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Roksanda Ilincic isn’t afraid of color—the Serbian fashion designer built her career designing a rainbow of dresses for everyone from Kate Middleton to Michelle Obama. Now she’s adding interior designer to her résumé, and unsurprisingly, the penthouse apartment she just unveiled is bathed in sunset hues.
The Gasholders, an iconic landmark in the up-and-coming London neighborhood of King’s Cross, had always captured Ilincic’s attention when she previously lived in the area. Now home to luxury residences like this penthouse, the industrial building inspired the designer to fill the space with warm, moody colors and curvy objects by women makers to offset the stark lines. Rose- and rust-hued murals by Paris-based artist Caroline Denervaud, natural wood furniture by Charlotte Perriand, and curvy pieces by Australian ceramist Alana Wilson give the apartment a soothing vibe that feels as comforting as a cozy blanket.
“When the sun slips past the horizon in just the right way, you get this otherworldly peach glow,” says Nivara Xaykao, a Benjamin Moore color specialist. “A little bit of this elusive hue can light up a room; it can lend a playful edge and speak volumes about your style.” Ahead, she shares the six paint colors you need to achieve the same sunset effect in your own space.
The Mysterious Red
“Given how bold and primal it is, red is a nuanced color that can take on many different forms,” says the color expert. “This red flirts a little bit with ruby and a little bit with an earthy burgundy. Just as you can mix different fabrics to highlight the many facets of red, you can play with sheens to uncover new dimensions in red paint.” She recommends looking for warmer reds to soften a modern color palette: “Adding just a dash of orange to your red can turn convention into invention.”
The Trendy Yellow
“The right yellow for a space can be hard to find,” says Xaykao. “People are drawn to bright yellows, but it’s always a good idea to consider something a few notches down, like a honey maple, to really expand the versatility of your palette.” She recommends mustard hues for an elevated take on the sunny shade, adding, “This unlikely color trend has opened the door for interesting color play on the warmer side of the spectrum.”
The Unexpected Alternative to Black
“Leathery browns are a great way to ground bright, dramatic colors while maintaining a luxurious look,” says Xaykao. “Browns also present an unexpected alternative to black.” She adds that a hint of violet can bring a beautiful depth to browns. “Think of rich woods like walnut, mahogany, and ebony. They can make a statement in small amounts but can play subtle, too, when used all over.”
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