|
Connecting Rooms With Color
As every home decorating enthusiast is well aware, color has
an enormous impact within a space. With the increasing number
of new and remodeled homes reflecting open floor plans, carefully
considered color schemes symbolize an integral part of the
ambience within the home. Without investing a small fortune
for upgraded design elements and furnishings, color can be
manipulated as the powerful ingredient that may be used to
create a fashionably cohesive open styled home interior.
 The carefully considered repetition of color represents
a simple way to unite open concept spaces. Repeating the same
hue throughout an open space is a common way to cohesively
join connecting areas. For example, implementing same color
molding throughout an open space can successfully tie together
adjacent areas that boast different floor or wall coverings.
The use of identical trim colors on built-ins, (such as shelving
units or book cases) stylishly integrates adjoining areas
that are used for distinctively different purposes. Although
?color? still remains strong for 2003, experts are forecasting
that ?white? will make a major comeback this year. Returning
with fresh diversity, this ?non-color? represents an abundant
array of practical and neutral selections for repetitive moldings
and trims. Remember: white is not ?just? white! Prior to selecting
the ?white? tone to be used within the open concept space,
carefully consider the tremendous selection of available whites
to verify that the tone you have selected harmoniously blends
with existing surface coverings.
Another method of effectively blending open spaces is by incorporating
a limited palette of color that represents the same intensity
of hues. Select the same tones consisting of two or three
favorite colors that you would not easily tire of, and fashion
two side by side spaces with the desired color palette. Utilize
the desired color palette in varying amounts within each area.
By limiting the color palette to a smaller number of colors
that share the same intensity, the entire space maintains
cohesiveness.
Consider implementing any of these color concepts to help
beautify and unify your open floor plan. The application of
any of these tips can yield a custom touch that is often apparent
within upscale homes that have been fashioned by designers
that command high price tags. Applying paint to various interior
surfaces is a budget-friendly way to blend open space living
areas together. A savy do-it- yourselfer can produce attractive
results that rival those belonging to the professional designer
with an active imagination, a healthy dose of paint and color!
BACK
TO TOP
Adding
Color to the Ceiling
Today’s ceilings boast exciting color combinations and
intriguing textures that are readily apparent on wall coverings
and other painted interior surfaces. If you are preparing
to take the ceiling color “plunge”, but have not
yet decided on a palette, consider the character of the existing
space. Darker spaces, as well as rooms that have low ceilings
often come alive with the addition of a light ceiling color
in order to visually extend the ceiling’s height.
 Remember, light does not always mean white! Many rooms
benefit from the addition of a creamy neutral to the ceiling
space. Contemporary neutral paint colors are available in
the latest, fashionable shades. Consider implementing a monochromatic
space using a ceiling color that is two or three tones lighter
than the color of the existing painted walls. Large, open
areas often cry out for colors that create a cozier, more
intimate space. Consider applying the identical earthy shade
to walls and ceilings within oversized rooms that lack intimacy.
Add dimension and further interest by applying a decorative
paint treatment that not only beautifies, but adds warmth
to the area. (Venetian plaster and other ?old world? techniques
represent ideal choices for warming up rooms, particularly
when deep, rich shades are implemented.)
 Indulge
in your sense of adventure! When designing the color palette
for the intended space, treat your ceiling the same as any
of your other existing walls. By taking into consideration
the size and layout of the room, as well as the way the room
functions; a homeowner can best determine the most appropriate
ceiling shade. One more tip: if you are unhappy with the hue
you have selected for the ceiling, nothing is final. Remember
that paint colors can be manipulated with additional color
or techniques to reflect darker or lighter shade, until the
result of your efforts is satisfying.
BACK TO TOP
 Enlivening
White and Beige
If your goal is to warm up the space, there
are an unlimited amount of rich colors that would enhance
white cabinets and appliances. Depending upon whether you
want the space to remain in the "neutral" family
of colors, terracotta would be a lovely choice that would
contrast with the whites, as well as highlight the taupe that
exists in some of your floor tiles. You may consider painting
only an accent wall to begin with. Then, if you are satisfied
with the resulting color, you can always paint the remaining
walls.
Another option is to go outside of the neutral family and
select a different shade of warmth for the kitchen space.
You would probably be most satisfied selecting a hue that
you already like, and can live with viewing on an everyday
basis. Some examples of up to date warm colors would be mustardy
golds, rich cranberry, spicy cinnamon or the chocolate brown
family (such as toffee, mocha, etc...). You may even decide
to use one of these hues as an accent color, to highlight
the terracotta that you are already considering. Terracotta
can be the primary color (used for the walls) and another
shade (such as mocha) can be a highlight color (used for decorative
accents, such as window and door trim or a painted border).
Consider consulting with a paint expert at your local home
improvement store for assistance with selecting hues that
represent the same intensity of color, so all colors in the
kitchen space will blend graciously.
Regarding your second question, whites are becoming particularly
popular again. Many paint manufacturers have recently introduced
paint lines that are only whites- but may be highlighted with
a specific hue. A good idea is to explore the various paint
chip samples of white, then narrow down your search to 3 or
4 hues that you like best. Consider purchasing a small container
of each paint, then bringing them home and actually applying
them to the walls in various rooms. This way you can view
what they look like in natural sunlight, artificial light
and with the other colors that exist in the space.
BACK
TO TOP
Color
Can Manipulate a Space Without Changing the ‘Fixed Assets’
Changing the “fixed assets” (ie. floor and window
coverings) within a dated interior space can be a costly proposition.
Rather than incurring the expense of redecorating a timeworn
area, enhance the entire space with an updated color scheme!
The first step on the road to color recovery is to examine
the existing palette within the space. Depending upon the
current color scheme, it is often possible to simply phase
out one or more of the dated colors and replace with a more
up to the minute hue. Another alternative is to add a contemporary
color to an existing, two color partnership. Paint can provide
the simple but necessary ingredient to accomplish either of
these goals!
 Combining
unexpected, offbeat colors within a carefully considered design
scheme, is a rapidly increasing trend. Consider enhancing
a traditional muted blue and pale yellow duo in the master
bedroom by introducing an unanticipated, contrasting chocolate
brown as the third color. Apply a freehand painted design
to nondescript furnishings, such as a wooden headboard and
mismatched chests of drawers. Bring a mauve (especially popular
during the 1980's) living room into the new millenium by substituting
the hue for a more up to the minute, deeper raspberry. Consider
painting an accent wall or highlight an architectural feature
with the desired hue. Instead of eliminating avocado green
(a popular color choice in the 1970's) from the kitchen, celebrate
the shade by supplementing with more contemporary, earthy
counterparts like rich mustards, bold cranberry and spicy
cinnamon. Add these colors to the kitchen mix by fashioning
a stenciled leafy border above the countertop, to function
as a backsplash.
Once you have the “re-energized” color palette
in place, continue to implement ongoing touches of the new
color/s by incorporating coordinating decorative accessories.
Allow paint to function as your ‘color partner’,
to creatively accentuate the “new” color scheme.
Remembering that decorating is an ongoing process, your room
will begin to take on a new persona via the inspirational
use of paint and color.
BACK
TO TOP
|
