Not your Gran's Hydrangea

More hydrangea from my garden.

The Brits affectionately refer to this type as "mop head".

Hydrangea flourish on the coast. They're a familiar and frequently used theme in seaside and cottage decor. If you've ever spent a week on the Cape or Islands, just a glance at a hydrangea is likely to stir up happy memories.

But sophisticated is not the first thing that pops into my head.

Think hydrangea is a decorating cliché best left at Gran's beach cottage?

These examples changed my mind.

A soothing vignette with near perfect gender balance, not too feminine, not too masculine. Colefax and Fowler's Haslemere on the pillows and curtains features a graceful vine of hydrangea. The window-pane on the club chairs is a subtle masculine counterpoint to the floral. The neutral linen sofa and rug feel comfortably sophisticated and ground the room. Relaxing. I would do this in my family room. Love it.  Colefax and Fowler

Now for something completely different. 

Osborne and Little channels the 60's but manages to update it for today. Rosabella's pink and orange hydrangea looks so good with these warm neutrals. This is a great example of seeing is believing. I would have winced on hearing we were mixing a big floral with a modern console and an art deco lamp with a deconstructed wing chair with exposed tacks. Plus the toy castle! But it works. Rosabella would be fun in a powder room, and great for a teen's bedroom. For real drama, do it with a black console in the foyer. www.osborneandlittle.com

But maybe we like that traditional beach look. Just not on the walls or curtains.

Portmeiron's Botanic Garden dinner plates set a lovely table and are far less of a commitment than wallpaper or new curtains.

What do you think? Would you do a little or a lot of hydrangea? 

Have a great and safe Labor Day weekend.

Thanks for reading,
Linda Pakravan