Did you know September is National Mushroom Month? I thought I knew my 'shrooms, but when we moved down here, and hit up the (very good) sushi restaurants, I had the chance to try shimeji - tiny little caps that grow in clusters. Most often, they are served simply sautéed with soy sauce and butter, and They. Are. Dee-lish!Turns out, though, that my taste in mushrooms is not limited to the food variety. The more I got to thinking about it, the more I realized that rooms designed with the zen-like color can be most appealing. If you're not a fan of the fungus, perhaps you can appreciate a few images of mushroom of the non-edible kind.
Think of Mushroom as a range of colors - not just a stagnant taupe. It can be cool, with hints of gray - truffles come to mind, or toasty, with undertones of yellow - sort of like my yummy sautéed shimeji!
If Martha's paint color selection is any clue, methinks she craves all sorts of 'shroom varieties
...And she's forever rockin' this seemingly subdued color - like using it as a master palette for vintage mirrors and gilded pumpkins (cue: more Fall decor drool)
...And carrying it into her famous, new kitchen
Right down to the details of her massive collection of drabware
To me, mushroom says, "I have class, I don't have to shout it out." Love it here with the infusion of yellow. Room by DC designer, Sally Steponkus.
I happen to think it's a wonderful choice for a classic or cottage bathroom
We used a lightened-up version in our bath in North Carolina - this color works magnificently with my favorite hardware finish: polished nickel.
Lest I miss the wonders it can work for a serene bedroom (aren't those windows amazing?!)
Taking a cue from the pros - hit the 'shrooms in the form of details, details, DETAILSFor example, Farrow & Ball's Lotus wallpaper even hints at those underbelly folds of a meaty portabella.
Or this beyond-fantastic cement mosaic tile (I really do think I could donate a limb to have a kitchen floor of this stuff!)
by Villa Lagoon TileIn the more budget-friendly world, you can have your mushroom fix via this simple, castered bookshelf by West Elm
Now, go on - hop on your Magic Mushroom carpet ride!
I'm a decorator, wife, and busy mom of three. I believe in elevating the average space, and bridging the great design divide. I love homes, and aspire beyond builder-grade blah. This blog chronicles our own home projects, what inspires me, and sometimes, just what's on my design-track mind. Taking ordinary homes to higher levels is my little happy place.
22 comments:
Mushroom inspired shades are beautiful. What you happened to say about them being understated, though clearly elegant struck a chord in me. Not only because I agree, but because I think that's what most people strive for when decorating. They forget that thse lovely neutrals inspired by nature can carry great impact.
I am so smitten with this post... all the colors are just swoon worthy! This is going in my inspiration folder... for sure!
this is the shade of my bath. I just adore it.
love mushrooms, I make them all the time at home- although now that I think about it I make the same thing over and over, its time to branch out and find some new things to try.
Oh, and Martha can do NO wrong- I love her kitchen and want to move in now :)
Um yeah... now i am totally going to silverleaf some pumpkins... and I don't usually do seasonal decor. love all the photos from your trippy shroom palette!
Smiles!
Michelle
Oh...that shroom wallpaper is just...well...amazing.
Nice shroom report!
National mushroom month...who knew?
Love that color, trimmed in a crisp white. So pretty!
Really gorgeous post-love the colors. I have done the gilded pumpkins many years-also gorgeous in gold of course depending on your palette. I love the F & B wallpaper-it is very smart that the design comes in two different sizes depending on the space you are using it. Wonderful job!
okay so i love shroom colors too. You have inspired me. I have been needing a color for my super white bedroom. I am going to start looking for a good shroom color!
LOVE the Jeff Andrews room...the mushroom is so much warmer than gray.
I die over that kitchen. DIE.
Love the natural elegance of these shades. Perfect for any decor style.
Thank you thank you thank you for this post! I've been wondering what sorts of colors to do the rooms of our house in that would all work well together (its small so everything needs to coordinate) and not be too crazy because we are renters. This color scheme is PERFECT.
Such a pretty post and so full of inspiration. laurie
New to your blog and I love it! My favorite from this post is the cottage bathroom!
What a fun post Alison- I too have a thing for shrooms' neutral palette.
Have a fabulous weekend!
I do love the subtlety of mushroom hues, and that wallpaper is gorgeous!
Lovely post! I, too, love everything mushroom :). Would you mind sharing the color you used in your bathroom?
Love your blog!
LOVE this post. Esp the wallpaper and the west elm bookcase.
Love all the mushroom colors! My kitchen cabinets are in the mushroom family but for a lack of a better word I have always said they were taupe, which didn't do the color justice. Now I can say mushroom!! thanks!!
Martha's mushroom kitchen is beautiful. I've seen photos of it before but I love the muted sophistication of it. Hello, inspiration folder, insert MLHP post :)
Props go to the shrooms... They are all aroung design land. You have such nice images you make me crave for more...
Great pics! In addition to the rooms, love the one w/ all the paint cans.
The DC designer of the room you mentioned is actually Sally Steponkus though.
http://www.washingtonspaces.com/2009/4/articles/renovating-for-a-cause
It was a room from the DC Design House. Love it too.
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