I have to admit that the answer to this question was something I never really thought about until I began writing this blog.  I always felt I knew what I liked and that is what I liked.  I honestly was never really that concerned with whether I was wearing or had painted my bedroom the latest, greatest hue.

But once I began meeting more and more designers and talking with them about where they find their color inspirations I realized what an amazing synergy there is going on in the color palettes between the worlds of home, beauty and fashion design.

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Lavender showed up as a leading color trend in Pantone’s Spring 2009 Fashion Trend Report and as a rising color trend in Home as well- as seen here at the January 2009 Maison & Object Trade Fair in Paris

And while I don’t think that any particular trend(s) should direct you into changing your entire wardrobe or home, I do think that discovering how style makers find their inspirations may make a great clue into discovering your own.

So which one influences the other more?  Well I suppose I now have to say that answer is in the eye of the beholder.  I had always thought that fashion color trends typically had more influence over home color trends. I feel as if I have had more than one interior designer confirm that over the years.

I’ve written posts based on this belief- From The Runway to Pottery Barn a few years back was based on the very concept. It was hard to deny how many prints and color combos from their Spring catalog had been seen on the fashion runways the previous Fall.

When I interviewed Amy Lau about her recent Kip’s Bay Showhouse stairwell and the question came to the color of the wallpaper that she had chosen, she sited the most interesting mauve-y color that she was spotting in the windows of Manhattan chicest boutiques as having influenced her  choice.

But a chance encounter this week has me doing a little re-thinking of things.

Tuesday night I attended Designer Visions: 2009 Cinema Style at Soho Mews. It was a super fun evening packed to the seams with some incredibly talented people.  Soho Mews is a complex on West Broadway that most of us can only dream of living in…so it was quite exciting to get a peek inside. The theme of the night was for each designer to pick one of their favorite movies to use as their muse and create a space suited for modern day life.  In three almost identical duplex townhouses decorated to the hilt by Thom Filicia (for House Beautiful- “The Big Chill”), John Salandino (for Veranda- ‘The Girl With A Pearl Earring”) and Richard Mishaan (for Town and Country-Dinner At Eight”), the designer’s visions literally came to life.

First walk through I couldn’t help but notice how many different versions of Gray was being used.  When I mentioned it to Kate she said-’ Yeah, very cinematic”.  Hum, was that why?  It did make sense, very dramatic and moody.  I had always dreamed of living on the set of the Thin Man ( which by the way, would have probably been my muse)…was this what it would feel like?  I couldn’t help to think about what a huge color Gray has been in fashion over the last few seasons and how it looks to be a hot color yet again this coming Spring ( If you know me you know I often gauge a color trend by the very not-so-sophisticated method of what color polish Chanel is showing on their runways the season before- FYI for Spring 10 it’s a Dove Gray).

I figured that the Gray tones seen all over fashion these past few seasons perhaps had a bit of a hand in inspiring the palettes of  these rooms as well.  After all Gray has been hot in fashion, it only makes sense that it would explode onto the home scene- right?

Later in the night I had a very similar conversation about the heavy use of grays and complex neutrals with the cutest interior designer who had a much different take on who influences who. ‘Color trends always start in home and then move into fashion’, she exclaimed, ‘people always say it’s the other way around, but that they are wrong’.  Color is a much more serious decision when it comes to home, look at Gray for example.  Before a handful of years ago Gray wasn’t even considered a color.  It started to become used more and more in home interiors, at show houses, on the pages of magazines.  Now it’s a huge color in fashion- but it started in home.

She backed up her argument by saying that it is indeed fashion designers using these color trends first in their own homes, then into their Home Lines ( haven’t you noticed how it seems as if every fashion designer has their own line for home now- she asked.  I guess she is right you never do see it the other way around, do you…)  and then they bring these color to life on their runways.

Was she right?

I thought back to the minimalist look in home and fashion from the 1990’s, to simple neutral toned Calvin Klein sheaths and giant wood tables topped with gray and white table settings upon glossy white floors.  This is the time to me that Gray and it’s neutral cousins came into trend for me.  I remember back then Gray and Taupe and even White was considered very fashion forward after the opulent colors of the 1980’s.  So  which came first in this equations- did these colors hit modern homes or modern wardrobes first? Is my age showing?  Was Gray not considered a color until now? One thing is for sure, the minimalist’s palette and style that hit big in the 90’s is still having a strong influence over runways and homes today.

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When I mentioned this ‘ gray matter’ conversation to fellow blogger April added that perhaps the introduction of concrete as a designer touch in kitchens and baths that helped drive the trend of Gray in homes even stronger over the past years. Hum, good point…I suppose you could probably throw stainless steel in there somewhere, too.

And while I’m sure not clear as if the trend towards Grays truly did begin in home first-it’s no doubt that finding the perfect gray wall color was rarely a conversation you would be having with your neighborhood paint store a decade ago, let alone picking a gray toned polish for your manicure.

What ever the right answer is, my new party friend has made me aware that in the world of design and trends, it’s never quite an open and shut case- I go forward with my trendy mind and eyes a little more open.

So it’s Wednesday night and I have just discovered the most beauti-mus kitchen within the Grange Showroom (NYDC 200 Lex. Suite 201).  Traditional Home magazine is hosting the event, a bevy of talented designers have created vignettes throughout the showroom depicting ‘Chic Chateau Family Style’ and the little voice inside my head is starting to speak with a slight French accent.

I have just had a quick catch up with Sabine who let me in on the fact that Eddie Ross was not only ‘in the house’ but ‘in the kitchen’.  Having met Eddie months back I couldn’t wait to say ‘Hi!’ and find out if and when he would be hosting another flea marketing day in NYC (since my pal Mary and I are still obsessed with shopping alongside him). Plus I know wherever Eddie is, yummy treats and great style is sure to follow.

Eddie’s kitchen vignette did not disappoint. Packed to the rim with pots, pans, herbs, oils and everything you could ever desire in the warmth and welcoming kitchen of your own private chateau.

I am so loving the gray walls and gray back splash together.  Don’t you think it’s so unexpected, but works so beautifully together!  The accents of Black and White with the Coppers, the wood tones, the dark appliances and the Creaminess of the cabinetry and stove really help to warm up the Gray. Think how different all stainless steel appliances or pure White cabinets would have looked.

Sherwin Williams

In this case the color Gray feels serene, unfussy and contemplative. And while yes this room would make a lovely backdrop for a family and friends gathering, I selfishly have to admit my favorite time to be in my own kitchen is when I’m all alone.  Sometimes the only time I get to think straight during the day is over the breakfast dishes or prepping for dinner. This is a palette I can see myself happily surround in as I fiddled about with a warm cup of coffee or even better-a big, full glass of wine.

Okay, fast forward back to Sunday afternoon and now for the explanation behind the gratuitous picture of Jude Law at the beginning of Part 1.

As a special surprise fellow LIFC maven April treated me and Kimberlin with tickets to see the Broadway production of Hamlet (inspiration-30% to fulfill our cultural desires/ 70% to be able to say we were all in the same room as Jude Law).  None the less, my lazy rainy Sunday morning had left me well rested and ready to experience an afternoon with Shakespeare and my favorite girls!

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Unknowingly the color Gray would show up yet again to color my mood.  This time around in the form of a vast, cumbersome set and a little updated styling.

Designer Christopher Oram, who originally created the sets and costumes for the company’s London run, understands a thing or two about the psychology of color.  With only a jolt of bright red carpet in the Great Hall, a brilliant sheer white curtain ( to give the illusion that we are spying in on the scene where Hamlet confronts his mother) and spots of pure, bright white lighting and fluffy white snow that cast a blue glow- the entire staging was pretty much a monochromatic homage to Gray.

Even our poor troubled hero and his fellow cast of doomed character’s are clothed only in Grays, with bits of black, purple and white thrown in for dramatic measure. The drabness of the stage and costumes helping to set a chilling mood as we watch our sweet prince embark into madness and pain.

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Now I am by no means a theater critic or a Shakespearean expert, but I truly enjoyed Jude’s performance. His compelling rendering of the Prince of Danes was both physical ( who knew he was so gestural?) and emotionally impressive.

By the Second Act the starkness of the Gray set and the sadness of the characters was beginning to get to me.. I wrapped my coat around me a bit tighter as I was even beginning to feel slightly chilled.

The color Gray was most certainly used to ‘unsettle’ in this case. I suppose too much of a good thing- can truly be too much!

After the curtain fell, we spilled out into the streets of Manhattan abuzz with fellow theater goers and began our search  for the closest cold beer and pizza.  Moments later high above the Gray city setting, heavy dark clouds moved in and the sky opened down upon us once more.  It was at that moment that I realized how much the color Gray had been coloring my own life throughout the last 7 days.

Too much of a good thing…and as I made my way through through a soggy Time’s Square in my favorite high heels- I suddenly began to pray for a new color- Yellow ( in the form of an empty cab, that is!)

Check out what other bloggers are hooked on today over at Hooked On House’s and The Inspired Room’s Friday blog carnivals

In the living room, gray is a beautiful neutral that can be combined with many colors, for a fresh spring look. And by using gray in the palette, even the guy in my life is comfortable contributing to the design of his favorite rooms. (As long as I can still have a girlie room somewhere in the house).

West Elm has a collection of low storage units and exotic rugs to update your family room. If you’re not in the market for new furniture – just add a new pillow, like Thomas Paul’s silk pillow.

Adding grey in the kitchen is easy and relatively inexpensive. You can update the cabinet hardware or buy a new dish towel. You might be amazed at how happy even something small in a new color can make you feel.

Stainless appliances are very much the favorite of many but I like the subtle sheen of the new grays. I admit that I covet the Kitchenaid mixer, even though I have no practical use for it.

Tableware is a practical and lovely area to showcase the newest trends.

Vera Wang and Ralph Lauren have divine patterns that are predominantly pearly grays. Dentelle has a classic espresso cup that would compliment any color tabletop decor; perhaps you’d enjoy a warm cup of Earl Grey tea. (I know…a very corny and predictable reference.)

Benjamin Moore has many shades of gray paint, but my favorite is Beacon Gray #2128-60. This color was recently featured on an episode of “Desperate Housewives” when Lynette Scavo (a.k.a. Felicity Huffman) was redoing a room. Another gorgeous gray is Valspar Wisteria Snow #4003-3A.

If you have commitment issues then you might be interested in wall decals. These handy decorations are inexpensive enough to be changed seasonally.

A gray palette is a modern update on the green / yellow nursery. I don’t particularly find sherbert green inspiring but think that a baby’s imagination would soar in this crib by Oeuf.

For those who are waiting for the stork to arrive to find out the gender of their bundle of joy– prepare the nursery in neutral grays. Then when you ‘re sweet surprise arrives, you can fill the room with accessories that fit the his/ her personality. And wall decals can be changed with every mark on the growth chart.

A perfect gift is aprilmayjune’s vintage animal purses like the elephant and cat ones shown here. These gems are hand embroidered and have genuine pearl and 14K gold eyes. I can’t think of anything cuter than hanging these from a dresser mirror.

Grays create a very Zen feeling in the bedroom. Urban outfitters has a regal gray velvet headboard that reminds me of old Hollywood glamour. It could be complemented by West Elm’s graphic floral duvet cover or Thomas O’Brien’s sheet sets, sold at Target.

Decadent finishing touches are an easy gray addition. West Elm’s Capiz lamps can provide light in your reading corner. Speigel’s block print rug will look good at the foot of your bed.

Drape your windows in Restoration Hardware’s damask cotton- linen curtains in silver sage if you prefer Versailles over modern.

My final suggestion in adding a bit of gray into your life is : adopt a sweet cat or dog from your local animal shelter.

Andre is a sweet cat grey tabby and Teddy is an Australian border Collie mix ; both available for adoption on Larchmont, NY Pet rescue site.

With all these colorful choices, I’m looking forward to gray days!

Resources:

• Furniture and accessories from www.westelm.com, www.restorationhardware.com, www.target.com, www.speigel.com
• Crib and decals available at www.kidsmodern.com
• Keepsake purses can be ordered from www.youaremysunshine.biz
• Find paint at www.benjaminmoore.com
• Find paint at www.valspar.com
• Find a pet at www.petfinder.com
  

“Little Edie” Beale, my “gray” fashion icon

While writing this post, my pal Julie gave me the most beautiful gray and black leopard print scarf and glove set – a very happy coincidence!

Although I am dressing vibrantly this winter, I look forward to toting fabulous gray bags and shoes.

Designers have incorporated every shade of gray in their collections, this season. But since my budget does not allow for designer bags and shoes, my primary focus is on budget accessories.

I believe that as trends ‘come and go’ , you can certainly save your money for classic pieces , by spending less on the accouterments. Of course the YSL flannel tote, Balenciaga’s leather tote, Marc Jacobs multi pocket hob0, and Prada’s duffle like satchel are examples of soon – to -be classics. But each will lighten your wallet by $1300- $2400 .

I am truly impressed with Todd Oldham’s late winter collection for Old Navy. I will absolutely buy the gray bolwer bag (canvas with suede trim) and tote for my spring outings. And I must have his suede wedge mary janes in “urban dwelling grey”. Any of these will cost you under $30 – my kind of splurge. I’m going to say a little prayer – “please let them be as cute in person, as they are on the website”. Amen.

Target and Banana Republic have some great grey patent leather styles. This CL by Laundry PVC bag , with great D-ring handles, is under $20 at Target.com and BR wide patent belt is $68. Michael Kors has a pair of patent spectator heels that are perfect for a night out.

I regularly cruise the Anthropologie website , in search of new items and great sale prices. This week I fell in love with a pair of shoes and sheer white tights. The sling backs are called “Smoke and Fire” (grey with coral accents) that list for $340 .The Hue tights are by Tracy Reese ; for $28 these are a more realistic purchase.

But falling in love doesn’t have to be realistic…so I can still dream of these shoes…and a romance with Daniel Craig , while we’re at it !

Speigel groups “hot” trends together in their catalog, which I find quite helpful in my search for something new. This season they have sumptuous suede totes and boots – all for under $90 each. I think the booties and belted bag look very 60s and mod – definitely a classic look.

**Buyers beware…I do not encourage you to pair the suede tote with a mauve lace dress. Yuk!**

If you’re not into the girlie patent leather or polka dots, then you should like these more masculine styles. Newport News catalog (also the home town of many color mavens) offers the cutest gray flannel cap. Armani Exchange has a tailored utilitarian gray canvas bag…perfect for roaming the streets of any city.

I conider make up another accessory essential. I’ve seen gray eyeshadow as the newest addition to YSL Touche Eclat Eyeshadow pens. Magazines are filled with sophisticated models , all with blunt bobs, wearing these delightful shades on their lids.

OPI has a new shade of pale matte gray polish named “Birthday Babe”. This is a welcome addition to salon choices….it’s nice to have a gray shade that isn’t glittery.

It seems that the only thing gray NOT in fashion this season …is gray hair. Guess I need to visit my hairdresser soon.

Silver? Black? Red?

Find out what your color choice says about your personality…

If you were able to buy your dream car in the perfect color, what would it be?

I mean, what other reason could there be for him to have reached for the Grecian Formula to try to restore his once dark (but not that dark) hair color?

All he has to do is look around to see that women can’t seem to get enough of men gone gray. Look at CNN’s latest “It” boy Anderson Cooper, actor extraordinaire George Clooney, or even “American Idol” hopeful Taylor Hicks.

If that isn’t enough to convince a guy to stay with the gray, then at least he should have a good hair colorist work their magic on his mane so I can get back to enjoying my latte.

Sfumato is a term I have heard often in the last year because it is a word used to describe the works of Leonardo da Vinci.

The short definition of sfumato is the translucent layering of color to create the perceptions of volume and depth; the colors are blended so subtly that you cannot perceive the transition or the individual colors.

In describing many of the grays that I am seeing, it is difficult to truly say if the color would be considered gray or brown or green or some other hue. The colors have depth and are rich, smoky, and sexy.

These are the types of color that are complex and can hold your interest. You can’t immediately put a label on them.

See what is being said about gray in all of its variations:

“Gray, in all its sexy, smoky permutations, is a major tone for fall jeans.” -InStyle magazine “Top Denim Trends”

“Gray is the new neutral for 2006 and will be warming up, so much so, that it will be hard to tell the gray from the brown.” -Mannington

“The British designer Matthew Williamson…handled color well at a moment when fashion is becoming more somber. His palette of grays,mauves and pinks was gentle and efffective.” -Suzy Menkes for the International Herald Tribune

“First made glamorous in the ’40’s by Katherine Hepburn and her signature menswear-inspired look, Grey-Flannel turns up on fall’s most versatile pieces.” -Elle.com

“Gray- the color of the season is sophisticated and versatile for both daytime and evening.” -Harper’s Bazaar magazine (Aug 2006)

Photo from Calvin Klein.

Below is a quick look at general responses to colors based on research, historical significance of color, and word association studies. Different cultures react to colors differently, and this brief overview focuses on the responses of people in the Western Hemisphere.

Red has more personal associations than any other color. Recognized as a stimulant red is inherently exciting and the amount of red is directly related to the level of energy perceived. Red draws attention and a keen use of red as an accent can immediately focus attention on a particular element.

Curious to delve deeper into the world of color? See the full article on our main site: SensationalColor.com…