When a potential client reached out to Andrew Howard in Jacksonville, Florida, the timing seemed too perfect to be real. Earlier that day, he had discussed with his team their desire for a project involving elaborate patterns beyond the typical blue-and-white beach house theme. Howard felt they were stuck in a rut and needed a change. Fate intervened when a woman contacted him that evening, seeking to infuse her home in St. Simons Island, Georgia, with lively colors and bold prints. Their collaboration proved to be a match made in heaven, as the homeowner’s unconventional style pushed the designer to explore new creative directions in every room.
The house lacked architectural interest, prompting Howard to use imaginative paint treatments, vibrant wallpapers, and artistic tiles to infuse personality into the space. The homeowner’s whimsical ideas, such as incorporating monkeys and chinoiserie elements, inspired Howard and his team to experiment with a kaleidoscope of colors. Embracing the homeowner’s motto of “the more, the better,” Howard and project manager Kelsey Heneveld spun the color wheel to create stunning rooms that showcased their expanded palette.
In the formal living room, which also served as the entry, Howard painted the wall paneling in Benjamin Moore’s Mosaic Glass (485) and collaborated with artist Bob Christian to adorn each frame with florals inspired by 17th-century botanist Basilius Besler. The dining room featured a mix of furniture styles, defying traditional design rules, with a harmonious blend of English and French pieces. Howard’s creative approach extended to the kitchen, where he introduced high-impact elements like a hand-painted backsplash and statement lighting to enhance the space’s charm without a full renovation.
Andrew Howard’s transformative design approach offers insight into expanding one’s color palette and embracing bold choices to create unique and vibrant interiors.
The designer kept the same layout in the kitchen but added sleek checkerboard- patterned barstools to elevate the space. “You can renovate your kitchen without replacing cabinets and appliances, and see it transform from a plain white box to this,” notes the designer. “It’s a great compromise that leaves room for creativity.”
In the windowless family room, the designer played with deep, saturated colors to bring life to the space. Benjamin Moore’s Cape Blue (1642) coated the wood-paneled walls and trim, while the ceiling was covered with a custom Adelphi Paper Hangings design. A floral dhurrie rug in creamy tones provided a contrast, offering a visual break. The room was dotted with a collection of plates and accessories for a cozy and familiar feel, complemented by natural textures like rattan and wicker tables that nod to the home’s island setting.
For the sunroom, the designer opted for a harmonious blend of greens and blues, choosing Ralph Lauren Palm Leaf (VM106) for the walls and ceiling. Upholstery and window treatments introduced a range of blues, creating a serene atmosphere. The designer notes that although green and blue aren’t typically considered complementary, pairing them in similar intensities works well. “Light blue with light green, dark blue with dark green—it’s all about finding the right balance,” explains the designer.
In a guest room that doubles as an office, bold floral-and-striped wallpaper in Pierre Frey’s Madame Elisabeth in Garance set the tone, accented by Benjamin Moore’s Caliente (AF-290) trim and Solitude (AF-545) ceiling. The eclectic art collection added character to the space, with the designer advising not to worry about perfection when creating a gallery wall.
The twin guest room featured a palette of buttery red, white, and blue tones, with walls painted in Niveous (OC-36) and trim in Niagara Falls (1657) by Benjamin Moore. Pierre Frey’s Scenes Indiennes in Oasis served as the standout pattern in the room, highlighting its unique tone.
Exploring his eclectic taste in home decor, the homeowner carefully curated a vibrant palette in every corner of his living space, from the soothing sage green canopy linings to the rich deep blue quilts and the lively red throw pillows and ottomans. With a sense of excitement, he exclaims, “It’s a color explosion!”
In the whimsical world of interior design, some may prefer a tranquil ambiance in their bedrooms, but this homeowner embraced his exuberant style with gusto. “We opted for this eye-catching wallpaper (Pierre Frey’s La Comedie) to infuse the room with a plethora of colors and possibilities, then we made sure to incorporate more color wherever we could,” explains Howard. This translated to using Benjamin Moore’s Schooner (AF-520) on the trim, Sister Parish’s Verbena fabric on the banquette, Heather Chadduck Textiles’ Petite Frond in Melon for the Roman shades, and a bold purple buffalo check on the accent chairs. The designer reflects, “This room is truly one of my personal favorites. It’s brimming with various patterns, yet they all harmonize beautifully together.”
Immerse yourself in the full article on Southern Living to discover more about this captivating fusion of colors and patterns in home decor.
