
This version basks in the glow of tangerine orange walls. Accent colors, such as other citrus hues and rich natural browns, were drawn from the painting.
Looking for colors to spice things up? Then go with citrus hues. That's the approach Mary Leigh took
for the third version of this living room. With a final nod to the cherished painting, she
incorporated all sorts of mouth-watering shades--tangerine, lemon, lime, and coconut brown--making
this space festive and fun. Even the same furniture pieces take on renewed looks when coupled with
this tropical palette. Also, a mix of interesting textures insert their own flair. From silk and
kilim to sea grass and bamboo, these fabrics and materials weave their way into this fruit-basket
makeover.
Without a doubt, the showstopper for this version is the vibrant wall color. Because of this,
there's little need to go overboard with accessories. "With the walls commanding such attention, I
wanted everything else to be clean," Mary Leigh explains. So she kept all the other
elements--pillows, slipcovers, lamps, flooring, and accessories--simple and uncluttered.
Below the painting, clear glass lamps, topped with monogrammed box shades, allow the wall color to
read through. To balance this arrangement, tall iron plant stands were placed on either side of the
table. Underneath, a pair of woven reed ottomans is topped with green-and-gold striped pillows.
Throw pillows of matching tangerine and other citrus hues unify the cotton duck upholstery, while
the sea grass rug provides the perfect middle ground between the neutral fabric and the darker
stained wood pieces.
Mary Leigh had a plaid silk slipcover made for the slipper chair that contains all the colors used
in the room. A vivid lemon yellow pillow adds a finishing touch. Remembering her vow of a clean and
simple approach, she opted for no curtains. "After all," she points out, "why do extra work when the
wall color speaks for itself?"