The Art of More: Embracing Pattern and Color Maximalism in Wardrobe and Home
If your current color palette consists mostly of beige, off-white, and the occasional gray, consider this your official wake-up call! For fun let’s aside the minimalist mood boards and throw open the doors to a world where “too much” is just the starting point. Get ready to ditch the safe choices, because today, we’re learning to embrace the art of more. Let’s journey into pattern and color that promises to jazz up both your closet and your home. Who said your leopard-print scarf couldn’t coordinate with your floral wallpaper? Absolutely no one who matters, that’s who. Let’s dive into The Art of More: Embracing Pattern and Color Maximalism in Wardrobe and Home.
The Home of Two Artists in House and Garden UK
Artists Brita Granström and Mick Manning’s Georgian house in Berwick-upon-Tweed, is a testament to the beauty of abundance. It is a masterpiece of collected curated color and pattern, radiating a wonderful, lived-in charm. The home’s rich aesthetic reflects and mirrors the essence of their creative work. It is beautifully photographed by Elliot Shepherd
Who but an artist would think of mixing the green in the wallpaper with the sage green trim.
The pattern play of the painting, wallpaper and rug is genius. The effortless mixing of pattern and color requires the eye of an artist. Though this level of daring maximalism is way beyond my own decorating and styling comfort zone, I gain incredible insight and inspiration from those who have this incredible gift.
Outfits of the Week
Confession: I am utterly and completely obsessed with this eggplant/olive color combination. While I know it might not appeal to everyone, this year I’ve been inspired to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new hues and patterns in my wardrobe. This is why I always advocate investing in the best core pieces you can afford, and then injecting high-impact interest with accessories. They make experimentation not so scary!
I have been coveting this ALC sweater (WAY out of my price range) I keep thinking it will show up on eBay). I love the J Crew Pants (on sale which I own), the Tory Burch bag is on sale (love mine), I also own the comfy Birdies loafers, the machete watch band, bracelet, and earrings. Coveting the beautiful Gerard Darel scarf (absolute perfection in my book).
Here is a more affordable alternative to the above concept. Max Studio faux suede skirt from Nordstrom Rack, Cashmere Sweater on sale at Lands End, scarf from Etsy, Sam Edelman Booties, bracelet, earrings and bag all from NR.
If you missed any of my previous outfits of the week you can find them all here in my ShopMy store.
Scouty Loves his new Ruggable Runner
I have to be upfront: I wasn’t always a Ruggable fan. The runner I bought for our last home didn’t quite win us over, and we ended up leaving it there. When they reached out about a partnership, I hesitated . It wasn’t until my pal Mary Ann said she had good luck, so I thought I would try it in the high-traffic area by our back door. I’m glad I did! Steve, Scouty, and I are all incredibly impressed by how much their designs have progressed. I am thinking about ordering this one for my entryway.
Favorite Clam Chowder
It’s chowder weather. It has been raining (finally) here so last night I made a bot of our favorite chowder.
CINDY HATTERSLEY-ADAPTED FROM INA GARTEN
Ingredients
- 4 T unsalted butter, divided
- 3-4 slices uncured turkey bacon chopped
- 2 cups chopped yellow onions 2 onions
- 2 cups medium-diced celery 4 stalks
- 2 cups medium-diced carrots 6 carrots
- 4 cups peeled medium-diced boiling potatoes 8 potatoes
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme leaves 1/2 teaspoon dried
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt DO NOT NEED SALT IF USING CANNED CLAMS
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 8 oz bottles clam juice
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 10 oz can whole clams & juice
- 3 6.5 oz cans chopped clams & juice
- 2 T chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Melt 4T of the butter in a large stockpot. Add turkey bacon, the onions and cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, or until translucent. Add the celery, carrots, potatoes, pepper flakes, thyme, and pepper and saute for 10 more minutes. Add the clam juice, bring to a boil, and simmer, uncovered, until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
- Whisk the flour and milk together. Whisk in a cup of the hot broth and add to vegetable mixture, and cook over very low heat for a few minutes until the broth is thickened.
- Add the clams & juice and heat gently for a few minutes to cook the clams. Taste for salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnish with fresh parsley.
The Beast in Me on Netflix
Is anyone else watching the Beast in Me on Netflix? Steve and I are mesmerized by it.
Well that’s it from my desk! I hope you enjoyed traveling down the rabbit hole with me in The Art of More: Embracing Pattern and Color Maximalism in Wardrobe and Home. Whether you start small with a new emerald throw pillow or jump headfirst into pairing stripes with paisley in your wardrobe, remember that maximalism can be an excuse to have more fun. It’s about being brave enough to trust your own instincts and surround yourself with the colors and patterns that bring you joy. Ditch the fear of “too much” and join me outside my comfort zone!
If you missed any of my previous Sunday Favorites you can catch up here.
If you are looking for a few Christmas decor items to add to what you already own, I have curated a group of my favorites in my store on ShopMy here. Terrain is also having 25% off selected holiday decor here. This sale includes my tree here.
Now let’s pop over and visit Mary Ann and Annie
I do so envy people who can mix and match patterns, colours and textures and I love some of the rooms above. Your personal style is also something to admire along with your garden. Tried to get into ‘The Beast in Me’, but got bored after two episodes and I think Clare Danes overacts in her roles. Husband and I enjoyed ‘Boots’ on Netflix, but my favourite series is still, ‘Boy swallows Universe’. Down Cemetery Road is pretty good, along with Slow Horses.
Hi Susan
Thanks for the suggestions! I haven’t watched any of those!
Hi Anne
Great idea! I will work on that!!
Hi Cindy: I’m eyeing those J Crew pants! I’m 5’4″ and considering the petite. I notice that some of the comments say that this pant runs small. I’m wondering what size you purchased (I suspect we’re the same size) and if you got the petite. Love your review of the interior designers and their color choices!
Hi Sally
Do not get the petite. I am 5’4 and purchased the petite and they are too short on me. The regular fits just fine in a medium for me. Those pants are very good quality and well made. Highly recommend. I have three colors if that tells you anything!!
Cindy, I love those homes… pattern, color, a cafe curtain… what’s not to love! And your slimmed-down soup sounds amazing! Must try!
Mixing too much pattern in my home would cause me stress. I need a calm, neutral space. I can appreciate when done right in others though.
The Beast in Me sounds interesting. You would certainly not be bored watching. I’ve noted and will watch it as soon as I finish the current series. Thank you for the recommendation.
Hi Joanna
I completely agree, but I so admire those who can. If I were still working I would love to try it for someone who loves pattern. I personally have been there and done that, so I wouldn’t but I watch, study and learn. In my wardrobe I am a little bolder, sometimes!
Hi Cindy,
Your Scouty is very handsome, I can see him in magazines. Pretty rug.
I love the color of the J Crew but looking at the model they run short. With my feet the way they are I have to wear sneakers. I try to hide them as much as possible. I’m 5’6” I think we are about the same height. If you own them, about where do they hit you? Thx for your feedback.
Hi Katherine
I am exactly 5’4. I ordered the petite first time around…too short. The medium regular hits me perfectly. I think they would work for you as well. I hiked mine up a bit!!
Loved this post.
Would you and your friends do a post about Christmas gifts for girlfriends which are $30 and under?
Hi Anne
Great idea! I will work on that!!
So glad you all like the rug…and I’ve had good luck washing them.
I love the joy and abundant feeling of the max movement in home decor but honestly, it would make me itch. LOL I can enjoy and envy those who embrace it in their homes though.
Thanks for the Beast in Me suggestion. On My List but will have to wait until after the airing of The American Revolution by Ken Burns on PBS.
Be well.
OMG thank you for reminding me about the latest Ken Burns. I agree about pattern and color in the home. I have been there and done that-I know I couldn’t live with it at this stage in my life, but love to see it done well