Linda Holt: New England Color Inspiration

When it comes time to choose color, I have seen many homeowners become paralyzed with indecision. First they stare vacantly at a wall of color strips at the local paint store, followed by staring vacantly at a wall of color swatches painted on their walls. It almost seems as if they are waiting until one color screams the loudest “pick me!”

Magazines, along with design sites such as Pinterest or Houzz are good resources for color inspiration, but one of my favorite ways to be inspired is to simply look outside. Living in New England we are so fortunate to have gorgeous color palettes all around us. There are the beautiful blues, grays and sandy browns of the Cape and islands, rich greens and browns of the mountains and grays, taupes, and brick reds with pops of bright color in the cities.

So before you end up dazed and confused at the paint store, go outside with your camera or cell phone and find colors that excite you. To get you started, here are a few of my favorite color inspiration photos matched to rooms that used the same colors.

It seems everyone loves cool blues and greens. Designer Jamie Drake, a master of color, used this very palette, grounded by a neutral rug in this beautiful living room.

Photo by Linda Holt; Living room by Jamie Drake 

I fell in love with this color combination the moment I saw it. Boston designer Rachel Reider used  a similar palette of charcoal, turquoise and coral for the Chapman House on Nantucket.

Photo by Linda Holt; Hallway by Rachel Reider Interiors

Boston is always inspiring when looking for interesting color palettes. Taupe and gray with bright pops of gold is right on trend in this room designed by Williams-Sonoma Home.

Photo by Linda Holt; room design by Williams-Sonoma Home

Winter in New England is a great time to look for soft muted color palettes and although bright color seems to be dominate in interior design, black and white is trending. Pristine white cabinets with black accents is one of the todays hottest looks in kitchen design.

Photo Linda Holt; room, Cook Architectural Design Studio

Even something as mundane as clothes hanging along side a weathered gray shingled  home can be inspiration for a rooms color palette. Black, gray and dark green creates a classic and tailored look in this living room designed by Barbara Schaver.

Photo Linda Holt; room design by Barbara Schaver

If you live in New England you have undoubtedly seen colorful collections of buoys. Blue walls with accents of orange, yellow and a hefty amount of white make for a fun and happy hallway by Portuguese designer Ana Coreiro.

Photo Linda Holt; room design: Ana Coreiro, image via Pinterest

Hard to believe but Fall is right around the corner and one of the best times to look for color inspiration. The colors of the leaves along with gourds and pumpkins are always beautiful but sometimes color inspiration  can be found in the most unexpected of places.

Photo Linda Holt; Photo via Pinterest

I hope these images have inspired you to do your own color hunting!

-Linda Holt

Linda Holt is an interior designer and photographer who uses her skilled photographic eye to create her signature style of thoughtfully edited and soulful rooms. She is passionate that her designs reflect her client’s personality while incorporating her love and expertise with Color and Art. Linda Holt Interiors is located in Boxford MA and specializes in full service interior design.