Play With Paint and Pattern

Serene Living Room

To keep the cathedral-like space from overwhelming the room, Barbara kept the color palette restful and tied it with adjoining rooms. A muted rug defines the space, and a dramatic chandelier draws the eye up.

Whitewashed wood panels running horizontally on the wall contribute more texture than a painted wall and frame the larger-than-life painting.

Go Green

"I wanted to do an all-green space," says Barbara. Inspired by a color discovered in a historic house, the space is swathed in a soothing shade. Even the console tables are painted the same color with a gray wash on top. Malachite boxes and green glass lamps continue the palette.

Walls, ceiling, and trim: Aged Mint (IB77)
Available at Ralph Lauren Paint

Guided by Pattern

Falling in love with a fabric can kick-start the decorating process. This blue paisley provided inspiration for the upholstery, the wall color, and the rug. Pale colors let the print pop, and accessories, such as the blue stemware, pick up the bolder tones.

Fabric
Available at Jim Thompson

White Done Right

In the all-white kitchen, marble tiles taken up to the ceiling have the effect of a graphic wallpaper. A simple palette of gray, white, and silver lets them take center stage.

Ethereal Ceiling

In the master bedroom, white walls and bed curtains create a clean backdrop for a variety of blues. A Mediterranean-inspired blue ceiling creates a soothing, restful retreat.

Ceiling: Big Sur Blue (IB93)
Available at Ralph Lauren Paint

Sweet Pink

In many cases, a patterned fabric isn’t meant to steal the show but to add to it. In the sitting room, the soft colors and subtle fabrics contrast with concrete floors and the statement-making antiqued mirror behind the sofa. The room could stand alone without the floral-printed slipper chairs, but it is much more interesting with them.

Walls: Cameo Pink (VM41)
Available at Ralph Lauren Paint

All About Scale

Using patterns together is all about balance and scale. Here, a graphic geometric pattern is dramatic and effective when it could have overwhelmed. The trick is the spare use of other colors and patterns. A very small stripe in the same colorway complements the bold fabric. Painting the walls, trim, and ceiling the same shade prevents the eye from being stopped all around the room.

Walls, ceiling and trim: Bitter Orange (IB66)
Available at Ralph Lauren Paint

Fabric
Available at Schumacher

Stylish Stripes

In the teen’s room, raspberry-striped wallpaper adds a touch of Hollywood glamour. Run on the horizontal (a technique called "railroading"), it looks modern but is cozy. Large-scale floral prints on the ottoman, chair, and pillows echo the walls, but their similar chocolate brown background colors don’t compete for attention. A smaller scale stripe with pinks, greens, and browns (on the curtains and back of the chair) ties the room together.

Monochromatic Dream

Tone-on-tone wallpaper and paint and fabric in the same shade create an intimate space. The shag rug adds some interest, and pops of white (on the accent chair, art, and sconce shades) break up the monochromatic palette.

Ceiling: Starry Night (VM80)
Available at Ralph Lauren Paint