To Color or Not? That is the Question...
Imagine living your life in black and white. Perhaps you'd see some
shades of gray. But a gray rose? A black apple? A white snowman? OK,
that one works, but you get my point.
Doesn't sound very appealing, does it? However, when it comes to our
home, it seems that white paint rules.
Why? There is a multitude of gorgeous paint colors to choose from.
Thousands of shades of blue alone. Why do we grab the first gallon of
white and head to the check-out?
Take the plunge. Color is not as difficult as people may think. Color
can warm a room or vise a versa. It can cocoon you on a raining, dark
night. It welcomes you first thing in the morning. Color defines a
space. It brings the architecture of the room into focus.
So you agree, but where to start? Go to your closet. Push the black &
white clothes aside. What other colors do you see? Perhaps it's a
favorite chocolate brown skirt or a pale aqua blouse. These are colors
that "speak" to you. If your room is decorated, but lacking wall color,
try pulling color from the fabric on the couch or area rug, throw
pillows or even wall art. Many paint stores can color-match your item. I
actually brought in a neighbors' weimaraner dog once. The dog had the
most beautiful shade of silver/taupe ears I had ever seen. Thank
goodness the dog and shop owner were patient. (I got the shade. It
looked great!)
So go ahead, give your rooms the color they crave. Find your inspiration
from anywhere. You'll be glad you did.
Tried & true suggestions...
Don't be afraid to use a dark, bold color in a small space. Yes, you've
always heard that dark colors will close in a space, but not true. A
dramatic color can give the room impact & importance.
If you prefer neutrals for living areas, experiment on a bolder color
for the hallway or entry. The burst of color can enliven a neutral area
Make sure your colors coordinate from other rooms where seen. For
instance, standing in the den and looking through the hall into the
dining room you would not want to see pastel blue to vibrant orange to
shell pink. As lovely as these colors may be in their respective areas,
they scream at each other when viewed as a whole. Which brings up my
next thought...
Keep the hues (colors) the same intensity to create a uniform
composition.
Use your wall color in at least 3 other areas -- throw pillows, area
rugs, candles, draperies...
All white rooms are dramatic on their own, but throw in one chartreuse
silk pillow and it's like adding icing on the cake!
Toni Mott - Design Spaces
Read another interior decorating article...
Decorating for Fall
As the leaves begin to change color, we’re reminded once again that
Autumn is in the air – time to cozy up the house and get ready to
celebrate the season with a little redecorating.
