relaxation and bedtime.

Images from Cara of Ore Studio's Sneak Peek on Design Sponge

I love how the gray and white really recede to let the vanity be the showstopper. I still love the lattice too.

Image from Martha Stewart, found via Little Green Notebook

I'm definitely seeing the formula for a successful space that incorporates orange must include natural elements (woods, cork, greenery, leather, wicker) to keep it from being too jarring on the senses. I think I'm turning over a new leaf! Next mission: start small, but incorporate some orange into a space soon!

Shock Therapy: Shock of Pink

I've never been one to be drawn to monochromatic rooms. I love neutral color palettes, but never without a punch of color. I'd like to post once a week about this strategy because...

1) Color and accessories infuse a space with character and personality, and make it more personal,

2) And because by switching up the color, you can create a space with a completely different feel.

In our home, I've created a vignette by the sitting area behind the couch, where our beloved Spanish Senorita is featured. I got her and her mate (a handsome matador, of course!) while thrifting in rural Tennessee. I think her dress and the framed Cream album infuse the space with energy.

Here are some of my favorite spaces that feature a shock of PINK!

An undeniably lady-like room with cotton-candy walls.

Sitting area, designed by Ruthie Sommers. I cannot find my source. If you know it, I'd gladly update.

Funky accessories in a punch of color read as trendy and fun in this outdoor space.

Outdoor space designed by Kim Alexandriuk Interior Design via decorati

Here's a casual and comfortable living room, featuring sofas in Pantone's Color of the Year 2011, Honeysuckle.

Found through Erin Gates at Elements of Style

This is bright colors executed sooo gorgeously... I wouldn't normally pair an orange patterned chair with pink walls, but I cannot deny how cheery it looks!

Windsor Smith in House Beautiful

The following is an image from PerlaAnne's shop where she sells her adorable prints. I love the soft pink on soft pink. Apparently I can get on board with a monochromatic look!

Found via Design Sponge

One of my favorite rooms because of its lasting impact, designed by Mary McDonald. A bold room, from the zebra rug to the wall color to the pagoda gilt-frame mirror, to the blue and white ceramics. So feminine and over the top!

Via House Beautiful

Pretty bedroom where the printed wallpaper complements the striped pink rug because of the unifying color.

Via House Beautiful

Dining room designed by Ondine Karady. The dark wood keeps this room from being too girly.

Via Decorati.com

This chic dining room was designed by Eileen Boyd. Black and white and gray tone down the fushia.

Found in Lonny Mag Dec 2010

What I wouldn't give for Ryan to let me do this to one of our bathrooms! I love the combination of that carved wood mirror, marble counter top, and that pink!

Pink bathroom found via Decorno

This is a wallpapered bathroom in the coolest bachelorette pad ever.

Anna Kohler's apartment, found in Elle Decor

I adore the cherry blossom wallpaper balanced with the "manly" street sign on the door and the old metal medicine cabinet.

Found via interiors porn, originally from Hus & Hem

Or you could add in your pop of color through your artwork, like I've done. This cool and cheeky art in shocking pink hangs above the bar.

Emily and Andrew De Stefano's home in Design Sponge's sneak peek

And finally, a cool abstract painting that I've added to my "must try to recreate" list. It's fantastic!

I cannot for the life of me find this source. Please let me know, if you know and I'll happily update! Thanks!