Layers of color: how to break away from monochrome and embrace color

FREE IMAGES Sometimes, you can describe what you mean - you need to a picture.  I think the following examples are a great way to describe how to layer different colors in a space to create a harmonious and memorable room.

Transitional Living Room by Brooklyn Architects & Building Designers CWB Architects

Eclectic Living Room by Alexander Interior Designers & Decorators Andrea Brooks Interiors

I've been thinking of painting my office a peachy pink, so it's nice to see real examples.

via Pinterest via House Beautiful

via Lonny

via BHG

Scared?  Start with the guest bed bedding to try your hand at mixing colors.  From their you can build the confidence to work with larger spaces?

Anyone here a master at mixing colors?  Or are you afraid?

via unknown

A real home makeover by Thom Filicia!

FREE IMAGES Real Simple and Chase Blueprint awarded one very lucky winner a $20,000 home makeover by the wonderful Thom Filicia!  That lucky winner of the contest, "Blueprint to a Beautiful Home" was Stephanie Gayol Phillipou of Mountainside, NJ.

The Philipou's moved into their home December 2011 and had to start preparing for new baby, leaving no time to add their personal style to the home.

Check out her home's amazing transformation!

Before:

What's amazing to me is how their home looks barely lived in, it was in major need of some character!

After:

The blue paint is so refreshing.

Before:

After:

I'm really loving upholstered dining chairs these days, it makes the space elegant and comfortable.

The bedroom and living room are a great study in how to mix patterns. The rug and comforter are in a neutral gray, which makes it easy to add pattern and color without worrying about clashing. The smoky lavender walls are restful, and the global accents remind the Phillipou's of their safari honeymoon in South Africa.

As always, Filicia did an amazing job.  What do you think of this transformation?

You can see and read more about the transformation in the December 2012 issue of Real Simple.