Five Good Reasons to Let Go of Chocolate Brown

Australian Vogue Living

I understand that colour trends come and go; hot for one minute, dated the next. But really, the use of chocolate brown was starting to become a sort of pandemic in the world of interior decorating. It became the new blue in little boys rooms, the new taupe in living rooms, and the new beige in just about every other room of the house. I'll admit, I did like the light blue, cream and chocolate brown combination at first; until every home in North America got on the bandwagon. So today, I thought I'd blog about the most sought-after colour in interior decorating today. The colour that will bring us out of the recession. The colour that reminds us spring is around the corner. Yes, the colour Gods have selected none other than.......gray.

Don't get me wrong. I do love this new selection, as long as it's done in a way that uplifts rather than suppresses. At work a few weeks ago, I came across new Villa Nova wallpaper and fabric books and INSTANTLY fell in love. At last, the predominant colour was not brown, but pale and dark grays mixed with soft shades of yellows, lavenders and blues.

Here are the top five reasons why gray is the new brown...

1. It will work in a boy OR girls bedroom, living room OR family room, hallway OR bathroom. Remember how many times you felt claustrophobic in that little chocolate brown bathroom?

2. With the craze to make your home into a spa-like retreat, I can't think of anything more serene and peaceful than a room with white, gray and blue.

3. You can bring out your silver accessories and pewter frames again.

4. Unlike its predecessor, you can go warm or cool with gray.

5. Let's face it. This wallpaper wouldn't be quite so amazing in brown. I'm talking the difference between obsession and nothingness. Kind of a big deal.

If I haven't sold you yet (even though all my reasons were official and professional...but maybe gray isn't your thing), perhaps these turquoise and orange pieces from Villa Nova will be enough to get you excited about life after chocolate brown.

A Night at the Movies

There are few things I love more than curling up and watching a great movie. I have to say, Architectural Digest completely outdid themselves with the gorgeous home theaters they recently published. These are far from the rows of La-Z-Boys and big screens that adorn many a suburban home. These spaces are exceptional in their own right, but then as a home theater; well that's just amazing.

Wouldn't this outdoor projector be incredible on a warm summer night? Most popular house on the street, I'm sure.

All photos from Architectural Digest.

Welcome to the Jungle

Okay, not quite. I almost titled it "Going Green", but really, how many times have you heard that phrase now? A reference to old music (my closet obsession) seemed much more fitting.


I really don't have a green thumb, and I'm not even all that interested in having a car-stoppingly (my new word) beautiful front yard with roses and tulips when I own a house. I'm not saying I'd let it grow wild like THIS, but if we were to categorize my "landscape style", I'd keep it simple with something like THIS. Something the neighbourhood lawn care boy could take a John Deere to without worry.


All kidding aside, I give Martha Stewart the award for home gardens. I will never have the enthusiasm or dedication to spending a weekend in the garden that she has, but I do appreciate her love of plants. I've always loved the look of fresh flowers in a home, or a small plant to brighten up a space. And in that department, I consider myself moderately improved. I kept bamboo alive for at least 2 years, and I periodically buy myself flowers.


Over the weekend, I visited IKEA and picked up a few unnecessary things that I love. Before I could get to the checkout, I passed through the plant section and grabbed a few adorable potted plants to give life to my desk and bedside table. I think these photos (taken from Martha Stewart) are all a testament to the beauty of green. Single leaves, small foliage and simple pots can make such an impact in a room. Why wait until spring to enjoy nature again?







Go out and treat yourself to a love fern - single parent or not.