Like the 100 or so million other Americans who watched yesterday's Super Bowl, I was truly entertained and inspired. It was a great game. Although I have to admit that the most pleasurable source of entertainment and inspiration for me was that thrilling half-time performance by the legendary Madonna (and several talented buds of hers). And so I turn to her wardrobe palette for today's Monday Color combination: the fierce black and gold pairing of her half Grecian, half Stripper ensemble. Here's how it works off the field:





























Images above:

1. An opulent black and gold bathroom.

2. A sparkly gold fireplace in a room dotted with bold black, found on Real Simple.

3. A wild zebra rug with a more subdued gold velvet sofa against deep black walls strikes a unique balance.

4. A living room filled with sexy black seating and a bunch of industrial chic accents from ehomee.com.

5. The combination of gold damask wallpaper and a black bed show how fine the line between tacky and tasteful is, but successfully pulls it off with the sophisticated of black and white photography and crisp hotel bedding (from Decor Pad).


6. Whoa! Daring gold-painted trim with black and gold wallpaper and accessories (from Beautiful Shopping).

7. And DOUBLE whoa! The Midas Touch Collection by Philip Plein (as seen on Luxury Launches).

8. A black and gold Ralph Lauren Home pillow, found on Departures.com.

9. Leonardo Leather Ottomans as featured on ID Best.

10. Guilt Mirror by Koket.

11. Barbara Cahn's handmade black and gold porcelain vase.

12. There are plenty of over-the-top black and gold dinnerware options on the market, but nothing makes this color duo more palatable than classic a Black Astbury Wedgwood set (available from The Crystal Company).

13. From the Metalic Cowhide Collection at Saddlemans of Santa Fe.

14. A clever gloss black and gold leafed Jewelry Armoire by Powell available at Accent Furniture Online.

I recently received the new Spring 2012 Serena & Lily catalog, a brand I've long admired since back when they were only peddling bedding. The pages felt like a journey around the world, with colorful palettes from bold to serene, indicative of a company that has really come of age. I pulled the inspiration for today's Monday Color Combination from this relaxed, eclectic bedroom, featuring the toned down nautical vibe of Indigo & Khaki, with lots of white of course.



From the dip-dyed curtains, to the pieced-denim wall-hanging, to the chevron patterned rug, blue tones take center stage without overpowering. The upholstered Fillmore Bed plays the perfect supporting role in the versatile White/Putty Jaipur fabric, a less contrasty pairing than your standard blue and white palette. Read on to see how this combination works in any room, harnessing any style.



























An eclectic boys room with rustic wood paneled walls, pops of apple green and cheery red, boldly striped bedding, all grounded by a blue and khaki palette (from Decor Pad).

Spotted on Lisa Sherry Interieurs blog, the linen colored upholstered chair and light wood plays beautifully off the deeply saturated indigo walls in this bedroom.

A Nantucket living room designed by Frank Roop featuring a sea of blue hues with a sandy colored jute rug anchoring the nautical look and a tiny infusion of bright green stripes to keep it all light-hearted (from House Beautiful).

A traditional blue and white country feel in this living room gets even more informal with the infusion of khaki the rug delivers.

Another Serena & Lily-styled room emphasizing, how they always have, that a nursery can be sophisticated and baby-friendly at the same time.

Safavieh's Alba Rug in Indigo & Sand, designed by Thomas O'Brien.

West Elm's Organic Cotton Pintuck Duvet Cover in Steel Blue

Kelly Wearstler's Sea Urchin fabric for Lee Jofa.

Unionmade Doane Utility Notebook against a dark khaki headboard.

Coyuchi's hand embroidered linen Radiant Roman Key Pillow is available in two enticing colorways: all-indigo scheme or a light khaki linen with just a touch of blue.

The timeless 1950's Windsor Love Seat dipped in blue, available from Anthropologie.

Two examples from the fashion world showing the versatility of indigo and khaki, from its bohemian, utilitarian personality to its chic, urban adaptability.

Yes, I know that Thanksgiving is not a color. But let's face it, I'm running low on single color choices (I think 2012 Monday Color posts will have to feature color pairings....woo too!), however when I close my eyes and think of Thanksgiving, there is definitely a palette of hues that comes to mind. It is this same essence of Thanksgiving that makes it my favorite holiday hands down....a warm glow of food and family and crackling fireplaces, flushed cheeks and full bellies, and the remaining glimpses of Autumn turning into Winter outside our windows. I've mentioned before that aside from the arguable history behind the tradition, I love Thanksgiving because it is one of few non-religious holidays that has no commercial agenda (unless you count the boom in poultry sales); you are not required to give cards or presents, or don a costume, you simply get together with family, sharing company and a deliciously endless feast. And to me, that's inspiring.



























Images above:

1. Turkey decorations made from all-natural materials seen on All Home Decors.

2. An earthy seasonal table setting from Haute Living.

3. A beautiful farmhouse-style Thanksgiving found on Nice Home Decor (this look is going in my 'dream house' files for sure!).

4. I love the lighter Fall-inspired colors in this tablescape.

5. An inspiring example of last year's Hostess With the Mostess Thanksgiving entertaining and decor ideas.

6. A simple table setting with brilliant Fall leaves from Martha Stewart.

7. A beautifully simply bittersweet wreath.

8. Thanksgiving Stacking Boxes available from Terry's Village.

9. Warm, honey-colored Smoked Glassware from West Elm.

10. A dried Wheat Bundle from www.drieddecor.com

11. Add some earthy colored pattern to your living room or bed with the Ezra Pillow from Crate & Barrel.

12. Maize photographic print by James Linton Sain from Z Gallerie.

13. Toss some fallen branches into a rustic vase like this Clay Vase with Rattan Trim and your table is instantly Thanksgiving-ready.