Notes from the Field: Pink and Green Past

By Karin Lidbeck Brent

In the late 1960s, when I was ten, I experienced my first taste of decorating. My mother allowed me to pick any colors I desired for my bedroom theme, and the sky was the limit. Inspired by the psychedelic, make love not war, flower power generation, hot pink and lime green were the obvious choices.

Over the years I’ve seen this classic color combination of pink and green come and go repeatedly in the world of interior design. Seeing it always brings me back to the first room I called my own.

Photo courtesy of Karin Lidbeck Brent

Today designers play with and edit colors in a way that is far more sophisticated than I could have imagined my early years. With far more experience myself these days, I often imagine how I would recreate my 1960s bedroom in a more modern style–if only my husband would let me! Here are a few products and exceptional pieces that would be at the top of my pink and green list. Maybe they will inspire you to do the same!

This fabulous Lime Samosa rug from Madeline Weinrib would make a great pattern for covering the floor in a bold way. Its subtle lime green is a neutral base that will play well with the hot colors I intend to layer into the room.

Photo courtesy of Madeline Weinrib

Bedding is a key focal point in the bedroom. I like the pretty splashes of pink in these fun Happy Poppies pillows from Pine Cone Hill, mixed in with lime and fuchsia matelassé Scramble coverlets and shams. Loving these with the rug!

Photo courtesy of Pine Cone Hill

Throws are an essential accent to any living area. This super-soft throw from Design Within Reach draped over the end of the bed would add a nice styling touch.

Photo courtesy of Design Within Reach

When it comes to the furniture I’d want to look for something really original. How about these one-of-a-kind blasts from the past: a 1970s Mod Pop dresser and night stands from BG Galleries?

Photo courtesy of BG Galleries

I can easily imagine this Venus Pink Pendant light from Lillian August hanging from the ceiling on either side of the bed, over the BG Galleries night stands.

Photo courtesy of Lillian August

Pop art of the period, of course, would be an essential element to grace my bedroom walls. These posters would look so sophisticated in sleek frames.

Photo courtesy of Karin Lidbeck Brent

This Mrs. Godfrey chair from Jonathan Adler and Swan settee from DWR would be a good start for fashioning a cozy sitting area.

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Adler

Photo courtesy of Design Within Reach

While the redesign of my childhood bedroom started off as just a wild dream, I might be having too much fun with this to stop. Wall color or wallpaper? Window treatments? Storage ideas? I’d love to design the bed! Lots to think about–now all I need is the room…