Striking Color in Small Doses Makes Cozy Spaces Look Chic
When architect-turned-designer Ashley DeLapp first met with her client to discuss transforming this Charlotte, North Carolina, home, they did not fire up a social-media inspiration board. The homeowner is a part-time stylist, you see, and she “specifically asked for something unique; she didn’t want to see anything she had seen on Instagram before,” Ashley explains. Her client’s husband, in turn, prioritized comfort. Presented with a blank slate, Ashley was tasked with creating one-of-a-kind spaces that made a strong impression and offered long-term livability for a young family of five. So, how does that work?
Lesson one: These fabulous fuchsia armchairs were her jumping-off point for the family room. “When you have neutral walls, in this case gray, you need to have a pop somewhere, something to draw your eye,” Ashley says. “These chairs were the perfect way to do just that.” Is a supersaturated color like this one ever too much? “I never shy away from color as a designer. It’s what clients come to me for, so I would never say it’s a no-no,” she explains. “I would say that when using bold colors to make sure you edit. Too much of a good thing could quickly become overwhelming.”
