design palette mimicking the natural landscape , often refers to muted browns , greens and grays that evoke feelings of calm and a connection to the outdoors . But beyond basic beige and sage exists a warmer , more vivid variety — wild mustard carpeting Newport ’ s canyons ; yellow-green olive leaves ; shore lichen , golden or ruddy , banded to inland rocks ; even the chocolate hues of mud . These bolder colors complement nature ’ s more subdued shades and add a punch of personality .

Interior designer Lindye Galloway , a Newport Beach resident and founder of the eponymous studio and shop in nearby Costa Mesa , leans on this broader palette for many of her clients who wish to invite the outdoors in . “ I gravitate toward using these [ bolder ] earth tones in bedrooms , bathrooms or even smaller living rooms ,” she

says , noting a preference for lighter hues in larger spaces , like a great room .

Bolder colors also look best in rooms with ample natural light , says Galloway , whose residential projects have appeared in magazines like Architectural Digest , Elle Decor and House Beautiful . “ Getting a sense for a room ’ s natural light throughout the day can have a huge impact on the type of colors you infuse ,” she says . “ I begin by looking at a room holistically . I think about the color tones and patterns I want to mix into the space . Then , I try to build a design that is balanced , curated and [ has ] just the right amount of variation .”

Galloway sticks to either a warm or cool palette , as well as only two or three colors in different shades . “ My philosophy is to keep tones consistent and grounded . Any more and [ a room ] can become busy ,” she says , noting this as the opposite

of the intended effect of incorporating earth tones .

When starting a new project , earth-toned limewash paint and plaster are the “ perfect foundation … [ for ] then adding furniture pieces that bring an extra layer of earthy feel ,” Galloway explains . “ Taupe and dark browns are a safe neutral color that bring a sense of calm and allow you to layer in other color tones . Colors like deep reds and greens are coming in and are here to stay . With those tones , I like to keep everything else more neutral , so it balances the look .”

Layering texture — with fabrics , decor or art — is the finishing touch . While Galloway says artwork should complement furnishings to “ maintain a cohesive feel ,” a variety of media can work in most spaces . “ Play around with different types of art , … landscapes to abstract to even sculptural , to see what works ,” she says . Above all else , the style of your surroundings should make you feel good .

SAM FROST

28 NEWPORTBEACHMAGAZINE . COM