March 4, 2010
Color Your Home
My dining room
When we bought our house, it was bright pink – inside and outside. It was so inappropriate for the northern climate we live in, that it ruined the balance of the entire neighborhood. The first thing we did was paint the exterior a light gray, and every interior room, white. I felt I had a clean slate now but it took me a long time to get adventurous. A few years ago I realized how much I yearned for color. I looked around the house – at rugs, linens, pillows, curtains. I discovered the predominant colors and decide to give it a go. I painted my dining room a deep terra cotta red; the living room, sea foam green; family room became light gray; the guest room is silky yellow; the master bedroom, grayish blue.
If you are in need of a new color scheme, give it a try. Look for inspiration in the things around your house. What is the worst that can happen? Here are a few tips to help you decide:
• Choose favorite colors – Surround yourself with the colors you love, whether fiery oranges, soft blues, or classic neutrals. Don’t worry about impressing others, please yourself.
• Atmosphere – What kind of feeling do you hope to set when you walk into a room? Serene, cozy, vibrant … For example, off-white and light blue tones will present a calming atmosphere. Burnt orange will invoke energy and excitement.
• Theme – Decorating themes often incorporate certain colors. For example, a beach-inspired living room might feature a classic blue and white color scheme.
• Collectibles – Be inspired by colors featured in your collection, such as aqua pottery that might complement the beach theme throughout the home.
• Art – Art adds unique personality to a room. Using it as a foundation creates a great color scheme.
• Pillows – Pick shades from a color-filled pillow and use them throughout the room.
• Rug – A rug is the foundation for any room. Draw from colors featured in a pattern rug to create a cohesive look.
• Window Treatments – Use window treatment fabric to set a color scheme in your room. Distribute the hues throughout the room with pieces of furniture and accessories.
• Accessories – Charming vases, frames, and other accessories offer inspiration in their lively hues.
• Classic Combo – If you still feel a bit skittish, stick with the classic duos. Blue and yellow, green and blue, red and brown.
Best of luck, and remember – you can always change the color until you get it just the way you like it!
Gracious Living - Day by Day 