Monday, June 8, 2009

Amelie interiors (and no, this is not a company)

The movie Amelie is memorable and noteworthy for so many reasons, most of which I will not be listing here. I mention the movie because director Jean-Pierre Jeunet really knew what he was doing when it came to setting the tone of the movie with color. I think it took the third time (I'm slow sometimes) of viewing this movie, years ago, before I realized that every scene contained was some variation of lime and orange (perhaps green and red would be the correct colors to use here but lime and orange is more interesting). If you've seen the movie, and I'm willing to bet money that most of you have, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't seen the move, I don't know what you're doing reading this and not watching the movie, because really, life doesn't begin without a good viewing of Amelie.
via here
Lime and orange is an amazingly vibrant color combo that can go oh so wrong if restraint is not involved. Here are a few interior examples I've collected over the past couple of weeks. Here, the lime couch is the star of the room and the orange flowers are a playful accent. This is agreat solution if you're shy about the color combo and just want to try it. The rug draws both the colors in perfectly.
via umama
This sophisticated space would be too stuffy for me without the fun lime table and chairs. I can't tell you what that is on the wall, but it's working.
via Metropolitan Home
Whoa! Neon works against a neutral background...I love the lighthearted feel of this space.
via Desire to Inspire
This is a designed space that looks lived in...the fresh flowers are a nice finishing touch and echo the painting above the mantle.
via House and Home
Adding a touch of color to a white space might be all the change you need for a bedroom makeover. The painted wardrobe is subdued and so pretty. Note the touch of orange on the bed.
via LivingEtc
Do you tend to fall asleep in your workspace (not that you'd admit it if you do)? Citrus colors energize and what better place to have them than where you work?
via Living Etc
I haven't thought about using cutting boards as decor, but these shapes work really well. The bright colors are best accented with modern, streamlined shapes.
via Living Etc
Again, the color combo, although striking, doesn't need to be garish. The pale, sea foam color on this wall is a lovely backdrop for the retro couch.
via Made by Girl
This is a fantastic combo for a children's room, boy or girl.
via Design Sponge
So, what do you think about these Amelie-inspired spaces?
{Ashley Akers giveaway ends tomorrow...don't miss it!}

43 comments:

Kate said...

I watched Amelie just this weekend! My favorite movie! The set dresser on that show was definitely well worth their paycheck.

flynn said...

Watch the bonus material in Amelie for the description of how they made the colors so intense (e.g., the blue lamp in the scene where she puts together the letter is entirely CG - not there in real life).

I looove the pillows on the light orange couch! I wish I could sew ...

Mo said...

I LOVE Amelie.
So much so that our wedding colors are red and green (or are they lime and orange?)

Aline said...

those rooms are gorgeous, and yes, I love Amelie!

nicole mountz said...

i've heard over and over again that i should see that movie. i'll add it to my to do list this weekend :)

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Ohhhhhhhhhh, that room with the built ins. To die for!

Rachel said...

I definitely think this can work in the right space and with the right personality. I like the subdued hues a lot!

Diana said...

the title totally sounds like a legit company, too!

i love the inspiration and i hope ed goes away soon! hmmph!

Blair Friedeman said...

This is just such a fantastic post! All of tehse interiors are just amazing! Also, loved your kotori guest post!

TERI REES WANG said...

Hot "Techno-color" tones seems ripe for the "Juicy Fruit" pleasure of picking ...!

FROM THE RIGHT BANK said...

Well, you know orange is my favorite color. There's nothing more cheerful in my opinion. And I've very recently warmed up to green. The two together are always a great combination.

Sunshine said...

I love Amelie! My all time favorite French movie. I think it has to do with how whimsical it feels. Now thinking about it, the colors certainly help!

Elizabeth Marie said...

Amelie is one of my absolute favorite movies EVER.

I will take the 4th room and plop it in my house. I love the pop of color over the mantle and the fresh flowers. So gorgeous!

Monika said...

I have to tell you I did not realize this colour thing in the movie either. These interiors are absolutely funny and whimsical!

Amber said...

Love these pictures! I'm ashamed to admit I've never seen the movie. It's officially now on my "to watch" list.

Marsi @ The Cottage Cheese said...

Absolutely lovely interiors! Amelie is such a visually stunning movie. Funny, I never noticed the lime & orange combo either. My favorites are the rooms in photo #1 and photo #3. I think the key to pairing colors this bright is lots and lots of white

Unknown said...

I love AMELIE!! Those interiors are FAB!

jess@noelmarie said...

I love color, but I love that chesterfield sofa more! Oh my, and then combine bright green with it and I'm in Heaven.

Simply Mel {Reverie} said...

Amelie can inspire so many things, but you are so right on with the color palette. I really like the space with floor-to-ceiling bookcases and the bright orange flower print!

Hope your weekend was delightful with your Sis!

Sabine, La Marquise des anges said...

what a wonderful blog post .. I am a true amelie (which is "le fabuleux destin d'amelie poulain" in french) fan, for many reasons, but mostly because there are so many things remindind me of my childhood in this movie ... and the music is great too :)

love your selection . thank you

Katherine Lee said...

I truly love Amelie, and totally agree with you in that life doesn't begin until you've seen it. I also found the interiors in the film especially enticing; her red bedroom makes me swoon. Thanks so much for the kind words and for updating your links!
xo Katherine aka. Urban Flea :)
http://www.urbanfleadesign.net

Sixpence and A Blue Moon said...

It's a great movie! Everyone should see this movie. I love all the photos you chose inspired by this wonderful movie.

Happy Monday!

drollgirl said...

normally i would make a frowny face at the thought of lime and orange, but some of these actually look GReaT!!! especially the seafoam walls with orange couch. those are my favorite.

and i am an idiot!!! my walls at home are mint green (i rent -- not my choice!), and i just bought some new ikea curtains in a color i like to call PERSIMMON. and you know what?!! I LOVE IT! it totally works! and when the sun blazes through, it casts the most gorgeous glow through those curtains!

sorry for babbling! just had chocolate. ZING!!!!!!!!!!!

umama said...

Now I have to see it!

###### said...

When I first started blogging I didnt really like the inspiration pics because I was unsure of what they were really for..but NOW I have to have them.....

escapade said...

The colours in this post are amazing! Put a smile on my face :)

Waxy said...

That green couch is dreamy - especially with those windows behind it!

Callie Grayson said...

i love the colours in amelie! I watch that movie all the time, the music is fantastic and the scenery amazing. I have that first interior image in my inspiration file.... it is just light filled and dreamy!

Meghan said...

This was such a fun post! To see all of the variations of the colors that somehow work together, inspiring to say the least!

TheBeautyFile said...

Perfect! SO much fun! If my living room looked like photo #1, I don't think I would ever leave!

alissa said...

ugh the colors in that movie are so amazing! i also love the quarky little touches of red that were sometimes something significant...and sometimes just something.

Samantha said...

Lime and orange - only for the brave. And for small French children.

Julia said...

I actually sat down and watched the movie just last week because it's been on the brain lately! These interior spaces are lovely, deary!

Islandia Lane said...

Love the Lime Green couch! It would make me smile everytime I walked into the living room.

Moments and Impressions said...

Love the movie and this is the nursery color scheme we decided on this weekend... thanks for the inspiration.

Felicia|DaLipstickBandit said...

your blog always brightens my day!

Ginger said...

One of my favorite movies! Thanks for all the ideas . . . ;)

naphtali said...

another reason to like you!! Love Le fabuleux destin d'Amelie Poulain. Love it. Own it. The colors and french and brilliant sense of simplistic pleasures are fabulous. Much like your post...!

dolldust said...

It's funny how the cutting boards-on-wall has stuck with me. It's such an inexpensive wonderful idea. I might try it with jello molds. There are always interesting one's at thrift stores. Maybe in orange... to go with our minty walls! ♥

bananas. said...

oh what an adorable post. the boy loves this movie. he made me watch it and i'll probably get hate mail for what i'm about to say but i didn't like it...eeek! but i did think amelie was cute as button.

Anonymous said...
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The Professional Bridesmaid said...

love it! you have the best interior candy! can you come over and decorate my new place??!! ;)

Jackie said...

Definitely a fun color combo. Loving that little desk pic from Living etc.

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