Pantone Color of the Year: Viva Magenta

January 20, 2023 Sara Hillery

Pantone’s 2023 Color of the Year, Viva Magenta, bursts with vibrant energy. This strong color in the red family may be too extra as an “all over” color- However, used sparingly, it brings a surprising liveliness and fun-loving sensibility to the spaces it graces.

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Slide 1: Kip Dawkins Photography, Slide 2-5: Gordon Gregory Photography

Scroll through for a few of my favorite Viva Magenta (and Viva Magenta adjacent) items to add a bit of this color’s brightness into your life!

Try out this year’s color without the commitment: on your nails. Such a vibrant nail color will give you an instant lift whenever you look at it, even if it’s during your fourth zoom meeting of the day.

Magenta Silk Dupion Gathered Lamp Shade, The Ginger Jar Lamp Co., $131

This silk dupion lampshade will add a fun touch of whimsy to any room! Pair it with a sleek modern base in black or white for a dramatic contrast or experiment with pattern for a playful accent.

Dip-Dyed Alpaca Throw, Casa Branca, $465

This dip-dyed alpaca throw will instantly zhuzh up a plain sofa- and feels super luxurious to cuddle up with!

'Sissinghurst with Blue Bowl' by Dana Gibson, Scout Design Studio, $660

I love local RVA artist Dana Gibson’s still life paintings, and this print with its bright background will instantly infuse personality to even the most ho-hum room or hallway.

Seaweed, Blackwell Botanicals, Contact store for pricing details

This gorgeous seaweed, with its ruffle-like appearance, is a very cool, unexpectedly chic addition for nature lovers.

Visit Ibiza without leaving the coziness of your own home with this coffee table book that is made to be displayed and admired.

Ikat Silk-Velvet Cushion, Matches Fashion, $120

Ikat is always in style!

Dessert Plate Set of 2, La DoubleJ, $125

I love the contrast of this 3D geometric pattern on a round plate!

A simple pitcher in a striking hue.

A touch of the tropics for your next dinner party!

Flower Quilted Placemat - Pink, Furbish Studio, $11

I cannot get enough of this cheery batik print!

Icon Pink 24-Pc Setting by Sabre, Gracious Style, $486

Love this classic flatware set in an unexpected color!

I love these tumblers – There is something so fun about their shape!

Color Block Tissue Box, Jaye's Studio, $64

This tissue box cover in such a bright color is way too happy!

Love these napkin rings in an orchid motif as a fun way to dress up your table!

A stylish diffuser to add a sophisticated fragrance to your home.

These are the sweetest candle holders!

White & Pink Beaded Floral Motif Handbag, The Well Appointed House, $151

A classic pattern meets peak glam. How fun are these beaded details?

Hexagon Beeswax Candles Pack - Raspberry, Matilda Goad & Co., $55

These cheerful tapers provide a little more style than your typical candle.

Scallop Edge Napkin in Pink & Azalea, Matouk, $135

Perfect year-round from Valentine’s Day to Christmas!

Bohemian Floral Lavender & Rose Napkins, Pomegranate, $56

Add block print details to your table for a chic and casual look!

Thanksgiving Tablescape

November 8, 2022 Sara Hillery

Happy Thanksgiving from my table to yours!

This season, I have been inspired by the simplicity of the original Thanksgiving- and have sought to design a humble, earthy tablescape as a reminder of the holiday’s central message of gathering, sharing, and giving thanks.

A Touch of the Tropics:

Despite the forecast, I have been embracing inspiration from the tropics!

This bamboo tablecloth serves as a playful foundation while its brown hue allows this base layer to remain somewhat muted and very versatile.

Touches of bamboo seem to evoke a casual elegance – and I simply cannot get enough of this natural element! Since designing a table for the 2022 Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Gala, I have been incorporating bamboo silverware into my recent place settings. This bamboo flatware set now available on Sara Hillery Home acts as an additional cheerful nod to an island paradise.

These natural elements work in tandem to add texture as well as echo the familiar warm palette associated with autumn.

Chargers and China:

How fun are these green scalloped rice paper placemats? They are another earthy yet elegant base for today’s place setting.

In addition to the down-to-earth placemats, blue gold-rimmed China and white bamboo plates are layered on top of one another for a polished yet relaxed look.

Garden Centerpieces:

When tablescaping, be sure to include greenery! Even modest garden herbs in terracotta pots can liven up a table. Moreover, garden herb centerpieces can add an aromatic scent to an already delicious meal!

Upcycled Napkins:

This season, I have been inspired by the resourcefulness and practicality of the original Thanksgiving and sought to reuse elements- including these napkins- from my personal collection.

Another way easy way to add interest to a tablescape includes alternating napkin patterns. Deviating away from formal and traditional monogram linens, I mixed pink batik napkins with a blue block print pattern which resulted in a vibrant, eclectic blend. I even chose to forgo a napkin ring!

These simple napkin choices can create a casual and welcoming atmosphere.

Gratitude Notes for Guests:

Finally, handwritten notes of gratitude for each guest act as name cards.

I am hopeful that these messages of appreciation remind each guest how extraordinary they are and that they have a meaningful souvenir to take home.

Thank you for following along!

3 Ways to Infuse the Warm, Cozy Color of Orange Into Your Life for Fall

September 27, 2022 Sara Hillery

Fall is (almost) officially here, and lately we’ve been seeing an influx of a somewhat polarizing seasonal color: burnt orange. Some people agree with Elle Woods in Legally Blonde: “Whoever said orange was the new pink was seriously disturbed.” Others love the color that instantly reminds them of favorite fall activities like pumpkin picking, trick-or-treating, or pumpkin-spice-latte-drinking.

Our take? Orange may not be a match for pink, but in deep, rich shades it can be surprisingly versatile and chic. Warm and welcoming hues feel invigorating and youthful--just steer clear of bright, electric oranges, which trend toward the artificial. To show you how we would integrate orange, we’re showcasing three examples that range from a pretty considerable commitment to the color to just dipping a toe in (literally). Embrace orange at whatever level you choose, but don’t be afraid to try a new-to-you hue!

This study highlights how orange can be tastefully incorporated throughout a room without being garish or dominating. We used richer shades of orange to create a space that feels vibrant yet calm and professional. The deep orange armchairs are sumptuous and illustrate how certain oranges can act almost as a neutral, playing well with blues, grey blues, and beiges. The rug, trimmed and patterned with orange detailing, helps tie the room together. Orange doesn’t scream here; it beckons, creating an inviting and surprisingly classy ambiance.

You don’t have to feel that it’s necessary to commit to a piece of furniture or a larger room element: try out some orange accent pieces to see if you warm up to this versatile color. Pillows or throw blankets are a great place to start as they are a minimal investment and can be easily swapped out. Or bring the color into a space naturally: cut branches with leaves that have turned a rich orange and arrange in a vase to give life to a room. Orange flowers such as begonias, lantanas, tithonia (or Mexican sunflowers), carnations, or coreopsis are also colorful options.

Still not convinced? Take the color out for a spin! Orange infuses sweater, shoes, earrings, and a clutch with an unexpected pop of color and energy so swap in something orange for your typical go-to colors and observe how it makes you feel. It may give you just the lift you need for a marathon pumpkin carving session!