Decorating & Design
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5 tips for mixing colour and pattern 5 tips for mixing colour and pattern
5 tips for mixing colour and pattern of5 lessons for mixing colour and pattern 1 Give a beautiful print even more significance by doing a whole room in it, from the walls to the upholstery. This technique can work wonderfully in a child's room, where you can hand-paint items like drawer knobs or bedposts to coordinate with the pattern, and decorate furnishings with wallpaper details. 2 It's easy to add interest to a neutral room using pattern. The trick to maintaining a restful decor is to make sure that you keep your palette neutral and use just a few simple patterns balanced with one or two solid fabrics.3 Make a bold statement in a room by upholstering furnishings in colourful solids. This is also an effective way to show off their nice curves and lines. For an elegant look, choose two complementary colours and play with textured fabrics like velvet, faux suede and leather, and introduce pattern with small accessories. Keep the backdrop of the room neutral so the furnishings command attention.4 A small space like a hallway is a wonderful place to experiment with pattern. And you don't need to do much, either: hang a wallpaper in a classic pattern like a stripe or lay a simple, colourful floor tile underfoot. 5 Layering is key to successfully mixing patterns and colours. Limit yourself to three or four patterns with one colour tying them together. For example, if you pick a predominantly red pattern for a chair or sofa, make sure to incorporate red as an accent in the other patterns or solids on drapes, throw cushions, a rug or even artwork in a room. Image courtesy of Pottery Barn- Credit
- Marilyn Linton
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Colour your world happy Colour your world happy
Colour your world happy ofWarm versus cool On bright sunny days, we become happy and recharged. While sitting by the ocean, we feel relaxed and at peace. The colours associated with those feelings (yellow equals happy and blue equals relaxed) get stored in our memory and are drawn upon when selecting colours for our home. According to colour consultant Leatrice Eiseman, author of The Color Answer Book (Capital Books, 2003) and Colors for Your Every Mood (Capital Books, 2000), many of our colour associations are attached to childhood. “If you used to bake cookies with your grandmother and her kitchen had red and white gingham curtains, that would forever be embedded in you as a pleasant memory and you would gravitate towards it.”But, Leatrice explains, the opposite is also true. Understanding the psychology of colour helps us to choose colour that will positively impact our mood and energy. Warm vs. coolThe colour wheel is divided into warm and cool colours. Reds, yellows and oranges are warm colours because they remind us of fire and heat and tend to excite and energize us. Blues, greens and purples are cool colours, playing on nature and the outdoors, which calm and relax us. Within the two categories, each colour is said to further elicit different emotions. Red The colour of excitement, raising our blood pressure and increasing feelings of passion. Yellow Livens up a grey day, making us feel happy, recharged and uplifted. Orange As a combination of yellow and red, it has the power to elicit good cheer and happiness, as well as energy and excitement. It's also said to stimulate appetite. Blue “Blue is associated with dependability, constancy,” says Leatrice. “People feel serene and tranquil because that's what we associate with the sky.” It also suppresses our appetite, likely because there aren't too many blue foods. Green Reminiscent of the outdoors or nature; offers freshness and balance. Purple The colour of creativity, combining the excitement of red on one hand and the tranquility of blue on the other. It's important to keep in mind that these colour-mood associations are general, and that there are always exceptions. Leatrice points to electric blues, which will excite more than calm, and yellow-greens such as chartreuse, which are strong and overwhelming. A colour for every room A colour for every roomOnce we understand how colour works, we can apply it to various rooms to elicit and reflect the mood we desire. “They paint prisons pink to calm people down,” jokes Peter Fallico, host of HGTV Canada's Home To Go, before getting down to which rooms in the home merit which colours. Bathroom: “People want to see crispness in a bathroom,” says Peter, “to get that spa feel.” For coolness in the bathroom, aquas, blues and greens work well, but anything in the peachy/rose range flatters the skin, adds Leatrice. Bedroom: Leatrice used periwinkle blue in her own bedroom, a colour that offers a little bit of excitement but remains for the most part tranquil. Peter suggests a soft yellow, something that is at once safe and warming, and vibrant enough to get a person out of bed in the morning. Dining room: If you want to get people salivating, Leatrice suggests trying colours from apricot, rosy orange and peach to terra cotta, wine and cranberry. Even the colours sound appetizing!Home office: Since this is a room where concentration is required, Leatrice suggests something restful to the eyes such as teal, a colour that combines green's outdoor inspiration with blue's dependability. Peter moves a little further into the green family with celadon –“It's alive, it's perky,” he says – or pear, which is motivating. Living room: “You need something calming, a colour that you can be around a long time with,” says Peter, suggesting tan or sable, either of which looks beautiful against wood tones. If the room is used for television, Leatrice prefers a green. Kitchen: “A bright sunny yellow will keep the kitchen alive and fresh,” says Peter. Leatrice agrees: “Yellow is just cheerful and fun, even if you spend little time cooking.” Whatever colour you choose, make sure you like it. “Orange may be a trend colour, but if it doesn't say pleasant things to you you're not going to be comfortable,” says Leatrice. “Choose a colour based on your emotional response to it.”- Credit
- Heather Camlot
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Designer faves: Blue Designer faves: Blue
Designer faves: Blue ofFave blue hues "Warm in winter and cool in summer, MOUNT SAINT ANNE CC-710, BENJAMIN MOORE is versatile. It's sophisticated – like an elegant 18th-century French dining room. I love it in living, dining and powder rooms with white trim and chocolate brown floors. Just add dark wood furniture, lots of silver and crystal accents and rich-tone silks for a classic look, or mix it with contemporary fabric patterns like soft geometrics for a cool, modern feel."Paula Arsens, kitchen and bath designer, Vancouver "HALE NAVY HC-154, BENJAMIN MOORE is a true navy. It reminds me of my grammar school blazer. Navy blue is evocative of eastern-seaboard high style. There's something classic and preppy about it that elicits a sense of nostalgia. I love this colour in bedrooms and dining rooms. Generally, a flat paint looks best, but if you have perfect walls, a lacquered treatment in a dining room is stunning. I like the ceiling and trim to be white, and I add grey, brass and antiqued gold accents to create the feeling of a navy blazer with brass buttons and grey flannels."Thomas Smythe, designer, Toronto"Don't be fooled by the name. On a paint chip or in small quantities, SMOKY GREEN CC-700, BENJAMIN MOORE can look green, but on walls it takes on a gorgeous robin's egg blue tone. It's relaxing and what I call a dirty kind of blue. I'd use a latex eggshell finish and paint a bathroom, bedroom or kitchen this colour. I'd paint the trim Benjamin Moore's Cloud White CC-40 for a warm effect or Simply White OC-117 for a crisper look. Mix this blue with silver accessories like frames, lamps or Venetian mirrors." Costantino D'Elia, designer, Toronto"My favourite blue, WOODLAWN BLUE HC-147, BENJAMIN MOORE reminds me of a sunny Alberta sky or West Coast beach. It's peaceful, comforting and promotes a feeling of tranquility. It works just as well with traditional antiques as it does with modern furniture. I like it against accents of ivory, pink, fuchsia, brown and creamy gold." Brenda Porter, interior designer, Calgary"PARMA GRAY 27, FARROW & BALL is like a faded blue cotton shirt made soft with repeated washings. I like blue and have no difficulty working with it, although I tend to avoid blues with green undertones. This one has a warmth that reminds me of evening sunlight striking a blue wall. I'd use a matte finish in a room with lots of white and stained woodwork, and accent it with watercolour paintings, antique carpets, rose-colour fabrics and creamware."William Ryan, designer, Port Hope, Ont. -
Designer faves: Green Designer faves: Green
Designer faves: Green ofDesigner faves: Green "Fresh and yellow based, SEAHORSE 2028-70 by BENJAMIN MOORE is a warm colour that reminds me of a bar of soap that has the cleanest fragrance. I'd use it anywhere. It's pale, but that doesn't mean flat; rather, it's subtle. I painted my kitchen cabinets this colour, and it really warmed up the room. I pair accents of cobalt blue and coral with it. It gets richer by the light of the moon. All sheens work; my cabinets are a satin finish, but even a highgloss would capture the natural gleam. It looks outstanding with a warm white trim, like Benjamin Moore's Cloud White CC-40. Green is nature's way of being reborn; leaves appear first as a soft pale green and eventually as a burst of colour in the fall. If only walls changed colours naturally!"Dee Dee Hannah, architect, Toronto "Oh green, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways: I love thee in fiddleheads, lady's mantle, olives, jadeite, wellingtons, apples and pears, moss and ferns. GREEN FIDDLEHEAD MS267 by MARTHA STEWART COLORS reminds me of the ferns that grow between the cracks of the slate grey rock at my favourite fishing hole near our place in Tweed, Ont. When the time comes to fix up our mud room at the house, I'd like to do it in this colour scheme: walls in flat finish, paired with dark slate floors. Framed vintage botanical prints, dark wicker storage baskets, a Shaker peg rack and an old pine bench would be just right to furnish the space." Margot Austin, senior design editor, STYLE AT HOME"HIBISCUS 2027-50 by BENJAMIN MOORE is like the new leaves you see in spring. It's the colour of growth and makes me feel like trying something new. Use it anywhere you wish, and offset it with chocolate brown, crisp white or grey. Accessories that would make it pop include black-and-white photography, '60s-inspired prints and large, bold graphics."Judy Henderson, interior designer, Vancouver "Green always feels fresh, springy and invigorating. It's friendly and never too serious. I have many favourites, but PEA GREEN 33 by FARROW & BALL is a current one. It has a rich hue, and it pulls out the intense green in my new living room chairs. I'd use this in a matte finish on an accent wall or to make a bold statement in a dining room. I can also see it highlighted with white trim in a country house. Green is hot for spring because it's cheery – after a long winter, everyone needs a bit of exuberance!"Sarah Richardson, designer, Toronto “Not a typical green, ROYAL PEACOCK 102-7 by PITTSBURGH PAINTS reminds me of a tropical ocean. It's grounding and energizing at the same time, embraces many other colours, and is transformed by light. I'd use it in a semigloss finish in a small space like a powder room. A framed graphic black-and-white photo would really crisp it up. Aside from trends, it's fabulous that the beauty of green is strongly supported by an undeniable need for attention to our planet."Sarah Beal, designer, Halifax -
Designer faves: Yellow Designer faves: Yellow
Designer faves: Yellow ofDesigner faves: Yellow "Like a delicious lunch in Tuscany, CHAMOIS 9-25 by PRATT & LAMBERT is the perfect Italian yellow. All things look good with it. It brings me to a happy place, and I use it with clients who are happy, as well as those who don't appear to be! There's nothing halfway about it. I'd paint an entire room in an eggshell finish and use Pratt & Lambert's Balsa 9-32 for trim. It's so easy to live with and shines with everything from jewel tones to black." Paul Lavoie, designer, Calgary"I love yellows that remind me of lemon zest or sorbet and have cool undertones and a complexity about them. I don't like yellows that look like taxicabs or raincoats! You can't be depressed in a room done in yellow. I like HOUND LEMON 2 by FARROW & BALL for a den, a baby's room, an entryway, or as a backdrop for black-and-white photography on a feature wall. But yellow is tricky: if it's too intense, it can overpower a room; if it's too pale, it can look anemic, especially in a north-facing room. This one looks great with black and white accents, grey taupes for a sophisticated feel, and corals and pinks for a fun resort-like mood."Elle Jungkind, designer, Toronto"I like SUNDANCE 2022-50 by BENJAMIN MOORE, it's a crisp canary yellow that is sophisticated. I don't like muddy yellows. My parents had a yellow kitchen I found overwhelming, so maybe that's why I wouldn't use this in a kitchen! I see it in a family room that gets lots of light, so it would be very fresh. I'd style the room with palms or ferns for a bit of natural green, then add pale grey furniture with bold white-and-grey striped upholstery and yellow cushions – a chic version of a Florida room." Lynn Spence, style expert, Toronto "The Old Port in Nice, France, is what I think of when I see DORSET CREAM 68 by FARROW & BALL. It makes me feel warm and content. Its versatility is beautiful, timeless – it can look totally contemporary or classical. I like to mix it with shades of alabaster white, and it looks especially sharp with charcoal grey. It may be a big colour for spring, but it also has classical endurance.” Mitchell Freedland, interior designer, Vancouver "Yellow is difficult because it can end up looking like a lemon. PALE CELERY 2150-60 by BENJAMIN MOORE reminds me of sunshine. I see it as a more feminine colour and would use it in a young girl's bedroom in a flat finish. I'd paint the trim white. I'd mix it with Wedgwood blue accents and finish the room with velvet drapes the colour of Benjamin Moore's Summer Shower 2135-60."Brian Gluckstein, designer, Toronto -
Colour corner: Decorating with colour Colour corner: Decorating with colour
Colour corner: Decorating with colour ofColour corner: Decorating with colour When it comes down to decorating with colour and choosing the right shade of taupe for your family room, the right shade of yellow to make your kitchen sunny, or the right colours to accent your living room furniture -- it can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. STYLE AT HOME solves the problems for you with this decorating with colour guide that will help you mix and match colours -- and with expert tips, decorating with colour has never been so easy! ALL ABOUT ... All about yellowUplift, energize and get happy with yellow in your home decor.All about redRousing and romantic, learn how to embrace this energizing hue anywhere in your home decor scheme.All about pinkDitch the old dusty rose and open up to the eye-popping new world of pink for your home decor.All about orangeVibrant and engaging, harvest the power of orange to your home decor.All about greenTake your urge to emerge and express it with a fresh palette of green.All about blueRelax and unwind with soul-pleasing blues.CHOOSING COLOURColour palette perfection"Mood, match, sample." Find out out how these three words will help you pick out the right colours for your home's walls.Design lesson: Blue moodFind the shade of blue that suits you and your mood.Colour confidenceExperimenting with colour can make a world of difference in your home.Colour your world happyUnderstanding the psychology of colour will help you to choose a palette for your home that has a positive effect on you and your family.Design lesson: Colour confidenceDesigner Kimberley Seldon offers advice for choosing the right hues for your home.Colour commentarySTYLE AT HOME asked Canadian designers what shades are colouring their outlook for 2004 and beyond. Find out what the forecast looks like.5 lessons for mixing colour and patternA graceful combination of pattern, texture and colour can add dimension to your home.New colour trendsExotic, retro, minimalist, modern, traditional... anything goes.- Credit
- styleathome.com
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Home decor: All about red Home decor: All about red
Home decor: All about red ofHow to work with red Representing passion, fertility, anger, blood and energy, no other colour evokes as many emotions as red. While some people are attracted to the energy of red, others find red too alarming and intense. This polar opinion of red is also represented culturally: while the Chinese consider red the colour of happiness and good luck, North Americans associate red more with danger and emergency (or junk food -- just as alarming!) In home decor, red is such an energizing colour its over-use can quickly become furious and intense. Fearing such drama many homeowners avoid red altogether, but a lack of red is equally misguided. How to use redThere are as many shades of red as personalities to match -- from faded rose to deep burgundy. Red works to neutralize cooler colours like greens and blues, giving a sense of warmth to the room. Red also brings life and energy to dull and uninviting spaces. You can easily introduce red to a room with flowers, throw cushions, vases or other accents (see page 2 for more accent ideas). An eye-catching colour, red is used to draw attention towards an area in the room, whether to anchor the observer to the room's centre or to highlight a more stunning part of the room. How to paint with redWith the right shade in the right place, red can also be appropriate for your walls. Designer Karl Lohnes highly recommends red for the dining room. "Red works to stimulate people's appetites and blood flow," he explains. "Try blue-based red (like burgundy or plum) for real drama as the blue-base darkens at night and helps to create a more dramatic atmosphere. These reds also look great with mahogany and other traditional wood tones most often found in dining rooms."Karl also recommends red in the kitchen where there is usually a small amount of wall space. "In kitchens I suggest spicy, brown-toned reds as they are more natural," he says.Consider Benjamin Moore's Raisin Torte (2083-10) for the dining room and Smoldering Red (2007-10) for the kitchen. Energizing red decor items for the whole home Red decor to enrich your homeNot ready to wash your walls with red? No worries. Below are 15 luscious items to energize your space. 1 ORE - Fuzzy Wuzzy Large Dog Food BowlEven Fido could use a boost! 20-ounce capacity, $16.98totalhomestore.ca2 EQ3 Replay Nesting Table (3pk)Great for small spaces, plus plastic feed won't scratch floors. $189homedepot.ca 3 Cushion-Back Diner Stool, 30"A retro look, and the seat rotates 360˚! $219williams-sonoma.com 4 DeCoro Italian Red Bicast Leather Armchair 2777-LRDGo big with red furniture. $499.97thebrick.com 5 Hannspree 10" LCD Red Apple Novelty TVColourful and whimsical. $399.99sears.ca 6 Integra Furniture Bahama Tower with 2 doorsSolid pine and hardwood finish. $269.00homedepot.ca 7 IKEA PS rugSubtle circles for flare. $349.00ikea.com8 Velvet Garden Pillow Cherry RedVelvety soft for any room. $46.41pillowdecor.com 9 Brentwood Storage benchLeather bench with handy storage space. Contact UpCountry for pricing.upcountry.com 10 The Eclipse Redwood Table LampLacquered base with a French fabric shade. $150.00justhomedecor.com 11 Garnet LampDressmaker-curved shade on an espresso stand. US$125.00- Credit
- Colleen Tully
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Home decor: All about orange Home decor: All about orange
Home decor: All about orange ofHow to decorate with orange What is it about a glowing fire or a brilliant summer sunset that holds our attention for hours? The colour orange is a captivating hue that is often overlooked in home decor because of its intensity. But when balanced correctly, orange will add a happy, stimulating and even healing atmosphere to your home space. Toronto-based designer Carion Fenn (carionfenn.com) says orange is a favourite of hers for accenting a room. "The right shade of orange will always emphasize, elaborate and add character to a space," she says. How to decorate with orangeA mix of strong red and vibrant yellow, orange is a powerful colour that will look beautiful when correctly balanced. Here are Carion's tips for using orange in your home: In the kitchen: "Orange tones are great for utilizing in the kitchen if your cabinets are white and the space is in desperate need of warmth and character," she says. In the office: Stimulate your creative juices in the office with sprinkles of orange tones around your work station. In the living room: Try adding orange patterns as accents in toss cushions, artwork, an area rug, and other accessories to add a splash of colour and life without becoming overwhelming. Carion also suggests creating a focal wall using Benjamin Moore 2170-30 (Autumn Cover) and using Benjamin Moore CC-90 (Natural Linen) for a neutral and clean look on the other walls. For a bolder look, Carion suggests introducing Benjamin Moore CC-720, Night Train with the above colour suggestions. "These colour values look fabulous with dark wood tones, especially when used in combination with cream or off-white furnishings and window treatments," she says.In the dining room: Dark, earthy oranges are wonderful for the dining room, creating a great mood and vibe. The darker tones will also stimulate conversation and eating while creating a more dramatic, moodier environment.Where to avoid orange in the home:Carion cautions against using orange in the bedroom, entrance way, hallway, and bathrooms. "These are all areas which require a more inviting, subdued colour; you want these spaces to be more calm, relaxing, and inviting," she says. Carion is the owner of Carion Fenn Interiors. Her work has been featured in New Dreamhomes & Condominium and Loulou magazines, plus she has designed feature spaces sponsored by Chatelaine and Home Décor and has appeared on CITY TV, SUN TV and ROGERS 10 to name a few. In addition to design, she is also poised to launch her own Carion Fenn Designer Furniture Line. Visit her website at carionfenn.com Home decor in orange 1 Beaded Tear Drop Diamond Orange Pillow, $74pillowdecor.comThe velvety-soft texture of this accent cushion will add warmth both in colour and fabric.2 TYLÖSAND right-hand chaise, $699ikea.comMake a statement with a bold orange chaise. Sectional seating and chairs are also available in this shade.3 Flameless wax candle, $10presidentschoice.caThe newest craze in candles are flamelss. Keep them "flickering" around your bedroom or patio without the worry. 4 ANDREA RUND rug, $399ikea.comAn intricate pattern to warm up your living room.5 2.L Bell Pepper casserole dish, $195goldaskitchen.comWho could resist a piping casserole from an orange pepper dish? Grandma would be proud. 6 Jacquard Towels Topaz, $39 restorationhardware.comSo fluffy and orange, they'll drink the moisture right off your body!7 Debbie Travis desk clock, $15canadiantire.caThis happy orange clock will help you leap out of bed in the morning!8 Poppies Vinyl Wall Art, US $58raredevice.netA fun twist away from traditional wallpaper, create a focal wall using this light and fun orange floral pattern.9 Art Glass vase, US $40pier1.comAlmost flame-like in appearance, this stunning piece will invigorate any space in the home.10 Exotic handmade soap, $4.50 eachthinkgreenstore.comThese delicious slabs of handmade Canadian soap are good for you and for the environment. Enjoy swirls scented with patchouli, sweet orange and ylang ylang essential oils. 11 Built NY Two Bottle ByoBag Wine Tote, $22totalhoemstore.caNot one, but two bottles of wine stash snug and safe in this tote bag. Bottoms up!12 Mini Shroom Pendant Light, $135hoemdepot.caFor a modern look in your dining room or office, install a few of these skinny orange pendant lights.- Credit
- Colleen Tully
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Home decor: All about pink Home decor: All about pink
Home decor: All about pink ofHow to use pink in your home Think of little pink piglets running amok in a barn, or a pink pastry box full of wondrous strawberry treats. Pink is the colour of play and delight, and there's nothing better than a splash of pink to give oomph and vivre to your home. More than any other colour, however, pink has strong feminine associations that can make or break the colour for both men and women. Decorator Anne Cincinnato of Cincinnato Interiors, says pink also has a bad history -- think 1980s dusty rose. "Pink was crazy in the '80s," she says. "People would have one shade of pink in every room of their house, and I'm still correcting this today." In effect, most people got away from pink altogether, but forgetting about pink is equally misguided. "There are so many options for pink -- it can be soothing, warm and relaxing. Even men can relate to pink," explains Anne. "Just don't overdo it -- it's a powerful colour." Suggestions for pinkWhen decorating with pink, Anne says it's important to break pink up with different shades throughout the house and to use colours that will balance the pink such as cream, chocolate, black, grey or even purple. "This also depends on the intensity of the colour," she says. While today's pinks are fresher and softer than ever before, pink still needs to have a balance and be appropriate for the room they're in. BathroomAnne says a hint of pink in the bathroom works beautifully with white towels against stainless steel fixtures. (But just a hint!)Home officeA deep or vibrant pink accent wall can be a stimulating addition to a dull-looking home office environment. Dining roomShe says a pale pink used in the dining room, balanced with green, can give the room a soft French Country look and will flatter most people's skin tones. Teen's roomTo update your teenager's room, Anne suggests pairing pink and orange together for a really current look. Or, try pink with purple and white using silver for base accents. Family room"This is a room for everyone," she explains. "For many people, pink will work best here as an accent with pillows, flowers and/or decorative objects."Pink in generalA modern look for pink is to balance it with chromes and brushed nickels. Soft pink paired with accents of whites and creams gives a room a fresh look -- as long as the pink isn't overdone. "Pink is a great colour and don't be afraid to use it," says Anne. Home decor pieces in pink- Credit
- Colleen Tully
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All about green All about green
All about green ofUsing green in the home So exciting is the sight of fresh green buds poking through the snow in spring -- nature's finest signal that winter's long spell is over. You can't help but rejoice that the world will once again be green.Interestingly, we also have a unique relationship with the colour green: our eyes can detect more shades of green than any other colour, which may be why we use it so much in our homes. Interior decorator Faye Longhurst says green is the most popular colour for wall paint next to shades of white, and predicts we're going to see even more of it. "Green will continue to be a favourite in the next few years, mainly because of the focus and concern for our environment," she says. While green is generally a relaxing and soothing colour, it is possible to go overboard and Faye cautions against its overuse. "Too much green in a home not complimented by warm colours such as pink, red, orange and yellow can have a depressing effect," she explains. Where to use greenGreen is so versatile it can be found in both warm and cool shades, but finding the "right" green for your individual rooms can be very difficult. Here are Faye's recommendations: For the kids: "A strong lime green, because of the yellow content, can be quite stimulating so wouldn't be good for a child's bedroom but could work in a playroom," she says. Entrances or dining rooms: "Green is a wonderful colour for a hallway/entrance or dining room providing the right shade is chosen for the room's direction and the amount of lighting in the room," she explains. For these rooms in particular, homeowners should seek the guidance of a professional for the best results.To compliment room features: "Most greens are very complimentary against stained wood, and beautiful beside white trim," she says.Faye cautions that choosing green for a north room may make the room seem cold. She also warns against green in the kitchen with too much yellow pigment in the tint. Faye Longhurst is an interior decorator with over 20 years' experience and owner of Faye Longhurst Designs in Newmarket, Ontario since 1990. For a consultation, call 905-895-2755. Green decor ideas 1 Harris Marcus Home Leather Ottoman, $249homedepot.caLike resting your feet on a lump of moss. This 17.25 inch-squared ottoman is just right for any living room size. 2 Green apples, US$3 eachpier1.comCrisp green apples lend a sense of freshness to the kitchen counter or dining room centrepiece, and these ones will never spoil. 3 Method Green Tea & Aloe hand wash, $4methodhome.comAll Method products are as environmentally safe as they are great at cleaning. This hand wash contains vitamin E and aloe for your hands plus is biodegradable for the earth. Available in Shoppers Drug Marts across Canada. 4 Checker Fresh Mint Green Pillow, $19.95pillow-decor.comArtistic checkers contrasted with solid mint green make this throw pillow a perfect piece of character for rooms needing oomph or to compliment an already eclectic space. 5 Green Funky Chair, $499bombaycompany.comSo pretty, and so funky! This beautifully carved chair from Bombay Company is covered in a suede-like microfiber for a luxurious feel. 6 Opal Vases, $12 - $28justhomedecor.comGreen vases will make any assortment of flowers extra brilliant, or fill them with artfully arranged twigs for a more earthy look. 7 Slätthult bamboo wall decoration, $29.99 per six packikea.comThese very cool bamboo wall decorations come with adhesive backings. You decide the look, size and spacing of all the pieces and stick them anywhere in your home. 8 Areca Silk Palm Tree, 3', $73.92globalhomegifts.comThe easiest way to add green to your home? Add plants, of course! This Areca Palm is silk for easiest care and convenience, but visit your local nursery for a variety of tropical trees and plants. 9 Built NY - Neoprene Gourmet Getaway Picnic Tote, $30totalhomestore.caFor "PDA, Chardonnay, Bain du Soleil", this tote is truly designed for everything! Wetsuit-grade material ensures no soggy spills, insulates hot or cold food contents and provides padding for electronics. 10 Citrus Cilantro Infused Candles, US$6 - $16pier1.comEnvelope your living space with citrus, cilantro, basil, lime blossom, rose, muguet, jasmine, cyclamen, rosemary, coriander, fir, and musk fragrances -- all from one amazing candle!- Credit
- Colleen Tully
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Home decor: All about yellow Home decor: All about yellow
Home decor: All about yellow ofHow to use yellow tones Nothing has dazzled human civilizations quite like our bright yellow sun. Warming, energizing, the source of life and sustenance on earth, it's a natural choice for bringing beauty and brilliance into the home. But like the summer sun streaming through your office windows, too much refreshing yellow is over-stimulating and distracting. Just enough, however, will make your home a bright and inviting space. Decorator and designer Susan Kneller encourages yellow tones in the home and shares her expertise with three shades of yellow from the Pratt & Lambert line of paints. (note the colours on your screen may vary slightly from the true paint colours):1 Pratt & Lambert paint colour number 10-30, EggnogThis colour is comprised of bright yellow and deep yellow okra tints. "Eggnog works well in a kitchen or a child's bedroom. It is versatile enough to use in other bedrooms or a laundry room, but not a good choice for living or dining rooms," she says.2 Pratt & Lambert paint colour number 9-25, ChamoisThis tone is comprised of black, brown and yellow okra. "The colour is a wonderfully deep and warm, but only under the right lighting," she stresses. "This tone is also used in kitchens primarily giving it a California look."3 Pratt & Lambert paint colour number 14-5, Buttery"This happy bright yellow is best used in a sunroom that has natural lighting or skylights," she says. "Lime green accents and white wicker furniture make for a delightful room." She cautions that such a bright colour may not be suitable for a den or family room. A word about lightingWhen choosing paint colour, Kneller stresses that lighting can make or break the room. "Halogen is your clearest whitest light showing the true tones of the colour. Fluorescent bulbs or tubing and chandelier bulbs will camouflage the natural tone of colour you have chosen. When choosing your colour, make sure the colour is desirable in natural light, adjusted for sunlight positioning and direction as well as extra lighting fixtures in the room. All of your hard work and your time will be lost unless you keep this in mind at all times," she says. Interiors with Charm is the creation of Susan Kneller's Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario based interior decorating and home renovation business. Get to know Susan at www.interiorswithcharm.com. Decorating with yellow 1 Magickwoods Rainbow Collection Linen Tower in Yellow, $405homedepot.caThis brilliant linen tower will cheer up even the most drab laundry space or make a bold statement in the bedroom. 2 Soho Swivel Arm Chair Right in Yellow, $299homedeopt.caA fun, futuristic, yellow chair that swivels! This yellow chair has a left-armed sibling to really brighten up your room. Upholstered in velvety microfiber. 3 Golden Pillow, $30pillowdecor.comSoft chenile makes this golden yellow pillow extra cozy and inviting. Use alone or to bring the yellow out in other patterned pillows. 4 Pryda vase, $16ikea.comThis simple, buttery yellow vase will look beautiful anywhere in the house.5 My Stuff Cottage Yellow Youth Night Stand, $99.99sears.caA deep drawer for night time books and journals. This night table is part of a collection of yellow bedroom furniture from Sears. 6 Buttercream Vanilla Art Glass Candle, 3x4, US$12pier1.comMade with translucent paraffin, these hand-poured candles are filled it with Pier 1's exclusive Buttercream Vanilla fragrance. 7 KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer, Buttercup Yellow, US$299.95williams-sonoma.comBreath new life into your kitchen with this buttercup yellow stand mixer by KitchenAid! 8 Provence Napkins, Yellow, Set of 4, US$20williams-sonoma.comA hand-printed classic from Williams-Sonoma, these napkins are part of the Provence dining series. Your guests will love them! 9 Attitudes Gerbera Silk Flower, $2 eachkitchenstuffplus.comA bunch of yellow Gerbera daisies enliven any space. These beauties are 20" tall for maximum impact. 10 Alfi Kugel Frosted Carafe, $50citychef.caMade in Germany, this carafe's double-walled vacuum glass liner will keep liquids hot or cold for up to 12 hours.- Credit
- Colleen Tully
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The psychology of colour The psychology of colour
The psychology of colour ofRed, pink, orange, peach and yellow The psychology of colour is a rich and complex subject. It represents a field of study and research in and of itself. The psychology of colour is also influenced by cultural and regional biases. There are, however, certain rules of thumb that can be used when attempting to predict and control the psychological effect a colour might produce in an interior space. If you have any doubts, though, it is safest to test a colour in your space before committing to it.One important consideration is the position of the colour in the space. The same colour will appear very different on the floor versus on the wall versus on the ceiling. As an experiment, take a large swatch of colour and hold it in each of these three different orientations. The starkest difference is the ceiling orientation, which makes the colour appear grayer. The position of a colour in the space also has a significant impact on the psychological effect of the colour. For example, a rich burgundy carpet on the floor will feel warm, solid, and almost regal. That same burgundy on the ceiling will most likely look heavy, intrusive, and disturbing. So, orientation is a key consideration when you are trying to predict the psychological effect of a colour selection.Each colour creates a relatively commonly shared set of psychological associations. These associations vary slightly from person to person, and they vary significantly depending on the context and surrounding colours. Still, it is helpful to have a set of general points of reference to better understand the psychological effect that each colour creates.Common colour associations• Red -- arousing, exciting, stimulating. It is also considered to be strong and masculine. It is a warm colour and is often thought of as actually hot. It advances relative to other colours, making it appear closer. Red is associated with passion and vigour.• Pink -- soft, acquiescent, sensuous. As red shifts to pink, it often shifts gender association from masculine to feminine.• Orange -- exciting, stimulating, intense. The liveliness of orange has an almost whimsical quality that is less serious than red. • Peach -- soft, sunny, warm. Soft peach has a feminine quality to it.• Yellow -- luminous, sunny, cheerful. Soft yellows can seem expansive and open, which magnifies the feeling of spaciousness. Intense, pure yellows can seem acidic and irritating in large amounts but whimsical and energizing in smaller amounts.• Pale yellow -- neutral, expansive. As yellow pales, it loses its colour and requires a cool adjacent colour to react with to have any colour dynamic in the space.Excerpted from Interior Color By Design by Jonathan Poore, with photography by Eric Roth. Copyright 2005 by Jonathan Poore. Excerpted with permission by Quayside Publishing Group. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced except by permission in writing from the publishers. Green, blue, purple, white, black, grey and brown • Green -- restful, relaxing, quiet. Deep greens can be somber by themselves but become fresh and full of life when contrasted against warmer colours. Pure greens have an association with vegetation.• Pale green -- lively when mixed with yellow. More quiet and introspective when mixed with blue.• Blue -- peaceful, calm, tranquil. Blue, when used in large amounts in its pure hues, can feel cool and melancholy.• Pale blue -- atmospheric, calm, spacious. Pale, cool blue tends to recede and, therefore, often makes spaces feel larger, especially when used on high ceilings.• Blue-green -- blue-green in its deeper forms is rich and complex. It spans the psychological associations of blue and green and often changes character with the changing light. Pale blue-green has a dense, atmospheric quality but does not recede as dramatically as pale blue.• Purple/violet -- rich, regal, mystical. Purple has both a calm yet mysterious psychological association. Deeper purples and violets have a powerful yet introspective association.• Pale purple/lavender -- soft, sensual, quiet. Pale purple and lavender often have a feminine association.• White -- purity, light, cleanliness. White has strong associations, even though we are often not fully aware of them. When used in excessive amounts, white feels sterile.• Black -- power, elegance, dignity. Black also has strong psychological associations. When used in excessive amounts, black feels oppressive.• Grey -- conservative, quiet, calm. When mixed with quiet browns, grey can combine a warm richness with the sense of quiet dignity.• Brown -- earthy, stabile, secure. Brown is associated with the earth and natural materials. It often conveys a sense of permanence and familiarity.Excerpted from Interior Color By Design by Jonathan Poore, with photography by Eric Roth. Copyright 2005 by Jonathan Poore. Excerpted with permission by Quayside Publishing Group. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced except by permission in writing from the publishers.- Credit
- Jonathan Poore
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Using context to choose colour Using context to choose colour
Using context to choose colour ofSouth light The orientation of a room or space has a strong effect on the quality of light and, therefore, how you perceive colour in that environment. It is important to observe the changes of light throughout the day. Also, try to understand the seasonal variations in light before making colour decisions. Another crucial factor is the position a colour will occupy within the room. If it is on the same wall as a window, it will tend to look darker and grayer, especially if the windows are on only one wall. As an experiment, take a large colour swatch and hold it against a wall across from the windows. Next, take that same swatch and hold it against the window wall. The combination of the bright backlight from the window, plus the lack of direct light on the window wall makes the colour look duller and grayer.At left: The full light in this space allows this muted, cool blue to still feel rich and inviting. The overall blue tonality of the room is quiet and restful, but the warm, off-white accents and the strongly contrasting patterns give the room a lively balance.South lightSouth light is crisp and sharp, and it creates strong contrasts within the space. It is a warm light. The perception of colour in a space lit by south light changes continually through the day and even through the seasons. South light tends to be dramatic with pronounced shadows and highlights. If you are trying to play up the sunny character of a south-facing space, muted, warm colours are best so that the colours are not too harsh. For example, a soft creamy, yellow or earthy ochre colour will be easier to live with than a primary yellow.A bright, south-facing space provides an excellent opportunity to use complex and subtle cool colours. For example, a muted blue-green-gray creates a restful space that is constantly, but slightly, changing with the light. A colour such as this is much like a chameleon. It appears to shift colour, depending on the changing light and in response to the accent colours next to it. Image courtesy of Pottery BarnExcerpted from Interior Color By Design by Jonathan Poore, with photography by Eric Roth. Copyright 2005 by Jonathan Poore. Excerpted with permission by Quayside Publishing Group. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced except by permission in writing from the publishers. North, east and west light North lightNorth light is diffuse and cooler. It tends to be more soft, even, and less dramatic. Colours gray down a bit and feel more muted. If your goal is to have a cheerful, sunny, active space, then choose warm colours in lighter values. Contrasting accent colours become more important to give the room some depth and dimension in north light. If your goal is a more quiet, restful, contemplative space, use cooler colours with warm accents. Full-bodied blues and blue-greens appear richer in cool north light. Check your colour samples carefully in the actual ambient light of the room and be sure they don't gray out too much.East light and west lightIt can be a challenge to select colours for a space that has only east or west light. It is helpful to decide if the space is to be used principally in the morning or the afternoon. This way you can tailor the colour selection to the type of light you will most often experience. East- or west-facing spaces are filled with dramatic light in the morning or afternoon, respectively. The sun enters at a low angle and penetrates deeply into the interior of the room. At certain times of day, an east- or west-facing space can be even brighter than a room with a south orientation. At other times of day, the room will be more similar to a north-facing space with cool, diffuse light.For a balanced colour scheme that works at all times of day, a simple, safe rule of thumb is to use muted warm colours with rich, cool accents. A rule of thumb is a safe jumping-off point in colour design, but as you increase your confidence, try to bend, stretch and eventually break the rules for truly inspirational solutions.Image courtesy of Pottery BarnExcerpted from Interior Color By Design by Jonathan Poore, with photography by Eric Roth. Copyright 2005 by Jonathan Poore. Excerpted with permission by Quayside Publishing Group. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced except by permission in writing from the publishers.- Credit
- Jonathan Poore
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Colour palette perfection Colour palette perfection
Colour palette perfection ofCreate a mood “Which do you like better, Malaysian Mist or Samoan Sand?” “Hmm. I like Samoan Sand, but Malaysian Mist has that nice sheen.”“Or I could go for something completely different, like Far East Fuchsia. What do you think?” You hold a bottle and an unpainted toe up to the light.“Definitely, Far East Fuchsia,” your trusty pedicurist replies. Choosing just the right colour, whether it's covering one-square-inch of toenail or 500-square-feet of wall space, is a challenge, primarily because there are just so many colours to choose from. Where do you start?Steven Sabados and Chris Hyndman, interior designers and co-hosts of Designer Guys on HGTV, make it easy. “Mood, match, sample,” is the mantra they've created to make the process of selecting just the right wall colour an easy one. “Just keep saying that to yourself-mood, match, sample. It's that easy.” Well okay then, here goes.MoodThe first order of business when choosing colour is to stop thinking and start daydreaming. Before you do anything, determine the mood you hope to strike in the room. All colours can be categorized as either warm or cool and by determining which of these overall moods you wish to create, you can effectively edit your options by half. Warm colours are any that incorporate hints of red or yellow, while cool colours have blue or violet undertones.Next, says Steven, “find a family of colours you are drawn to, choosing from either pastel tones, earth tones or jewel tones. Within each of those shade ranges there will be warm and cool choices.” Image courtesy of Pottery Barn Match and sample MatchYou wouldn't match your nail colour to your eyeliner, so don't try to make your walls complement your candle collection. Ideally, the colour on the walls should exist harmoniously with the largest pieces in the room. Make sure the colour you select for the walls works well with the shades in the carpet. For that matter, limit your paint options to only those shades that match favourably with most of your big-ticket items, including the sofa, broadloom and window coverings. While repainting is no treat, it is less expensive than redecorating around the beautiful shade of teal you chose for the walls.SampleYou've set a mood, matched your preliminary selections to your existing furnishings and you're ready to paint. “Wait!” says Chris. “Before you do anything, sample, sample, sample and then sample again.”“Never trust a paint chip,” adds Steven. It takes a little extra time, but in the long-term you'll net savings in both money and labour if you test your colour theories before painting the room. Purchase a quart of your favourite shade and paint a sample-preferably a piece of plywood or even cardboard that you can move around the room. “Colours will change drastically from day to night and in various types of lighting,” says Chris. “So move the sample around.”And make it count. Paint a large (24-inch by 24-inch) sample so that you get a true feeling for the colour. After all, you'll have to live with this. Colour psychology 101Psychologists have determined that certain colours can actually elicit typical, physiological responses. What mood will your favourite colour incite?Red, and red-based shades like burgundy excite the senses. Scientists say our hearts beat faster when we see red.Blue is the colour of tranquillity, with research telling us that the sight of blue causes the body to produce calming chemicals.Green, the colour of nature, is known to calm and refresh the spirit.Yellow not only speeds the metabolism, it also enhances concentration, which is perhaps why legal pads are yellow.Purple, the colour of wealth and status, is also know to inspire imagination. Wagner composed his operas in a purple room as violet was the colour he found most inspiring. Image courtesy of Pottery Barn- Credit
- Liza Finlay
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Colour: Calamity or conquest? Colour: Calamity or conquest?
Colour: Calamity or conquest? ofColour and your mood Ever walked into a room and just felt sick? It could be the paint, and I don't mean the base. "Colour affects us unconsciously and can profoundly alter mood, appetite and energy levels," says Tammy Schnurr, of W Network's hit show Arresting Design. "Really, all facets of health -- physical, mental, and emotional -- are affected." There are no hard and fast rules to staying healthy colour-wise. "Some people find orange happy and energetic, while others associate it with dated and drab spaces," says Colour Confidential host Jane Lockhart. "Red is often associated with high energy or romantic moods, while green is said to make people calm and relaxed."Bottom line: we can't tell you what colour will be best for your surroundings (you need to log some serious time with the paint chip aisle at your favourite retailer), but we can give you some pointers on how to make colour work in your home. Herewith, cast members and hosts from some of your favorite decor shows share their tips.Take a trial runPaint test patches of colour on your walls, or pin fabric samples onto your furniture. Spending some time with these "tests" will help you decide if you're on the right decorating track. Maybe you'll discover a certain colour looks fabulous by lamplight but is overbearing in full afternoon sun…the only way to find out is by experimenting. Candice Olson, Divine DesignMock it upCreate a sample board with all proposed fabric swatches, paint chips and wallpaper samples. You can really visualize the big picture this way! Candice Olson, Divine DesignSmall spacesLight colours on the walls, floors and ceilings create the illusion of space. It's best to keep all four walls the same colour and inject warmth and interest with brightly coloured accessories. Tammy Schnurr, Arresting Design What the experts say Big spacesBig spaces need darker, richer toned paint and furniture to create intimacy. Another simple way to make a large room cozy is to use rough or thick-textured carpets and upholstery. Jeffrey Fisher, Arresting DesignRemember that opposites attract Generally colours that lie opposite each other on the colour wheel enliven a room by making a bold statement. Yellow and blue remains a popular combination. Tammy Schnurr, Arresting DesignStay neutralIf you buy large items, such as sofas, in neutral colours then you can easily update the room with new accessories and a fresh paint colour, all without breaking the bank." Jeffrey Fisher, Arresting DesignWhiten up Many people love pure white, but for added sophistication tint it with a hint of yellow or lavender. This will give plain white a tantalizing hidden, and subtle depth. Jeffrey Fisher, Arresting DesignBe gorgeousColour has an amazing ability to not only make a room look better, but also to make us look better. For instance, bright yellow walls in a bathroom with only fluorescent lighting can make skin look drab and bring out dark under-eye circles in fair-skinned people. Rose, peach or lavender hues reduce purple redness in skin tone. Jane Lockhart, Colour ConfidentialLook up, look way up … The colour of ceilings is an endless debate: should they always be white, or at least lighter than the walls? White on the ceiling doesn't make a room feel higher unless all the walls are light in tone, so there is little contrast with the ceiling. If walls are dark, however, tinting the ceiling reduces its visibility, and makes it appear higher. Jane Lockhart, Colour ConfidentialIn the end"Don't underestimate your gut reaction to a hue -- be sensitive to how it makes you feel." Tammy Schnurr, Arresting Design- Credit
- Jasmine Miller
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All about colour All about colour
All about colour ofCrazy about colour If you're cockoo for colour, don't miss this series! Find out how to effectively use your fave shades in your home, along with colour-coded product suggestions. All about red Rousing and romantic, learn how to embrace this energizing hue anywhere in your home. All about yellow Uplift, energize and get happy with yellow. All about green Take your urge to emerge and express it with a fresh palette of green. All about blue Relax and unwind with soul-pleasing blues. All about pink Ditch the old dusty rose and open up to the eye-popping new world of pink.All about orangeVibrant and engaging, harvest the power of orange in your home.Image courtesy of Pottery Barn.- Credit
- Name of the author
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5 steps to choosing colour 5 steps to choosing colour
5 steps to choosing colour of5 steps to choosing colour Choosing colour for your home can be daunting. Whether it's paint for the walls or fabric for the sofa, most people get confused and are scared to make the "wrong" decision. Stop putting it off -- we've enlisted Marci Lipman, co-owner (with her sister, Louise Lipman) of Lipman Contemporary Art, a Toronto art gallery/ design store, to share her colour secrets.1 Make it personalDon't be afraid of your own taste. Remember that your home is a reflection of you. If you travel and see colourful things you love, don't worry about whether or not they'll match your decor, bring them home! Don't be afraid to show off your objects - they not only hold memories for you, but will show others what you love, and can become conversation pieces. I have shelves filled with various things I've collected from around the globe. I have African art, Inuit crafts, glass and ceramic pieces, and folk art from Mexico and Nova Scotia.2 Be inspiredTo choose colour, you first have to know what you like and what you don't like. Look to art for inspiration. Visit galleries and shops, and go to museums. Viewing a lot of art can help define what appeals to you. Once you've seen enough, you'll be able to recognize the colours you like, and the textures, styles and shapes you prefer. Buying art is a great way to choose colour. 3 Take small stepsIf you're not quite ready to choose colour for the walls, start small with accessories. Dress up a room with throws, pillows, lamps, art and so on. We sell lamps that feature original watercolour paintings as lampshades. When the lamp is on it radiates with colour -- a large effect for little commitment. If you're not 100 per cent sure about acolour palette, replace colourful accessories seasonally. It will help you confirm the colours you like best in your space. If you're ready to take a bigger step, add colour to your floor. I have plain wood floors at home with bright, colourful woven rugs from Turkey and Nepal on top. I have rugs all over the place, even over beige carpet. 4 Be braveThe most important thing to remember is that nothing is permanent. It's only paint; if you don't like it, paint over it! Colour is eye candy, so don't be scared or intimidated by it. You can stick with neutral furniture and neutral walls if you want, but be brave enough to add colour throughout the house in other ways. I started my career by selling poster art; I could always sell Matisse prints because of the bright colours. Years later I designed and sold clothing, and, again, the bright T-shirts were extremely popular. Colour is joyful and playful: it makes you happy to look at it. 5 Look at what you wear Most people choose clothing to go with their skin colour, hair colour, eye colour and so on. Sticking to what suits you makes sense: the colours you wear often probably best represent the colours you're comfortable with. So when choosing colours for an interior space, surround yourself with ones you're already used to seeing. I wear a lot of neutral colours and my decor tends to feature creams and browns, but I have very vibrant art and accessories. Why not accessorize a room the way you'd dress up an outfit? You can put bright colour on one wall in a room, the same way I'd wear head-to-toe neutral colours and add a great red scarf. Image courtesy of Pottery Barn- Credit
- Sonja Rasula
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Colour commentary Colour commentary
Colour commentary ofColour commentary Jane Hall Designer, Jane Hall The Voice of Color, Toronto, 416-462-2949; janehallthevoiceofcolor.comOur most popular colours (all from Pittsburgh Paints) are the shades of spices and herbs: rich golds like Lion's Mane 216-5 and Braided Raffia 218-6; hot burnt oranges like Rum Raisin 230-7 and Crossfire 130-7; warm terra-cottas like Pizza Pie 331-6 and Fire Weed 432-6; sage greens like Nettle 312-4 and Woolen Vest 412-4. When using neutrals, we prefer elegant hues with personality and complexity, like Jute 314-5, Applesauce Cake 316-5 and Earthy Cane 313-4. Create drama with sophisticated combinations like warm chocolate brown accented with deep periwinkle blue, as in Bird House Brown 425-7 and Grape Haze 446-6, or a complex purple with celery green, like Chocolate Sparkle 536-6 and Cress Green 311-4. Bright citrus hues like Lime Green 209-5, yellow Honey Maple 119-6 and hot pink Panama Rose 137-7, are also rising on the charts.Lina Fraser Designer, Colour & Design for Interiors, Bedford, N.S., 902-446-4252Two of our favourite residential colours are Sico's Light Sugar 4150-11, which is a white with pale mocha tones, and Benjamin Moore's Cloud White CC-40 for trim. This past year, colours were much stronger, with deep violets bordering on black, and rusts, but the trend will soften in 2004. Instead of deep pinks, we'll see light ones, like Benjamin Moore's Pleasant Pink 2094-60. Whites will still be used by many homeowners for that minimalist, contemporary look.Francine Martineau Designer, Francine Martineau Designer, Montreal, 514-937-4113 My picks for 2004 are Yukon Sky CC-920, Gray Cashmere 2138-60, Cool Lava 2088-50 and Brown Horse 2108-30, all from Benjamin Moore.Suzanne Castonguay Designer, Suzanne Castonguay Design, Fredericton, 506-457-0756 I tailor colour schemes to personalities and themes, rather than going for “this year's colour.” However, the following colours will make homes more interesting. Para Paints' rich, warm shades like Burma P545-2, Bronze Leaf P629-3, Lagoon P1567-2, Stoney Plain P901-1, Vizcaino Desert P712-2, Mushroom P2611-1, Beauty Mark P216-3 and Stone Manor P215-1. Natural Wool P2604-4 is a good basic neutral. And don't forget that good lighting always makes colours come alive.Robert Bailey Interior Designer, Smart Design, Vancouver, 604-662-7015 I'm currently into cooler neutrals and hotter accents. Here are two directions using Ralph Lauren Paint. For a warmer palette, try mixing neutrals like Mombassa Mist TH11 or Cymric Silver TH09 with accent colours like Sedona Pink GH140 or Long John Red TH45, with Warwick Lodge NA56 as a deep accent. In a cool range, neutrals like Sweatshirt Grey TH04 or Roaring Mountain SS15 can be accented with colours like Wild Daisy GH116, Spring Rain SS16 or Greenhouse Khaki GH59, with Garden Spigot TH15 as an option for a deep accent tone.Craig Alun Smith Creative Director, Plastic Buddha, 800-770-7344; Winnipeg, 204-452-3131 My choice for the dominant colour of 2004 is brown – Pantone 175C. The secondary colours will be light blues like Pantone 545C. Pinks will remain strong. Interior designers rarely initiate paint colour trends. It's the people on the street who are the true trendsetters. Image courtesy of Pottery Barn- Credit
- Mara Subotincic
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Colour confidence Colour confidence
Colour confidence ofColour confidence When decorating your home, a little bit of advice can go a long way. Here is some practical advice for making confident colour choices. A little know-how can make all the difference!1. Take time to get used to vivid colours. If you make a big paint colour change, expect to be in shock for a few days - that's a natural part of the process. Often the colours my clients love most are the ones they find most surprising.2. Don't be afraid to paint one wall or even a section of a wall. Colour doesn't have to be a four-wall, two-gallon commitment. Paint a panel the width of your bed or sofa or break up a long hallway with a few feet of vertical colour. Enjoy having as little or as much colour as you want.3. Never leave the ceiling white when using deep colour on walls. Add one part wall colour to three parts ceiling white, or use a light tan or putty tone. A coloured ceiling won't seem heavy or claustrophobic but will instead be more calm, elegant and atmospheric. 4. Avoid white trim with all deep wall colours, except blue. A light beige or pale grey trim can give the same clean, crisp effect without being bold or distracting. To mask flaws, use a lighter or darker tone of the wall colour on the trim. Paint baseboards between a dark wall and dark floor a tone darker than the trim.5. Pick paint colours that seem a little subdued on the chip - not lighter than you want, but gentler. Also, if a colour becomes too sharp, add some brown, not white. A little “mud” seems to put a more natural tint back into a hue.6. Create a neutral area between two boldly coloured rooms: it acts as a sort of palette cleanser. A hallway painted in a neutral colour or a wallpaper featuring hints of the colours of your rooms will give you colour freedom.7. Colour-camouflage a flaw by matching it to the surroundings. If your broadloom is the wrong colour, for example, find a wall colour you like from the same colour family. Using a contrasting shade will only make it look worse.8. Choose colour for its emotional benefits, not just for decoration. Notice which colours give you energy, comfort or pleasure, then find ways to work them into your space. You'll be amazed at how great they make you feel.Image courtesy of Pottery BarnJanice Lindsay is one of Canada's leading colour design experts. Nine years ago, she started her colour consulting firm, PINK because she believes that ”everyone needs help with colours”. Get more great advice from Janice at pinkcolouranddesign.com- Credit
- Janice Lindsay
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