Early Life and Education Carleton Bates Varney (January 23, 1937 – July 14, 2022) was an American decorator, designer, lecturer, and author, renowned as “Mr. Color,” whose artistic vision centered on the audacious use of vibrant hues and intricate patterns—a stylistic approach profoundly rooted in Orphism. Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, Varney’s formative years unfolded amidst the coastal charm of Nahant, shaping his appreciation for na…