Too Much Matchy-Matchy?
By Never teh BrideIn the latest issue of Cottage Living, interior designer Jackie Terrell said that “Too much match-matchy can kill a house by taking away its vibration or life.”
I have to respectfully disagree…sometimes. While looking up photos of rooms in which one color dominated, I’ll admit that I saw a lot of duds. This kitchen created by Pam of RetroRenovation, on the other hand, rocks my socks!
September 29th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
I wouldn’t want that kitchen to be mine, but I’d totally love to hang out in it.
Not enough Sea of Monsters stuff to be mine, and I’d never choose that table and chairs, but it’s bright, inviting, and friendly. What’s not to love?
Besides, I’ve seen many a monochromatic color scheme praised by ‘experts.’ This matches, but it’s not as dull (to me) as most monochromatic schemes are. Besides, there’s orange. Orange is a slow ball over the plate for me…as is purple.
September 29th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Hi, this is Pam of RetroRenovation.com - thank you so much for featuring my kitchen, I’m glad that you like it. To add to the discussion, I have to say that I think context is important. We live in Western Massachusetts, where winters are long. My husband wanted a ‘perky’ kitchen to counteract the short, dark days. And — the retro decorating gods sent us these original-finish 1963 cabinets just in time, showing their approval. Honestly, it’s been in place over two years and we are not one iota sick of it yet. I was careful to add very strong contrast colors - the appliance white, the geranium red, and the wallpaper on the soffit is a strong counter to all the aquamarine. The copper tones on the vintage pull down light and in the floor add warmth. In all - the kitchen is fun fun fun, it makes you smile everytime, and it’s very functional, too. My main point, color schemes can ‘work’ or ‘not work’ based on context - climate, light exposure, use of room, and of course - the individual or family’s personality… there’s no right answer, I think, it’s all alchemy.
September 30th, 2008 at 7:43 am
Twistie: It seems to me that the decor professionals are always looking for something to praise and something to criticize, but there’s only so much out there. White is good! No, white is bad! Etc, and so on.
Pam: Thanks for stopping by — I adore your kitchen! Winters here in Eastern Mass. are no picnic, either…maybe it’s time to update my kitchen