Kohler has been playing with its archival colors in all kinds of ways lately, reissuing greens, pinks, yellows, and more for its bathtubs, sinks, and toilets. The eye-catching moves continue with the company’s latest collaboration with artist-designer Dr. Samuel Ross and his industrial design studio SR_A. Yes, you’re seeing straight: It’s bright orange.

Formation 02, a limited-edition silhouette for the Eir smart toilet, is the second entry in Ross’s Formation line with the brand, preceded by an architectural faucet made from a new composite material called Neolast. The electric hue draws inspiration from Tiger Lily, a color Kohler introduced in 1967 for various applications in the bathroom and a signature of the designer. 

Brutalist in style, the commode’s shape pays homage to the velocity and power of water. Unique molding and tooling techniques result in a base with dramatic angles and texture, not unlike cliffs or crags carved over time by water. Combined with the orange color, Formation 2 would make a serious statement in an all-white, windowless powder room, funky pool house, or a maximalist main bathroom. (This isn’t the first time we’ve been taken with an orange toilet—peep the tangerine surprise in this Paris apartment.) 

It still comes with all the features of the Eir: a heated seat, customizable cleansing, nightlight, hands-free opening/closing, automatic flush, and a touch-screen remote. “Formation 02 combines our industrial expertise and technological prowess with our strong belief in the power of creativity to challenge and drive forward progress,” says Scott Edmunds, vice president of Kohler Marketing. The piece will debut at Milan Design Week this year and be available at sra.kohler.com on April 16. Who said shower tile was the only way to go bold in the bathroom? 

The post Kohler Is Bringing Back This Vintage Toilet Color—And the Shade Is Shocking appeared first on domino.

Elizabeth Spiridakis Olson is usually as decisive as they come. The VP of Creative for Food52 likes what she likes, even when it might be controversial. (Have you seen her New Jersey home’s leopard-print stair runner and pale pink dining room chairs?) Yet when faced with the last room in the house that needed a refresh, Olson and her husband’s primary bedroom, suddenly uncertainty took root. “It wasn’t that I didn’t know what I wanted,” she explains. “It’s that the room was so large that I didn’t know where to begin.” (The space is 280 square feet, the size of many NYC studios.)

Enter designer (and friend) Hollie Velten, who was initially brought on solely to solve a storage dilemma: too many clothes and not enough pretty—or functional—places to put them. “Hollie and I have very similar tactile brains, so I knew she could help sort everything out,” says Olson. The creative director’s closetful of voluminous printed dresses became Velten’s jumping-off point, along with a Helen Frankenthaler painting seen during a weekend trip to New York’s Museum of Modern Art—the colors were the palette of Olson’s dreams. Before they knew it, Velten was orchestrating Olson’s entire pattern-heavy bedroom refresh (all four walls are covered in Ottoline wallpaper; her bedsheets are a botanical tie-dye). Here’s how it came to be.

Embrace Your Inner Child

Velten’s first request when starting any project is for the client to think of heirlooms or keepsakes they love from their past. The exercise gets to the root of their personalities quicker and deeper than any traditional style survey. Olson’s choice of chair railing, added for architectural detail in the otherwise plain space, was the exact same kind that accented her childhood home. In this case, though, that fact was unknown to her until her dad paid a visit and commented on the similarities. However, the old-school cornices and matching drapes, brought into the 21st century with a polka dot fabric, were intentionally inspired by Olson’s upbringing. “I love grandma-esque elements, but instead making them playful,” says Velten.  

Go All In

To help the vast room feel cozier, Velten suggested extending the peachy hue that she proposed for the walls onto the ceiling for a cocooning effect. Her trick for not making the space feel too dark: use a slightly lighter shade. “I usually adjust the color by adding 25 or sometimes 50 percent white,” Velten explains. Because colors bounce off each other, using the exact same hue everywhere would create shadows. 

Disguise, Don’t Hide

Instead of scrapping Olson’s mismatched dressers, Velten had a thought: Why not camouflage them? By painting them the exact same Creamsicle shade (Georgia Peach by Benjamin Moore) as the walls, the storage fades into the background. The eye now naturally wanders to the rest of the room’s treasures—like the wavy yellow tray that holds all of Olson’s perfumes and an old mirror’s updated frame, painted in Charlotte’s Locks by Farrow & Ball; it’s Olson’s favorite spot for selfies.

Cut and Weave

Stumped by the basic closet doors on the far wall of the bedroom, Olson had initially wanted to tear out the whole system and start anew. “At the end of the day, it wasn’t in the budget,” she admits. “I tasked Hollie with making them at least look good.” Velten cut out the standard shuttered panels and replaced them with cane, bringing a natural texture to the otherwise soft-hued space. The framing’s color, Breakfast Room Green, is another shade pulled from the Frankenthaler painting. Behind the striped curtain in between the storage spots lies more hanging space for Olson’s signature statement frocks—and an oddly placed window she didn’t want to board up. 

Be Well Rounded

Velten and Olson were in agreement that the bed needed to be as engaging and inviting as the opposite closet. By creating a headboard that’s almost a full circle, the blue skirted bed frame is chic from every angle. “We knew it was going to overlap the windows, so it needed to come down further than a traditional headboard,” Velten explains. It’s covered front to back in a mustard yellow bouclé suggested by Olson’s husband, so even those on the outside looking in get a beautiful view. 

The post A Trip to MoMA (and the Homeowner’s Closet) Sparked This Pattern-Heavy Bedroom Refresh appeared first on domino.

 

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My “saved” folder on Instagram is generally a healthy mix of outfits I’d surrender my left leg to own, snapshots of cool spaces to be used as fodder for future Domino stories, and aspirational perms I hope to one day work up the courage to try out. It’s a jungle out there. But the one thing I constantly refer to that folder for is color inspiration. Unlikely pairings can be found in anything from a vintage suit to a salad (the latter of which admittedly plays only a tiny role in my bookmarks), and there’s no better conglomerate of imagery to turn to for a daily injection of color than the treasure trove that is Instagram.

 

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Lately, one palette, in particular, seems to be making regular appearances in my feed. Saturated hues of tonal oranges and reds, with the occasional smattering of yellow, keep catching my eye and earning a bookmark in the process—maybe it’s due to the gloomy January weather and my attempt to beat Seasonal Affective Disorder via vibrant colors, but I can’t get enough of this striking combination. Someone should stop me before I redo my entire apartment in this color scheme.

 

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Luckily, this palette is one that’s becoming easier and easier to replicate. Pantone’s 2019 Color of the Year hinted at the beginnings of it, and according to design industry insiders, the combination of orange and yellow is one to look out for this year. Blame the ’70s revival.

 

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Any way you spin it, this warm palette is one worth trying your hand at posthaste. If you’re looking for easy ways to add a bit of brightness to your space now that the sun has gone on sabbatical, the combination of oranges and reds and yellows is particularly topical. Here are some of our favorite finds to mix and match that make it easy to go bold—no paint necessary.

 

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For the bedroom…

Tufted Dot Duvet Cover, Urban Outfitters ($89)

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Your bed is the focal point of your bedroom, so start out strong with bedding that anchors the space and instantly draws the eye. Honey-hued linens are more subdued than a shocking orange but are a refreshing change from the all-white schemes we’re leaving behind in 2018.

‘Ile w153m1’ Lamp, Wallpaper Store ($263)

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If you never upgraded your nightstand light from your trusty Ikea piece, take the plunge on this vibrant poppy red lamp. The sculptural shape adds more to your space than just light.

Palma Fringe Light Blocking Window Curtain, Urban Outfitters ($69)

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Did you resolve to get better sleep in 2019? You’ll need light-blocking curtains, and these burnt-orange ones are a great way to bring color to your walls if you’re not sure about wallpaper or paint.

Dual Floor Vase, Ferm Living ($109)

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Opt for deep crimson blooms or sunny yellow flowers to turn one simple vase into a serious color palette moment.

For the living room…

Matrix Sofa in “Persimmon”, Article ($1,299)

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This velvety persimmon couch is simply begging for a mustard-hued throw blanket or a lighter orange–toned throw pillow. Or both.

Washed Linen Cushion Cover in “Light Brown”, H&M ($13)

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Speaking of which, this washed linen rust-colored pillow will do the trick.

Tulou Table, Wallpaper Store ($141)

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If you’re bored of traditional wood or acrylic living room tables, try something a little bolder. This red-orange table is an affordable way to re-energize your space—plus, thanks to the simple Scandinavian silhouette, it won’t clash with your pre-existing decor.

Totem Candles in “Terracotta”, Areaware ($12)

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Chic candles are an essential part of any well-styled vignette; Grain’s Totem collection is a great alternative to regular tapered sticks. Pick the terra-cotta shade to mix and match with other candles in deep red for a moody combo sure to elevate your mantel decor.

14.75″H Glass Vase, West Elm ($59)

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Head to your local bodega or flower shop to pick up an assortment of florals in this saturated color palette. They’ll feel right at home in this contemporary amber-hued glass vase.

For the dining room…

Concrete Table Tiles in “Brick Red”, Areaware ($35)

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Coasters are more than just a functional tool your mother used to berate you for not using—they’re also a great way to add texture to your tablescape. Brick red mosaic tiles serve as the perfect anchor to colored glassware.

Washed Linen Tablecloth in “Orange”, H&M ($50)

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You might be hesitant about imbuing your table with pumpkin orange, but when the aforementioned pumpkin orange comes in the form of a chic linen tablecloth, the whole thing feels elegant rather than Halloween-y.

Svelti Chair in “Begonia Orange”, Article ($49)

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A classic mid-century silhouette meets a modern color for a dining room or kitchen chair that’ll dress up any table.

Addie Napkins, set of 4 ($38)

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Sprucing up everyday routines is sometimes as simple as new textiles; the careful stitching on these golden yellow napkins will make even Wednesday night takeout feel more special.

Double-Wall 6 oz. Glasses, set of 2 ($50)

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Add these dark orange glasses to your bar cart for an unexpected pop of color.

See more color combos we love: Seriously Cool Color Combos We’re Stealing from the Danish This Once-Taboo Color Combination Is Actually Super Chic Unexpected Color Pairings We’re Stealing from the French

The post This Color Palette Is Taking Over My Instagram “Saved” Folder appeared first on domino.

“My favorite uniform in life is wearing monochrome,” says A.B. Lafitte. Pink on pink, yellow on yellow—the bolder, the better. “It’s my safe space,” she adds. The designer, who branched out from Los Angeles–based firm Bells & Whistles to start her own practice in her hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma, last year, treats her mid-century modern home like her closet. In the small den she and her husband have designated as a media–slash–coffee room, nearly every last detail is red.

“The house was built in 1962 by some risk-taking suburbanites,” explains Lafitte. “I wanted to highlight the best of that design era.” What better way to do that than to replace the old greige, peppery wall-to-wall carpet with a tangerine version—a choice that ultimately shaped the rest of the room and determined the fiery palette. “When you go into a carpet showroom, it’s literally 1,000 different beiges. I don’t know how anyone picks anything,” says Lafitte. It took some digging to find a local company (Johnson Carpet One) that offered some more colorful options. Covering the ground with an ultrasoft treatment instantly set the scene for cocktail parties, movie binges, and early-morning conversations. Ahead, Lafitte shares how she made the allover scheme feel modern. 

Paint Everything

After landing on the orangey red carpeting, Lafitte set out to find a matching paint color. “One thing I can’t stand is white trim,” says the designer of her decision to swathe the molding, ceiling, and even AC vents in the same shade that she used on all four walls (it’s Baked Clay by Sherwin-Williams). While it created the immersive environment she was after, the mood changes significantly over the course of 24 hours. In the evenings, when the sun hits the space at a low angle, the room appears almost merigold. But at 5 a.m. on overcast days, it looks more like a muted terracotta. 

Lean Into Organic Shapes

Wanting to commit to the dramatic mood she was setting with the palette, Lafitte brought in sculptural furniture pieces—think: organic silhouettes that could easily live in a groovy sunken living room from the ’60s. The velvet sofa and coordinating chenille armchairs (her biggest splurge) are both from Nuevo Living. The pleated lampshades are a Lamps Plus score. 

Opting for custom drapery would have cost thousands of dollars, so Lafitte took the job upon herself and sewed pleating tape on the back of premade curtains from Half Price Drapes. Then she bought a ceiling track to make it look like a professional installer hung them. “It was life changing,” she says. 

Provide Points of Contrast

Any accents that weren’t red needed to pack a punch, “or else they would just disappear,” explains Lafitte. “That’s where the black and white came in.” Anchoring the room is the travertine coffee table ($20 on Craigslist), two checkerboard poufs from Morocco (her cat’s and dog’s favorite nap spots), and a series of prints from Paper Collective. 

The large floral painting on the wall had been left behind by the home’s previous owners in this exact room. Originally the background was a taupe-y beige color, so Lafitte brought it up to speed with a coat of black. “I felt like its soul lived in this space,” she says. “We love being in this room, in every shade of orange and red, at every time of day.” 

The post This Designer’s Tangerine-Everything Tulsa Living Room Mirrors Her Monochrome Wardrobe appeared first on domino.

“Every piece in a kitchen is furniture in its own right and deserves to be constructed as well as everything else in a home,” declares Pluck cofounder George Glasier. When it comes to cooking spaces, the designer has a type: ones “very mindful of materials, with quality running through, and an immense attention to detail,” he says. His latest project, for a London couple wishing to revamp the dull, traditional kitchen in their semi-detached Arts and Crafts home, checks off all those boxes and then some.

While they were initially unsure of Glasier’s bold palette choice—soft sage and punchy coral—the result is both a visual treat and highly practical, centered around a quartzite-clad island and Victorian-inspired open shelving. Read on for a closer look at the candy-colored details.

Simple Doesn’t Have to Mean Boring

Despite lots of thoughtful extras—ergonomic cutout reset handles that don’t take away from the cabinetry, custom birch plywood cabinet sizes for a perfect fit, contrasting skirting below the green cupboards—“it’s a fresh, clean, and uncomplicated kitchen,” say the homeowners. The standout moment is hidden from view behind what looks like all the other doors: the pantry, a Pluck signature and Glaiser’s “little moment of showing off.” Doweled door racks placed at varying heights easily house tall bottles of vinegar and squat spice jars alike, while a stack of drawers doubles as a shelf for everyday essentials. “There’s huge joy in opening the double doors; it’s this grand gesture,” says Glasier.

Make the Island a Jewel Box Moment

In order to avoid any dead zones, Glasier made the island the hub of the room, with Brazilian quartzite, a natural stone that’s more durable than marble but just as dramatic (just make sure to seal it). Its high-contrast veining pops even more given the surrounding counters are a simple Bianco Macaubas granite. “On one side you have the practical center of cooking, which looks out to the dining room and garden, then a bookshelf, to soften one end of the island, and open shelving, which is a lovely transition,” he explains.

The ledges, whose diagonal pole supports are inspired by Victorian bamboo furniture, make up the “anti-trendy” floating shelves. “We find floating shelves can easily feel like an afterthought,” says Glaiser. This system, on the other hand, is almost like art, with an ash frame and laminate shelves that match the island. The juicy hue also happens to be a rich backdrop for the couple’s Spanish artwork, inlaid wood tea cubbies, and weighing scale.

When in Doubt, Put a Spin on the Traditional

While the couple always knew they wanted to go with green for their kitchen, they were keen to choose a paler, yellower laminate. But Glaiser pushed them toward Pluck’s Brockwell Moss, a shade with gray undertones, and Ritzy, a peachy pink, for a tried-and-true contrast—they sit on opposite ends of the color wheel as close cousins of basic red and green. “While the colors in this kitchen are bold, they also follow the classic rules of color theory,” says Glaiser. “That’s why the combination works.”

The post A Coral and Sage London Kitchen Featuring “Anti-Floating” Shelves appeared first on domino.

If there’s one color with an unshakably bad reputation, it’s orange. Often assumed inferior to its cheerful counterparts (yellow and pink), this loud and fiery hue is one even certain designers find themselves hesitant to use. But to presume that orange is only appropriate for children or an ironic statement would be a mistake. Contrary to popular belief, this surprisingly versatile hue is not just for the heavy-handed, but for the adventurous at heart.

A true shapeshifter in every sense of the word, orange instantly infuses a room with energy, regardless of its tonal variation. Be it a rusty apricot accent wall, peach throw pillow, or cool carrot-colored corridor, there are a number of unexpectedly stylish ways to embrace this hue without falling into a trap of cliches. Though, that isn’t to say orange doesn’t come with its fair share of challenges. Once you’ve decided that this is the color for you, it can feel tempting to want to use the hue all over. But, beware: Sticking to a one-note palette won’t do this color any justice. Instead, think in terms of opposition. (Hint: White and orange are just one of many picture-perfect pairings that make for an elevated take).

For fall, and beyond, we’re feeling especially inspired by the possibilities of the hue. Ahead, discover a few of our favorite spaces that get this fearless color right.

Brooklyn-based writer and stylist LaTonya Yvette’s one-bedroom apartment packs in a number of color-charged moments. Her peachy living room happens to be one of our favorite fearless escapes. Of course, leaving the walls white would have been a completely suitable way to finish off this space, the small sliver of sherbert orange introduces a fresh energy to the room—and her vintage sofa. This is one cool, tonal color pairing we look forward to testing out ourselves.

The secret to a high-glam palette? Juxtaposition. Take it from the Italians: This luxe room by Dimore Studio in Milan is a much-needed reminder that colors should always be in constant conversation with one another. Enveloped in a sea of desaturated pinks, muted turquoise, and yellow ochre, the orange here takes the form of a neutral. The rust undertones of the velvet swivel chairs serve as an elevated visual anchor for this lavish mix of colors and textures.

In lew of incorporating more traditional nursery colors, like blue, pink, or even green, orange has proven itself as a stellar gender-neutral alternative that feels just as playful. When introducing strong colors in a space as tiny as a child’s bedroom, consider limiting its power to one spot. In this rad room, the hue comes in the form of a vibrant color block, playing off of the deep tonal properties of the surrounding pink and purple hues. Effectively relegated to an accented square, this refreshing pop of orange promises not to overwhelm the room’s design.

There are certain surfaces that lend themselves to incredibly bright oranges. A retro-chic chaise lounge would be one of them. If there’s anything California-based designer Natalie Myers has taught us about spicing up a white room, it’s that a burst of tangerine orange, even if only exemplified by one essential item of furniture, can work wonders. Color aside, it’s also the sofa’s iconic shape and graphic surroundings (note how the rug, pillows, and art all pick up on the same geometric motif) that give this nook life.

When paired with its partner in crime, pink, this equally-charming hue is practically unstoppable. Between the hot pink kilim rug, pumpkin-colored armchairs, and cheetah-print pillows, this incredibly fabulous sitting room brings together all the fundamental makings of a bold hangout. Although muted and muddier shades extend a sense of sophistication, there’s something to be said for the tones that grace the opposite end of the spectrum. When you take the fun attitude of a bright and happy orange and run with it elsewhere, your design intention will only come off as sincere.

It’s true that we’ve seen orange bring the drama before, but never quite like this. Set within a classic palette of black, white, and gold, this shaggy carpet adds an unforeseen level of depth and texture. Much like its furry surface, the rug’s golden apricot hue challenges the senses.

Sometimes, nailing what is often considered a wild or bright color comes down to changing your perspective. Although a straightforward accent wall has its definite pros, throwing a little geometry into the mix guarantees a show-stopping moment. In this design-forward NYC office, it is the contrast that seemingly makes citrus cool again—thanks to its captivating diagonal approach, this tiger orange wall is decidedly electrifying.

We know, we know, white marble kitchens are all the rage, but we can’t help but feel recharged by Justin Blakeney’s creative cookhouse. Veering more toward the dusty and muddier undertones, this charming Southwest-inspired display packs the right amount of punch. Plus, we love how the blogger and dedicated bohemian didn’t stop at the walls but kept the vibrant color story going with the tiled backsplash.

Designer and photographer Danielle Nagel’s sun-filled breakfast nook is something all morning people should aspire to cultivate for themselves. Wanting to build off the good vibes of her bright orange accent wall, the LA-based creative brought in pieces that picked up on the same tones, like the wire chairs, vintage Moroccan rug, and extra snug seat cushions. This is one way seriously chic way accomplish matchy-matchy, without overdoing it.

Want more color inspiration? 

Behr’s 2019 Color of the Year Is Exactly What We Needed

A Handy Cheat Sheet for Decorating with Yellow

Seriously Cool Color Combos We’re Stealing From the Danish

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The post 9 Rooms That Will Change the Way You Think About Orange appeared first on domino.