Design Diary: Color Theory Brings a Suburban House to Life

Boston-based interior designers Brad Dufton and Kendra Amin-Dufton, the husband and wife duo behind Color Theory (of Apartment Therapy Small Cool fame in 2009), recently finished a top-to-bottom project on a house in Winchester, which I wrote about for the Boston Globe Magazine. The story, “Against the Gray,” details the process of and relationship between the designers and clients on their journey in creating a color-filled home. Note that Color Theory did it entirely from retail sources, so if you’re interested, re-creating the look is within easy reach.

Living Room Designed By Color Theory

 Photo by Michael J. Lee

Funnily enough, although the clients wanted color, Brad went with gray paint throughout the house. It makes a great backdrop for the saturated furnishings. Above, in the formal living room, he used a relatively dark shade, Benjamin Moore “Rock Gray.”  Brad says, “Formal spaces benefit from darker colors; it decompresses your energy, makes you want to stay longer for conversation.” This is one of three rooms in the house that he tags as moody.

Indian rug from Mohr & McPherson in Boston;  “Fillmore” sofa from Thrive; barley twist chairs from Zimman’s near Boston, upholstered in “Prospect” ikat by Thom Filicia for Kravet; starburst mirror from Zimman’s; coffee table from Horchow.

Farmily Room Designed By Color Theory

The family room, above and below, is huge. The walls are a lighter gray, Benjamin Moore “Wales Gray.” (By the way, Brad started out as a professional painter; he swears by and only uses Benjamin Moore, preferring its Regal Select line with a matte finish.) They used a three-dimensional, dried black lava stone tile for the fireplace surround. He calls the handmade, Brazilian chevron cowhide rug, from PureRugs, a “god-like” material, saying, “Everything and anything washes out of it.” Chairs from Circle Furniture; trio of acrylic tables from Wayfair.

Farmily Room Designed By Color Theory

A 14-foot-long Flexform sofa from Showroom in Boston dominates the main portion of the family room. Thomas H. Little Upholstery in Southboro, MA crafted the round ottomans and throw pillows. As for the juju hat installation, the client, who is from Congo, had the orange one. Brad and Kendra asked her to bring back “as many as she could carry” went she went to Africa to visit her mom. They admit they had no idea what they’d do with them all, but in a fit of inspiration, they clustered them on the wall

Sunroom Designed By Color Theory

Photo by Michael J. Lee

The sunroom boasts an amazing collection of indoor/outdoor pieces by Paolo Lenti from Montage in Boston. The sofa is actually three individual chairs that can be moved around (or dragged out to the deck). They originally purchased the ensemble for the basement playroom, but in an Aha! moment, Kendra realized they’d be perfect for the sunroom. The indoor/outdoor rug was a steal for $150 at RugsUSA, a welcome addition after the splurge on furniture. Continuing the high/low mix, there’s also a “Martini” side table from West Elm and a trio of cage pendants from CB2.

Lighting Designed by Color Theory

In the stairwell, nine brass and stainless steel pendants with rope cords and Thomas Edison filament bulbs by Lunabella, purchased at Zimman’s. We hear the electrician was none too pleased to have to hang them all.

Lighting Designed by Color Theory

Bedroom Designed by Color Theory
Photo by Michael J. Lee

The master bedroom is done in a glamorous scheme of black and magenta, with Benjamin Moore “Rock Gray” on the walls. The bed, which the clients first saw in an apartment they rented in Paris, is B&B Italia by Max Aalto, purchased from  Montage in Boston. It’s black-stained wood, with a gray tweed upholstered headboard and platform. The ottoman is West Elm and the ikat rug from Wayfair.  The Horchow fainting chaise came in gray velvet, but Brad and Kendra had it reupholstered in a magenta fabric by Iman for Kravet that they’d had their eyes on for years.

Boudoir Designed By Color Theory
 Photo by Michael J. Lee

The client was hot for a vanity. Brad and Kendra couldn’t find one they loved, so they pieced together its components using the Jonathan Adler “Channing” console, an inexpensive acrylic chair, curvy “Cattaneo” mirror from Horchow, and chrome sconces with black shades from Lamps Plus. I love the Senegalese storage basket from Serena & Lily, presumably used as a hamper.

Bathroom Designed By Color Theory

The master bath is done with a 3D tile on the floor, inspired by Manhattan bathrooms of the 1920s, and staggered oversize marble tiles on the wall. The egg-shaped tub was a splurge, and caused a bit of a ruckus with the plumber, but they finally got it right.

color-theory-nursery-michael-lee
 Photo by Michael J. Lee

The client, pictured here, is expecting a baby. Luckily, they were able to use all the pieces from her now two-year-old’s nursery from their prior home to create a new gender-neutral nursery. The walls are a grayish blue, Benjamin Moore “Sterling.”  The chartreuse lacquer dresser is the “Latitude” from CB2, the sleeper sofa from Room & Board, and the crib is Stokke. The stuffed animals are from Africa and the animal photographs purchased online from The Animal Print Shop, finished in frames by Room & Board. The chevron rug was created from FLOR carpet tiles. The cuckoo clocks over the crib were Brad & Kendra’s (you may recognize them from their living room), purchased a while back for 99 cents each at Urban Outfitters.

Guest Room Designed By Color Theory

The guest room, above and below, is done in the punchy black and white “Feather Fan” wallpaper by Cole & Son. “Wood Tiled” whitewashed dresser from West Elm; assorted carpet tiles by FLOR.

Guest Room Designed By Color Theory

“Window” headboard from West Elm and “English Garden” comforter set from Target.

Color Theory Girls Bedroom Boho

Finally, the daughter’s bedroom is done with a hippie chic, boho bibe, in a slight departure from the rest of the house. Brad says, “I want her to feel like she is carried to a far away land when she steps in.”

*  *   *   *

Shop Serena & Lily for beautiful kids’ rooms. 

Serena & Lily Girls Bedrooms

Shop stylish sofas at Dwell Studio

Get the Look: Crystal Ball Chandeliers

Following up on yesterday’s Montage: 20 Rooms with Crystal Ball Chandeliers, and simultaneously pushing my own living room light fixture quest forward, I scrounged around for crystal ball chandeliers and floral sputnik styles. While these all aren’t exactly uniform in style, I resisted the urge to include other types of globe-shaped pendants, like the pierced Oly pieces, or spikey corals, or capiz shell creations, or globules of hand blown glass, in the effort to (mostly) approximate a globe shape in crystal (or at least crystal detail).

The vintage Italian versions from 1st dibs (#11 and #21) are what I’d love to hang. #1, which is a contemporary version, is great looking too, though minus the patina. I discovered that Juliska makes light fixtures (who knew?) and I’m kinda smitten with the Serena & Lily (#5) in concept, though it skews too Moroccan for my own home. Check out #8; it’s quite beautiful, and interesting (and I wouldn’t have expected to find it at a department store). #7 is a popular pendant that gets the look across without being frouffy, and #15 is a bit more feminine, petite, and very inexpensive. Anyway, enough of my musing, have a look yourself and let me know your thoughts.

 

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S H O P P I N G

1 Remy Sixteen Light Pendant by Cyan Design, $2,730 at Zinc Door.

2 Crystal Ball Pendant, now $1,495 at Neiman Marcus.

3 Maxim Arabesque Golden Silver Pendant, $990.91 at Lamps Plus.

4 Juliska Florence Large Globe Pendant, $650 at Bloomingdale’s.

5 Marmont Pendant.,$275 at Serena & Lily.

6 James R Moder Tekno Mini Sun Sphere, $913.68 at Decor Designs Unlimited.

7 Maxim Lighting Glimmer Chandelier, $698 at Lumens.

8 Waterford Persia Pendant, $18,000 at Bloomingdale’s.

9 Dar Geneva 15-Light Gold Pendant, £599.50 at Mail Order Lighting.

10 1920s Crystal Ball Floral Chandelier, $4,300 at Gallipoli, 1st Dibs.

11 1950s Crystal Ball Chandelier by Lobmeyr, $18,600 at Brady’s, 1st Dibs.

12 Tresor Pendant by Terzani, $10,500 at Lumens.

13 14.1 Suspension Lamp by Omer Arbel for Bocci, $350 at Switch Modern.

14 Worlds Away Knox Antique Mirror Large Pendant, $613 at Zinc Door.

15 WAC Roxy Chrome+ Crystal Pendant, $288.91 at Lamps Plus.

16 Ortenzia Pendant Light, $2,191.50 at Ylighting.

17 Currey & Company Crystal Bud Sphere, $986 at Layla Grace.

18 Fascination 3-Light Halogen Chandelier, $299 at Ylighting.

19 Caboche Piccola Chandelier by Patricia Urquiola, $1,078 at Ylighting.

20 Bloom by Ferruccio Laviani for Kartell, $380 at Switch Modern

21 Chrome & Glass Ball Chandelier, $2,500 at Assemblage, 1st Dibs.

22 Plastic Floral Sputnik, $3,100 at Coolhouse, 1st Dibs.

23 ET2 Brilliant 1-Light Pendant, $170 at Macy’s.

24 Antiqued Silver-Leaf Chandelier, $1,500 at Horchow.

*  *  *  *  *

For kick-ass contemporary glass fixtures,
check out Switch Modern.

Get the Look: White + Wood Furniture and Accessories

WHITE AND WOOD FURNITURE AND HOME ACCESSORIES

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WHITE AND WOOD FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES

S H O P P I N G

1 Nordic Candleholder by Design House Stockholm, $69 at Horne.
2 Steelwood Chair by Magis, $658 at Nova68.
3 Cerno Silva Desk Lamp, $427.91 at Lamps Plus.
4 Woody Dining Table by Lime Studio, $249 at CB2.
5 Oiva Serving Pot by Sami Ruotsalainen, $65 at Marimekko.
6 Nest Cabinet by MADE $2,350–$5,350 at 2Modern.
7 Coral 400 Pendant by David Trubridge, $290–$360 at 2Modern.
8 Alessi Ape Aperitivo Collection, $58-$220 at Module-R.
9 PS 2012 Bamboo Side Table by Henrik Preutz, $29.99 at IKEA.
10 Eames Lounge Chair with Ottoman, $5,729 at Yliving.
11 Oeuf Crib, $940 at Fawn & Forest.
12 Marvin Coat Rack by Gareth Neal, $195 at The Future Perfect.
13 RBP Oat Pillow with Leather Trim, $44.95 at CB2.
14 Bundle Corian Side Table, $479 at Horne.
15 Alba Credenza by Jannis Ellenberger, $599 at CB2.
16 PS 2012 Pine Mirror by Ehlén Johansson, $49.99 at IKEA.
17 Les Perles Candlestick by Y’a Pas Le Feu Au Lac, $75 at Woonwinkel.
18 Festa Chopping Board by Serafino Zani, £63.50 at Made In Design.
19 Alvar Aalto Tea Trolley 901 by Artek, $2,230 at Matter.
20 Scrapwood Bucketseat by Piet Hein Eek, $735 at The Future Perfect.
21 TORNA Floor Lamp by Ehlén Johansson, $99.99 at IKEA.
22 Petite Chair, $139 at CB2.
23 Thorsten Van Elten Pigeon Light, $140 at Greener Grass Design.
24 PIK Vase by Y’a Pas Le Feu Au Lac, $95 at Horne.
25 Ceramic Vase with Wood Top, $19.99–$39.99 at West Elm.
26 Source Chair by Trevyn+Julian McGowan, $159.99 at West Elm.
27 Woody Shelving System by Hay, $840 at Finnish Design Shop.
28 Segesta Wood Chair by Alias, £273 at Made In Design.
29 Compass Trestle Legs by Matthew Hilton for SCP, $750 at Horne.
30 Vase by Javier Gutiérrez+Laurent Serin, $49.80 at DWR.

* you’ll also love * 

Montage: 30 White +  Wood Rooms
Montage: 57 Rooms with Plywood Walls, Ceilings, Floors

My companion post on LampsPlus: 
Design Trend: White and Wood

Get the Look: 30 Guest Room Goodies

Today is my debut as a LampsPlus blogger! The topic is seasonal—”14 Guest Room Essentials“—in anticipation of holiday house guests. (Not that I have to deal with this, as we go to Connecticut most Thanksgivings.) I do, however, love the idea of creating the perfect space for guests. In my younger (misguided) years, I thought having a B&B in Vermont would be fun. Yikes.  Instead I try to make our guest rooms on the Cape light, airy, and all around perfect. I suppose one could run into the problem of visitors overstaying their welcome, but since I don’t tend to cook and dance any jigs for them, I haven’t had this issue. : )

Anyway, addition to perusing the pretty guest room worthy offerings below, click over to Lamps Plus’ blog Style Illuminated for a look. In addition to a product roundup, I featured interiors designed by Palmer Weiss, Nicole Hollis, Maria Lladro, and others.

One last thing . . . I just want to mention that I’m in super good company. My co-bloggers include Anne Sage of The City Sage, KariAnn Wood of  Thistlewood Farm, Erin Hiemstra of Apartment 34, designer Rob Levine, Allison Rosenberg of Deco on the Road, Meg Biriam, and my editor, the lovely Lesley Myrick.

 

 

S H O P P I N G 

1 Stripe Throw.

2 AERIN Pink Climbing Rose Candle, $58 at Neiman Marcus.

3 Tivoli Model One AM/FM Radio, $149.99 at Tivoli Audio.

4 Coatrack Dots by Tveit&Tornøe for Muuto, $149 at DWR.

5 Glittered Geometry Garland, $38 at Leif.

6 Lean Floor Lamp by Workroom, $1,160 at Douglas + Bec.

7 Conical Copper & Glass Vase, £175 at Minimalux.

8 Natural Wood Valet Stand, $353 at The Bath Outlet.

9 Alyson Fox Triangle Pillow Covet, $34 at West Elm.

10 Cordula Kehrer Wastebasket, $45 at Areaware.

11 Born in Sweden Magazine Rack, $64.90 at YLiving.

12 Worlds Away Lacquer Bar Cart, $1,713 at Zinc Door.

13 Glass Carafe with Cork Stopper, $48 at Serena & Lily.

14 Oak Tray by Broberg Ridderstråle, $220 at Finnish Design Shop.

15 Gandia Blasco Catania Wool Kilim Rug, $650-$1,260 at Horne.

16 Beech Torch by Jonas Damon, $48 at Areaware.

17 Joan Alara Berry Bench, $149.99 at Lamps Plus.

18 Svenskt Tenn Hawaii Pillow, 840 SEK at Svenskt Tenn.

19 Oak Mirror by Rebecca Snelling, $620 at Douglas+Bec.

20 Extra Large Wire Basket, $29.95 at Crate & Barrel.

21 Bird House Bath Tissue Holder, $12.99 at The Container Store.

22 Ribbon Stripe Storage Jar, $58 at Leif.

23 Ferm Living Small Candleholder, $29.95 at House & Hold.

24 Design House Stockholm Family Chair, $650 at House&Hold.

25 Chrome Folding Luggage Rack, $29.99 at Bed, Bath & Beyond.

26 Felt Bin by Mika Tolvanen for Muuto, 79€ at Maison 203.

27 LUDDE Sheepskin Rug, £20 at IKEA.

28 Studio Afroart Coussin Ruperta Pillow, 52€ at La Maison d’Anna G.

Get the Look: 34 Linear Suspension Lights

In addition to wall-to-wall carpet, pink bathroom tile, and misplaced doorways, the Delray Beach condo doesn’t really have overhead lighting—except for one oddly placed linear suspension lighting fixture. If you can get your eyes to focus beyond the nautical fanfare, you’ll see the fixture above the former owner’s dining table. We are changing the layout, so that spot will function as an entry area, probably with a console table and/or bench. (The entry door is to the right of the table.) As I mentioned yesterday, the carpet and fake wood floor will be ripped out, and a plywood floor will run throughout. So, for the purposes of this post, the question is: What to do about replacing that light fixture?

I perused the usual suspects to figure out my options—Lumens, Ylighting, Lightology, Lamps Plus, etc., and found more ceiling lights, including an interesting option I didn’t see on the US ones (#6) on the British site Argos. (And I learned a new term in all this: linear suspension lighting.) I would love to know what kind of light you think would work best. Remember, it will be an entry space, not a dining area. Ideas please!

 

 

S H O P P I N G

1 Pinto 1 Linear Suspension by Eglo, $372 at Lumens.

2 White Birch Plywood Lamp byArtek, $995 at Hive.

3 Logico Triple Linear Suspension by Artemide, $3,115 at Lumens.

4 Hola Suspension Light by LZF, $1043 at Ylighting.

5 Prisms 3 Light Suspension by ET2, $178 at Lightology.

6 Arteriors Home Caviar Staggered Pendant, $2,760 at All Modern.

7 LED Over Light, £120 at Argos.

8 Classique Slender Rectangle by Stonegate, $1,008 at Lightology.

9 Jamaica Suspension by Foscarini, $2,738 at Switch Modern.

10 Lyra 48 Linear Suspension, $1,040 at Lightology.

11 Larmes Linear Suspension by ET2, from $318 at Lumens.

12 Silhouette Linear Suspension by Besa Lighting, $1,000 at Lightology.

13 Noto Suspension Lamp by Artemide, $2,940 at Hive.

14 Titanium Linear Suspension Light by Access, $359 at Lightology.

15 Odyssey Linear Multi-Light by Access, $333 at Lumens.

16 Sioux Suspension Lamp by LZF, $1,732 at 2Modern.

17 Zen Linear by Fredrick Ramond, $1,399 at Ylighting.

18 Mouille Style Bent Arm, $6,800 at Urban Archaeology.

19 Sonneman Puri Four Light Pendant, $990 at All Modern.

20 Cellula Swarovski Crystal Chandelier, $2,730 at DWR.

21 Helix LED Linear Suspension by ET2, $1,328 at Lumens.

22 Flexxxibile Long Suspension, $2,009 at Lightology.

23 Long & Hard Suspension by Philippe Starck for Flos, $1,895 at Hive.

24 Long Light by Marcel Wanders for Moooi, $814 at Hive.

25 I-Club Small Suspension Light by LZF, $1,713.60 at Ylighting.

26 Troag Suspension Lamp by Luca Nichetto for Foscarini, $1,488 at Hive.

27 Cirrus Linear Suspension by Hinkley Lighting, $599 at Ylighting.

28  T-2205 Series Island Light by Estiluz, $1,008.80 at All Modern.

29 Tolomeo Double Suspension by Artemide, $720 at Hive.

30 Revel Linear Suspension by Tech Lighting, $1,200 at Lightology.

31 Artcraft On the Spot 3-Light, $342.91 at Lamps Plus.

32 Forecast Alexis Nickel 3-Light Rectangle, $665.91 at Lamps Plus.

33 Scandia Three Light Oval by Artcraft, $347.43 at All Modern.

34 Louvre Suspension Light by Established & Sons, $3,020 at Unica.

 

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When choosing a light, be sure to note what kind of bulbs it requires, and if the wattage is bright enough to light your space. A guide to choosing the right GU10 LED or other similar guides light might provide helpful information.