Orange as a color for decorating, or sartorial considerations for that matter, doesn’t often enter my design vocabulary for whatever reason. However, autumn is my favorite of the seasons and I practically become giddy with excitement at the first sign of autumn’s golden yellows, glowing oranges, and fiery reds. The color orange radiates warmth and happiness – a color we often associate with hearth and home. Scientific studies have shown orange to boost our emotional states during difficult times, and helps us bounce back after setbacks and disappointments, even assisting in recovery from grief. The color psychology of orange is optimistic, uplifting and rejuvenating in spirit. It is extroverted and uninhibited, and could lead one to flights of exhibitionism. And, much like red – one of its components – it stimulates conversation and appetite. Ultimately, orange symbolizes for me the essence of the autumn season. I think I will begin to look more favorably upon this oft forgotten hue having culled some of the best examples of rooms in shades of orange by interior decorators, designers and architects the world over. Bring the exuberant warmth of the color orange into your life today. Happy autumn!
A library designed by Steven Gambrel in New York. Elle Decor; photo by William Waldron.
The dining room in antique dealer Jean-Phillipe Demeyer’s Belgian home. Veranda; photo by Miguel Flores-Vianna.
The salon in May and Axel Vervoordt’s palazzo apartment in Venice. Architectural Digest; photo by Mario Ciampi.
The dining room in a Tuscan-style residence in Las Vegas designed by Atelier AM. Architectural Digest; photo by Pieter Estersohn.
The classical-moderne salon in Henri Samuel’s Paris pied-a-terre. Town & Country; photo by Oberto Gili.
A lounge decorated by Steven Gambrel. Elle Decor; photo by Eric Piasecki.
An orange metal cabinet cum bar sink in a sitting room’s alcove designed by Steven Gambrel. Elle Decor; photo by Eric Piasecki.
A classical-moderne salon decorated by Robert Couturier in New York. Architectural Digest; photo by William Abranowicz.
A neoclassical-style tented pleasure pavilion designed by Thomas Britt in a New York apartment. Architectural Digest; photo by Jaime Ardiles-Arce.
David Hicks’ bedroom in his vacation house in Roquebrun, France. From David Hicks Decorates.
The pop-glam dining room in Lisa Perry’s New York apartment designed by Tony Ingrao. Vogue Living: Houses Gardens People. Photo by François Halard.
The family room in a New York apartment recently completed by Stephen Sills. Architectural Digest; photo by Bjorn Wallander.
An orange abstract painting sets the tone in a monochromatic living room decorated by Billy Baldwin. From Billy Baldwin Decorates.
The library in Erin Lauder’s East Hampton home. Elle Decor; photo by Simon Upton.
A living room decorated by Nick Olsen. Photo via Anik Pearson, architect.
The guest room/sitting room in Jeffrey Bilhuber’s New York apartment. Elle Decor; photo by William Waldron.
The entry in Bunny Williams’ Connecticut country house. From An Affair With A House by Bunny Williams.
A corner of the living room set for dining in architect Gil Schafer’s New York townhouse decorated by Miles Redd. From The Great American House by Gil Schafer. Photo by Rene and Barbara Stoeltie.
Charlotte Moss’s library in her New York City townhouse. House & Garden; photo by Simon Upton.
Nancy Lancaster’s Gothic bedroom at Haseley Court. From Nancy Lancaster: English Country House Style.
A Georgian-style dining room designed by Richard Keith Langham. House & Garden, January 2005.
The eclectic living room of the late Scott Lamb’s Pacific Heights apartment. Architectural Digest; photo by John Vaughan.
An orange painted library decorated by Mario Buatta. Architectural Digest; photo by Scott Frances.
An early incarnation of Suzanne Rheinstein’s Hancock Park living room. House and Garden.
The entry of Bell Gate Farms decorated by Jeffrey Bilbuber. House Beautiful. Photo by Antoine Bootz.
The living room in Miles Redd’s family retreat in North Carolina. Elle Decor; photo by Fernando Bengoechea.
A sitting room in Cosima Von Bulow Pavoncelli’s Hamptons home decorated by Markham Roberts. Town & Country.
“Briljant” photos. What always surprises me is that rooms without any white always look a lot more inviting. Or perhaps that’s just me. Best wishes, luc (belgium)
Thank you, Luc! My favorite of the “orange rooms” are those that temper its earthiness with black-and-white — which, for me, feels more dynamic and contemporary. W
I will be in your beautiful country next week to visit my favorite antiques dealers and antiquaires. I imagine its becoming quite cold (I lived in the Netherlands for six years and know what November is like!).
Cheers,
Cristopher