I love color, and Minneapolis’ LiLu Interiors lured me with their eclectic palettes. From graphic prints and pretty pinks to mature pastels and bright, earthy neutrals, their palettes demand attention. In July, I interviewed the founder of LiLu Interiors, Lisa Peck, and asked her about her thought process for choosing colors. “We start every project with a concept often based on words and images that reflect our clients’ goals, tastes, the emotion they want their home to evoke, and then develop a color palette as well,” she began. “Once a concept is established, we start searching showrooms for fabrics, rugs, and wallpapers. I will find one or two that feel like the perfect fit for a specific client.” She continued, “once we have a ‘magic fabric’ or palette building rug, we fill in the palette with patterns and colors that work with that central textile. Mixing patterns is a matter of paying close attention to the scale, motif, and color to create a pleasing scheme.”

Listed below are some of my favorite looks from LiLu’s colorful repertoire.

Living Rooms

The layered textures and colors of this living room feel natural, like its surroundings. The stone fireplace creates subtle texture, and the color play can be seen in the printed carpet, pillows, and the multi-hued surface of the center table. The built-in window seats are a light pastel hue adding a subtle hint to the warmer tones. This room is the perfect example of how a space can be made colorful but not bright.

I adore the pink sectional that LiLu chose for this living area. The printed carpet is a trippy visual treat, while the hints of turquoise on the bookshelves add a fresh feel. The bright pink ottoman coffee table and the colored floor cushions with trim are my favorites in this room. This living area is mature and playful simultaneously — such a great look! This Posh Playhouse project can be found on Lilu’s website.

Can a bright turquoise and bright pink look balanced in the same room? I was pleasantly surprised to find that they can. There’s so much to look at in this living room: the printed curtains, the striking fireplace, the beautiful artwork, the abstract rug. There’s so much design packed in one room without looking crowded. I admire this balance in LiLu’s work.

Bedroom

I feel calm just looking at this bedroom. The different shades of blue create a subtle coastal mood, whereas the neutral shades induce a sense of serenity. The blue velvet chair adds a nice warm color and functionality to the space.

This bedroom was designed to offer a quiet, uplifting retreat at the end of the day. These feminine, delicate hues enhance the comfort of the luxe linen and upholstery. I love the peachy curtains and the bright pink tassels on the shelves.

Kitchen

The cabinetry’s solid dark blue contrasts with printed and patterned blues showcased in the backsplash and window treatment. I enjoyed spotting the blue accents in the accessories, like the blue-and-white kitchen towel hanging on the cabinet and the blue bowl on the table. All of the blue touches make the room look integrated.

Color doesn’t have to be used in large doses to make an impact. Colorful accessories brighten this kitchen. The light grey cabinets are juxtaposed with orange, blue, and indigo accents in the backsplash and the window treatment. And, don’t miss the built-in seating by the window. Those multi-colored cushions are on my must-have list.

What’s not to love about this bright, orange beauty!

Bathroom

These calming, deep blues lend a hand to the relaxation process of this shower. 

This bathroom provides a cheerful pop of color, yet is done in a cool, calming manner. It is such a great balance of different energies, making it suitable for both day and night.

LiLu used a clever play on different shades of green in this powder room. Green printed wallpaper is juxtaposed with the green solid surface on the cabinets. 

Home Office

Who doesn’t love a superhero? Or heroine? Can you spot your favorite in this wallpaper featuring 60s-era superheroes?

LiLu’s versatility amazes me. From a bold, printed, playful office to a minimal setup with just a desk and chair.  The designer used a dark-hued rugt, the upholstery on the chair, and the artwork to add earthy colors to the elegant, light palette.

Kid’s Room

Golden metallic butterflies and a soft butterfly-shaped pillow — this bedroom was designed for sound sleep and sweet dreams. What child wouldn’t feel special and loved in such a well-designed space?

Both of the above images are of kid’s bedrooms and are yet so strikingly different. A medley of prints dominates the room seen above. I adore the fabric on the headboard and love the multi-colored, polka-dotted ceiling.

Nooks and Corners

These nooks and corners delighted me with their quirky art, technicolor stripes, and bright florals. “When thinking about motifs, I always like to create a balance of floral or abstract patterns with more geometric or striped fabrics” said Lisa about how she manages palettes. “Textures work beside the patterns to keep our palettes balanced. Years of experience designing interiors goes into each decision we make about the pattern mix.” Her expertise is evident in her portfolio.

I hope you enjoyed LiLu’s colorful world as much as I did. Explore more of their Minneapolis interior designs on their website. ♥