Posted by Sandi Friel
It’s gray and rainy outside today, but my house is anything but gloomy – thanks to the color orange. The glowing fire, wood ceilings, trim and amber lighting create a cozy lively space I want to be in. Orange makes me happy!
Upbeat and friendly, when orange is muted it’s warm and comforting. In vibrant hues, it’s downright exciting — a little goes a long way! Fall is traditionally when we think of orange (see my post Slideshow of Fall Color on Orcas Island), but I enjoy it throughout the year, inside and out. Take a look:
When I couldn’t decide on a chandelier, Bob whipped up this Madrone branch with orange lights. The perfect glow over our table – I love it!
My best score from the local consignment shop – a gracefully shaped stained glass lampshade with colors of fall.
A copper octopus ornament sparkles on my fireplace year-round. If you love something, keep it out where you can enjoy it. 🙂
Another cherished cephalopod: a whimsical print from Teri.
Teri and Marlis used pops of orange effectively when they staged this home for sale. Orange is both unexpected and memorable, and harmonizes with most wood tones.
A bedroom in a listing of mine reminds me of orange sorbet…yummy! In larger areas like this, full-strength orange would’ve been be too intense.
Check out the bold color Teri picked for the front door of our first-place-winning parade float this summer.
An orange Ford in an Orcas field. I snapped this picture years ago when I first thought of a post about orange.
California poppies sunning themselves over Massacre Bay. Blue and orange are opposites on the color wheel, making a classic complementary color scheme.
Wild Orange Honeysuckle in our yard attracts and feeds hummingbirds.
Critters come in orange too! Here, a poisonous Red-Bellied Newt sports a fire orange underbelly as a warning to predators.
The most prolific display of orange on our island is the bark of the beautiful Pacific Madrone tree.
Orcas Island’s western shoreline lights up at golden hour.
The sunsets from the west side of Orcas are simply breathtaking. The tiny floating island is White Rock.
What October post about orange would be complete without pumpkins?
After writing this post, I’ve decided to I’m going to bring more cheery orange into my life. How about you?
I love this post! Johnny has recently decided that orange is his favorite color and I have been trying to get behind that idea. This post has totally convinced me! In fact, you have pointed out that I have loved orange all along! Thanks Sandi!
Just discovered the blog, Sandi, via the nice writeup in the Sounder. With winter coming on, it gave me a new appreciation of Orange. Love Bob’s madrona branch chandelier!
Thank you Brian!