Quilt Of Many Colors

A couple of weeks back, while shooting the shield back chairs at Jordan's, I noticed an old silk quilt she had on the bottom of her bookshelf, torn and tattered with age. She'd found it years ago at an antique store in Mississippi, drawn to it for its history, its craft, and its rich array of color. Inspiration, I've always thought, is everywhere, and in this quilt, the possibilities are endless! Color can be a tricky thing, I know. Some of us live in fear, clinging to neutrals for safe haven from misstep. Others throw caution to the wind, preferring instead rooms awash in deep, saturated hues. Wherever you fall in the spectrum, inspiration is as infinite as your own imagination. I'm just here to help, say, open your eyes a bit more to the possibilities in everything.

There's a tiny patch of paisley in this quilt of many colors that Jordan loves, and I can certainly see why. The colors are surprising, beautiful and infinitely inspiring. So much so that together, we decided to create a color palette for a room—this one, a foyer—all from Ralph Lauren paint chips we picked up at Home Depot. I've always loved how sophisticated their colors are, together with the quality of their paint. First, I'd begin by painting all the walls a dark blue (Dried Violet VM152), the ceiling and front door an unexpected coral (Bitter Orange IB66), and the wood floors in a diamond pattern of cream and marigold (Mango Gold VIM34), aged with sandpaper and stain. On an Irish Oak demilune table with twisted spindle legs, I'd place a pair of brass candlestick lamps with shades painted coral and trimmed in marigold gimp. I'd hang a gilded mirror above, just chippy enough, with an oversized wrought iron lantern. Now who wouldn't want to come home to that? It's an entire palette for a room all inspired by a tiny patch of fabric.  

In another section of the quilt, we found inspiration for a master bedroom suite. The walls I imagine painted in thick stripes of lavender (Temptation VM43) and grayish green (Cameroon Green NA66) with dark hardwood floors and a natural sisal rug. The ring and rod curtains I'd do in a deep violet (Persian Violet VM175), trimmed in lavender. The bed would be nickel-plated and flanked by twin lacquered bedside tables, topped with crystal lamps.

Here we found inspiration for a dining room, full of rich, saturated color. The walls I'd lacquer magenta (Aruba Pink IB52), trimmed in gray (Natural Gray VM78). I'd do a modern glass dining table with traditional balloon back chairs covered in a marigold yellow mohair (Cypress VM27). The ceiling I'd paint cream, then hang an antique French chandelier, dripping with crystals.

This palette we thought would work beautifully in a kitchen. The cabinets I'd paint a pretty shade of blue (Durango Blue VM144), trimmed in gray (Rhode's Point NA51). I'd do a greenish brown roman shade (Camilla Sage NA12) with a blue tape trim in a Greek key pattern. The floors would be dark hardwood, the countertops a creamy marble, and the fixtures all nickel-plated.

This section of the quilt inspired the palette for a library. The bookcases and trim I'd paint a reddish brown (Cork VM36), the interior of the shelves a muted yellow (Beach Yellow IB71), and the ceiling a soft gray (Hazel Woods Ul50). I imagine a vintage chesterfield sofa in brown leather, an antique trunk coffee table, dark wood furniture with brass hardware, and a neutral-toned oriental carpet with a subtle mix of every color. With a roaring fire and a glass of sherry, who wouldn't want to curl up for a while?

Finally, this unusual color palette I imagine in a guest bedroom. I'd paint the walls a dusty pink (Mauve Morning VM66) and the trim gray (Manor Grey NA47) with two twin beds in a hunter green with coordinating bed linens (Cottage Green VM115). The curtains would be simple ring and rod with a green ticking stripe, the floors covered in wall-to-wall basket woven sisal, and the chandelier a traditional antler style. By mixing in the mauve with the hunter green, I think it's an unexpected twist on Adirondack.

And so, if you're thinking of changing up your space a bit, paint is definitely the easiest, most economical way to go about it. Just remember: inspiration is everywhere. It's just how you go about looking! And if you'd like, leave me a comment with your favorite color palette. I'd love to hear about it!

Comments

[Susan Sohr]

In the May issue of Southern Living you refinished a pedestal table. I inherited one just like that from my grandmother.The lable inside is dated 1946. It has been in my basement for many years. You have givin me an idea on how to refinish it now. Thanks.

[Elisa @ Globetrotting in Heels]

wow, that's stunning! I love these palettes! I have never been a huge fan of quilts, but that one is really gorgeous!

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[Marcia Calcaterra]

Beautiful color selections, Eddie. You are g o o d!!! Just wanted to let your guests know that these gorgeous quilts are in many of their antiques' shops and most definitely at Etsy. I have one in my shop now and have more to list! Marci (Serenities @ Etsy)

[Lauren]

LOVEEEEEE IT! I'm moving into a tiny bedroom of a friend's house and though she is sweet and wonderful, her style needs a little oomph. And YOU, dear Eddie Ross, are just the one to help me show her what color can do! Thank you!

[kelly]

Eddie, that magenta/yellow/gray combo is pure genius! Love it!

[Geneva]

For my wedding, my husband's grandmother gave us a landscape painting she had done so long ago she couldn't remember it. There is just something wonderful about the colors she used that is became the pallet for my entire living room.

My favorite rooms are always based on something I love.

[doodles]

this post made me pick up the phone, call my sister, tell her I figured out how to find the color for your bedroom, our Mama's old crazy quilt she made. Then I told her your site address.....thanks.....you are the inspiration.

[Cheryl]

Oh, this is right up my alley as a quilter. I'd love more posts about color choices and how to pull inspiration from textiles to design a room. Thanks Eddie!

[Janet Doherty]

It all goes back to what you love. I can see why you loved the quilt in the first place...it is one of those items you would love to find and cherish. Makes me want to go out on a shopping trip to find that inspiration again..even though its -24 today.
Your awesome.
Janet

[Eddie Ross]

Thanks for all the wonderful feedback--this was such a fun post to do. The paint in the first photo is chalkboard paint from Benjamin Moore. With two coats, it comes out as a very deep charcoal or black (depending on the light) with ink blue undertones.

[deb schrodt]

Hello Eddie
Once again thanks for the inspiration. I'm redoing a guest bedroom and i love your spin on Adirondack Style. I live here in the Adirondack's and vintage quilts are a must here in my old farmhouse. I'll send you a photo when my work is completed. Many Thanks!

[Susie Harris]

Ahhhhh or is it Ughhhhh. I have a love/hate relationship with colors. Just when you think you have it right.... paint again! Its a long story I will save for you later...Take care you two!

[amy bennett]

excellent taste!!! so beautiful!!!

[Lady Katherine]

Oh Eddie, what a special story of the quilt to go along with her newly painted home. Remember? I am from Mississippi, I rescued my 90 year old neighbor's house hold goods, We have her aqua?... 1950 couch and a chair, we have in storage. This quilt is almost exact to the quilt my daughter told me to go fast, my neighbors children were at the house and throwing out. I went, my girls came, we cried,later for they had burned the quilt and all the quilts, and linens. But we saved so much! I loved seeing Jordan's quilt, for someone special made this quilt her home.

[AMY]

Hi Eddie,
UGH, I wrote about my problems with color yesterday. I think I need an intervention!
I just love the colors in the quilt, just beautiful.
-Cheers, Amy

[Alaina]

I love the colors mixed in with the greys!

[Tabitha (From Single to Married)]

so beautiful and that quilt is amazing!

[LindsB]

You come up with the most AMAZING ideas- I am inspired every time!! Its so fun to see what you put together from just a simple item like that quilt. I'm hoping if I keep reading some of your talent will magically come to me for my own home. Amazing post yet again!

[patricia]

brilliant.

[Kwana]

Love these colors. So inspired. That quilt is quite a find.

[ralphie]

Hi Eddie!

Love the inspiration for your unique color combinations. The old quilt is beautiful. Using colors in new ways 'sparks new magic in a dusty world' (said Thomas Wolfe} and in a boring room!

Thanks for inspiration!

[Kate@ Kids and Cocktails]

When I start to plan a party, I always go to the paint store to help me find my color palette. Right now I'm really digging bright colors because I'm starting to plan my daughter's carnival birthday party for this summer. I found the inspiration for that from one of Amy Atlas's wonderful dessert tables.

[Laura]

I love all of them. And the library is almost like mine. http://amongsttheoaks.blogspot.com/2008/09/home-library-party.html
I've never understood why people are afraid of color. White has it's place, but not on every wall! I've got an old crazy quilt in the attic. I think I'll get it out and look for ideas.
~Laura

[nodomama]

Your color choices are gorgeous, inspired, and total eye candy. I always admire homes with unexpected palettes, but wonder, could I really live with all that color? And how do you decorate for all the different holidays?

[Mona]

Eddie! I'm a graphic designer yet I stay safe with neutrals - I love your color schemes! Inspiring... tooo fabu!!

The quilt looks good the way you've staged in in the photo - you're a genious! Which is why I say to myself - how would Eddie arrange this bookshelf - and why can't I do it??

[Jenny]

What a wonderful post! I love all the colors you put together.
Shopping for fabric is my favorite way to get inspired for a room. A quilt like this one is an endless source of color inspiration!
Thanks for the pick-me-up!

Jenny

[Katie]

Super post. I'm with lizzytish...is the first photo of Ralph Lauren's dried violet? I'm planning to bring a Vermeer-esque look such as that color into my home very soon and that color fits the bill. Thanks!

[Santamaker]

Not only are you talented in design, but gifted in writing about it. The quilt is a fantastic piece of inspiration. I love using bold colors as well. I've had two homes in which I painted the dining room sapphire blue which I adored. Presently, it's a paprika red, which showcases my blue and white china.
So glad I found your blog, you rock!

[Averill]

My bedroom is painted a dark slate blue (BM's Phillipsburg Blue to be precise) and 2.5 years later, I still love it. The darker color really makes all the white mouldings pop and it's very soothing while still dramatic.

As for a color palette I'm really into right now, I am loving a really saturated golden yellow paired with a medium toned gray. ...I just need to figure out where to use it!

[Lyngweeny]

OK, that does it.....
I'm redoing my library a la Ross.
How soon can you come to California to help me paint?

[Crystal]

LOVE your choices and palettes! I'm a color addict and this post was so inspirational! You have a such a good eye for finding unexpected beauty!

[Karena]

You have really put together some fabulous combinations. I love the master and Kitchen palettes you've chosen, would also like to use that Bitter Orange somewhere. Maybe on the back of a bookcase.

[Kathysue]

Hi Eddie, Great post and you show a clear picture of how one can choose color for a room and then you took it a step farther and painted a beautiful visual picture of the room,with words.I often use a fabric as my jumping off point,or springboard,to pick colors for a room for myself or a client.Color is fascinating and there is no limit to what you can have mixed with a good tinter.I am sure you will help see color differently through this great post. Love It! Hugs, Kathysue

[lizzytish]

Dear Eddie,
I've been wanting to paint my hardwood floors in my foyer. Have you done it yourself? Can I just start painting over the existing finish, or do I totally need to strip it?
Love your blog, and loved you on Top Design. My sister's a BFF of Preston's, but I was voting for you!
Thanks!

[hellogorgeous]

Do you happen to know the wall color in the first photo of this post? Dark gray? Black? Deep blue?

Thanks.

[Katarina]

If you ever run out of ideas/inspiration, just head over to the nearest yarn store and you are in COLOUR heaven!:D

[Katarina]

Every room in my apartment has different colours, but they have the same hue so it doesn't "disturb" when you look through and into another room. Hallway and living room are yellow, the small bedroom is terracotta, my bedroom is a soft, warm green and the kitchen is a warm, hot :P terracotta! I love purple and dark red and magenta...all warm colours and especially velvet and silk.

If I ever get to have a beach house I would have rooms in light blue and other pastels and white. My biggest problem is to decide what style to have so it's usually a mix of this and that....sighhhhhhh.

[Katarina]

I get inspired by just about anything. Particularly by flowers with their, sometimes, very unsual color combinations. :)

[Lucien]

A crazy quilt, I love them. In fact I am sewing on as we speak. I love the home spun feel of a crazy quilt. Many memories are in them. Dad's old shirt, Mom's favorite curtains from years ago. The fabrics truely are the pieces of our lives and to sit under one is to have all those familiar memories hold us gently. Great blog and what a great idea with the paint chips.

[Kneale]

Eddie, this is the most inspiring post for a cold and wintry morning! I love color and agree with you that Ralph Lauren's paints are the best. You have encouraged me to open my eyes even more to what is around me today....thank you and big hugs!
Warmly,
Kneale

[Cathleen]

Seriously, this is why I'm hooked on your blog! You have taken an old tattered Quilt and turned it into a Fabulous Post on paint colors and room design. I would love to know what kind of camera you use, your photo's are beautiful.... Oh, and I'm a Ralph Lauren Girl..... I could never pick just one....

xoxo,
Cathleen

[Tamstyles]

WOW! I would have never looked at it that way. But what a lesson learned with the quilt. All those colors are great. I wish I had on laying around.