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Decorating isn't just about curtain lengths and complementary paint colors. In our new column "Happy Homes Make Happy People," we explore what it's really about: Personal expression.
Name: Julia Allison
Occupation: Columnist/Media Personality
Decorating Philosophy: "Whatever captures my imagination, whatever makes me smile."
Julia's idea of a design sin: "Not having a point of view." Which is why her 422-square-foot New York City apartment is laser-focused on her pink and white theme. "To me, it signifies optimism and joy," she explains, though she's not blind to the extreme femininity of the look.
"Frankly, men are not huge fans," she says of the space. "One fellow said that being in the apartment was like being in a giant cupcake." But Julia, who you might recognize from her life-casting blog or Sony commercials, doesn't let it get to her. "I shared my last apartment with my boyfriend, who favored Design Within Reach and various shades of taupe, so this is definitely a reaction to living with neutrals for over two years."
But a closer look at the "Pink Palace," as Julia affectionately named it, reveals that it's really the white that keeps the apartment looking pulled together and -- dare we say it about a 422-square-foot studio -- spacious. Even though Julia's been obsessed with pink since high school, she's wise enough to use it carefully as an accent color: No pink wallpaper, bedspread or furniture here. Instead, she's careful to keep it to special pieces, like the "wearable art" she displays in the hallway, or the lampshades. She's also mindful about keeping the space clutter-free -- notice how there are no pictures frames or loose papers laying around.
Julia moved out of this apartment earlier this year with plans to settle in Los Angeles. Wondering how she'll bring her signature taste and small-space skills to a West Coast home? "My aesthetic is a bit more shabby-chic now, more like designer Kelly Giesen's. And hopefully I'll be able to invest in more vintage pieces and touches like curtains and chandeliers."
And the pink? "I'll never give it up, that's for sure. But I think the rest of the home will be able to grow up around it."
What are your thoughts on the pink palace? What about monochromatic decorating? Let us know on our Facebook page!
Name: Julia Allison
Occupation: Columnist/Media Personality
Decorating Philosophy: "Whatever captures my imagination, whatever makes me smile."
Julia's idea of a design sin: "Not having a point of view." Which is why her 422-square-foot New York City apartment is laser-focused on her pink and white theme. "To me, it signifies optimism and joy," she explains, though she's not blind to the extreme femininity of the look.
"Frankly, men are not huge fans," she says of the space. "One fellow said that being in the apartment was like being in a giant cupcake." But Julia, who you might recognize from her life-casting blog or Sony commercials, doesn't let it get to her. "I shared my last apartment with my boyfriend, who favored Design Within Reach and various shades of taupe, so this is definitely a reaction to living with neutrals for over two years."
But a closer look at the "Pink Palace," as Julia affectionately named it, reveals that it's really the white that keeps the apartment looking pulled together and -- dare we say it about a 422-square-foot studio -- spacious. Even though Julia's been obsessed with pink since high school, she's wise enough to use it carefully as an accent color: No pink wallpaper, bedspread or furniture here. Instead, she's careful to keep it to special pieces, like the "wearable art" she displays in the hallway, or the lampshades. She's also mindful about keeping the space clutter-free -- notice how there are no pictures frames or loose papers laying around.
Julia moved out of this apartment earlier this year with plans to settle in Los Angeles. Wondering how she'll bring her signature taste and small-space skills to a West Coast home? "My aesthetic is a bit more shabby-chic now, more like designer Kelly Giesen's. And hopefully I'll be able to invest in more vintage pieces and touches like curtains and chandeliers."
And the pink? "I'll never give it up, that's for sure. But I think the rest of the home will be able to grow up around it."
What are your thoughts on the pink palace? What about monochromatic decorating? Let us know on our Facebook page!
