Kimberley's guide to contrast
Contrasting colours don't have to be extreme to work favourably in interiors. Here are some ways to use colour to solve design problems and enhance the look and feel of a room.
Emphasize impressive mouldings by painting walls a contrasting colour. In most cases, architectural elements such as crown moulding, baseboards and ceiling medallions look best in classic neutrals like bisque, parchment and soft white.
Modify a room's scale with contrasting colours. Shorten a too-tall ceiling by painting or papering it in a contrasting colour; create the illusion of a wider hallway by painting an end wall a deep contrasting shade; distract from a room's less-than-ideal proportions by painting the walls, ceiling and trim a single shade, eliminating contrast altogether.
Highlight ceilings that are worthy of attention with a signature colour. A room with ample or pleasing proportions is well suited to an enhanced ceiling.
Visually expand tight quarters by using low-contrast colours. A monochromatic scheme that includes shades similar in tonal value can have a powerful effect.
Frame an impressive view by eliminating contrast between the wall colour and the draperies. When those elements are the same colour, the eye is drawn past the window to the view beyond.
Tip
Visually expand tight quarters by using low-contrast colours. A monochromatic scheme that includes shades similiar in tonal value can have a powerful effect.
Kimberley Seldon is STYLE AT HOME's decorating editor. For more great decor and design ideas, visit kimberleyseldon.com.
16 Comments
I have cranberry colored wall to wall carpet in each bedroom. I would like to paint and furnish each room differently but I'm stuck with the carpet at least for now. I would like to find different colors for each of the three bedrooms.
I need help please! I have a newer mobile home. i want to brighten it up but unsure how. I have tan/ golden couches and black furniture. I need help choosing a color or colors and trimming. I think i would like a lighter shade of tan to brighen up the room but my fiance likes the darker colors what do you suggest? please and thank you!
I need suggestions: the garage door and soffits and gutters are dark brown. What color do we paint the house? Currently, milk chocolate color. What color do we choose for windows? What color do we choose for the front door and the patio door? What color for shutters for only the windows on the front of the house? HELP!
I need a ceiling and paint trim color that will go with both of these Benjamin Moore paint colors. The living room and dining room wall color is 991 Grege Avenue. The carpet has a blush/pink tone to it. The kitchen /family room is 222 Mustard Seed and the cabinets are 220 Yellow Bisque. In these rooms the floor is a medium color wood. I would like to have a trim color that would work with both. What wall color could be used to bridge the two areas in the foyer? Any suggesstions would be appreciated.
I have a dark cherry finish on my kitchen cabinets and forest green counter tops. What color would look the best on my walls?
I am in need of some help. I am purchasing a condo and pretty much gutting it. I am having a hard time deciding on paint color for the kitchen. I am having Oak cabinets and oak floors. The granite is Giallo Portifino(some biege,black yellow/gold tones. Also there will be stainless appliances. I would appreciate any advise anyone could give me. THANKS Kathy
I am in need of some help. I am purchasing a condo and pretty much gutting it. I am having a hard time deciding on paint color for the kitchen. I am having Oak cabinets and oak floors. The granite is Giallo Portifino(some biege,black yellow/gold tones. Also there will be stainless appliances. I would appreciate any advise anyone could give me. THANKS Kathy
HELP! I have a new cottage that needs to be painted...it is an open concept with the kitchen and living room all in one octagon shape. One of the walls is done in pine (which will stay), and the kitchen cabinets and floors are pine as well. Lots of light is a bonus....have been thinking of going with a coffee colour since Hubby is not struck on the chocolate brown I initially wanted.....any suggestions??? The furniture is big and rather bulky....black leather which will also be staying....
i want to paint, i have a red wine colored sofa and side chair what color will compliment this set i like the golden yellows will this color make the room look to small.the color i am looking at is sahara shade 310d-5a behr.open to sugestions
hi..Help..I have grey painted walls, with a blue undertone..a lighter grey in th kitchen and a darker grey in the livingroom...my couch and love seat are biege.. I am having a hard time deciding on the color of drapes.
When you say you don't know how to paint these features, do you mean you don't know what color or by what method? I'm a paint color consultant, so I just might be able to guide you. Mary-Frances mycolordesigner.com
Hi, I suppose it would depend on what type of look you want to achieve and where you are located in the country. Do you want something that pops or a more harmonious feel? Is it traditional or contemporary? If you could provide a little more information, I'd love to help you. A photo would be very helpful, too. Mary-Frances mycolordesigner.com
I am purchasing a newly constructed split-level home and it currently has no shutters. The house is light yellow with white trim. I would like to put shutters on the house but have no idea what color would look good. Can someone make any suggestions???
I need to choose exterior colors for my house, but I'm lost because our house has so many details so I don't know how to incorporate all of them. Originally our house had a white siding, black shutters on the side above the brick and white shutters on the brick side. This time I wont to add colors to my house for example SW Netsuke (sandish yellow) for siding, maybe bronze green for trim, shutters and rustic red door. The biggest challenge how to paint bay window, porch and half fan and dentil on the brick side. Here is the pictures of our house: http://s219.photobucket.com/albums/cc34/fayusik/MyHouse/ Please help Thank you Faina Markov
I have a foyer that flows into the great room. There are no breaks or cut off points so there is a huge amount of the same color. I just purchased the house and I'm trying to find a good color to use in this large area. The present color is an ugly green. I like green, just not this green. I selected a Benjamin Moore pait called Pinelands which I used in my current formal living room. The color is deep, but soothing; however, I'm concerned about the massive area. Woodwork is white. Any suggestions?
i have mustard gold carpet in my formal living rm / the family room and im trying to find a paint color that would go great on the walls