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By Design: The Renaissance of Color
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Anonymous user Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
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0 responses 0 comments As we emerge from an era of "no commitment to color," where neutrals have been the mainstay for many of us when it comes to decorating, we find ourselves searching for decorating colors that warm and soothe us. 

After all, everything in life springs from color –– nature, our gardens –– why not our homes? 

Your home, too, can burgeon with color even if you're one of those "I love you … but I can't commit" personalities.

Perhaps we can help you find your own personal sense of style and color.

Work into color at your own pace. If you're working with a neutral base (beige carpet and white walls is a great canvas) and you are not planning to paint to add color, introduce color (your favorites, of course) in accent pillows, window treatments, artwork, area rugs and accessories. Even the matting on your pictures will direct and pull your colors through the room. 

If you collect special pottery, plates or porcelain, this can prove to be a valuable tool to introduce color throughout your home. 

That's what's nice about neutral –– the ability to change some of your accessories to achieve a totally different look.

Consider your entire home when planning paint color and finishes. Open floor plans may often present a painting challenge, as they connect visually without many architectural features to offer the opportunity to stop and start paint colors.

How colors flow and how finishes complement each other is important and should be considered. Whether you restrict your color palette to a few closely related colors or select a variety of hues throughout your home, you can attain a feeling of flow with a connecting thread of color that travels from room to room.

Faux finishes are a beautiful way to add color and texture to an otherwise drab canvas.

Or, paint one accent wall in your favorite color. Painting below chair rail, much like wainscoting, in a darker color to complement your scheme will anchor the room and add drama. 

When choosing color for accent walls, look to fabrics and perhaps an existing area rug for inspiration, selecting a color that you love and is restful to live with.

White trim and molding adds a crisp, airy feel and helps define and unify space while darker trim can be very dramatic.

Ceilings aren't just painted white anymore –– be adventurous! Seamless color wrapped on the walls and ceiling will focus more attention on the room's furnishings. However, it can make the space feel smaller and more enclosed. Therefore, high ceilings are perfect candidates for receiving the same color as the walls. By painting a lower ceiling a lighter hue, you can visually lift the ceiling height –– and all without the help of a contractor!  

Repeat colors to unify your environment. Again, from pillows, to throws, to pictures to area rugs, repeating your colors will unify your scheme.

Add textures and patterns that are pleasing to you, and voila! You've created your own environment based on the colors and collections that make you happy.

Join the designing women of Beladagio for free Thursday evening seminars as we explore the many facets of interior design. Call 832-8288 for details.

Melissa Hutton will be writing a regular interior design column for The Southwest Voice. She is an interior design with Beladagio in the Stockdale Fashion Plaza.

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