mixing neutrals

(design :: janie medley flora design)

Neutrals. We all know them :: white, ivory, black, brown, charcoal, champagne, taupe, gray...

If you would have asked me one year ago how I felt about about mixing gray + brown, I would have told you my strong opinion about how you must never do such a thing with a warm + cool color. Earlier this week, however, I met up with one of my fabulous '09 clients who wants to do just that.

Since her reception venue is mostly warm--oranges, reds, yellows, and gorgeous, dark wood--she's eyeing brown linens. It's going to be fabulous--luxurious espresso bichon on the tables and ivory lamour napkins to keep our room warm + intimate. Candlelight and small flower collections on each table will make it romantic.

My concern? The bridesmaid's gowns are this amazing shade of platinum. When she told me she was thinking espresso linens with the platinum dresses, my former self about fell over. How can we do warm and cool in the same room? Once I pulled myself together and saw her vision, the ideas began flowing.

What perfect timing when, this morning, I came across the above photo on The Bride's Cafe. The floral design is by Janie Medley, and it's exactly what I needed to push me into cheering for the charcoal + chocolate combo. Instead of yellow flowers, however, we'll be doing white--peonies, tulips, carnations(!), roses, etc.--with greens mixed in and tall willow branches as well.

Need further proof that mixing neutrals work? Check out Monica's Bride + Bloom feature with black, brown + ivory. One word :: glamorous!