Your Questions
Answered on Color
visit our color website for color design education on color theory
or pick up some simple decorating color tips
Q. I have a large living/dining room in a basement suite, with one very small window, and a low ceiling. The carpet is a light rose, and the doors and baseboards are white. Do you have any suggestions on a color to make my room look bright and warm? Thank you!
From: Trisha
A. Avoid dark colors like the plague. Perhaps use mirror to one wall and if the ceiling is low introduce some vertical elements to create height into the room. For example some form of floor to ceiling column effect. This could be done by having a large floor to ceiling framed mirror with full drapery to frame each side. Another method is to use lamps on tables to the corners of the room to help define those areas and reduce the visual distance between them. This should also help with reducing the appearance of the low ceiling.
With a soft rose carpet I believe that soft yellows would be effective and complement the base color of the floor. Lilac, French green or duck egg blue would work aswell but may be a little cool. Use the furniture as the contrast to the colors and make that the focus of the middle of the room. This will also help with the height. Hope this helps or at least gives you some ideas and inspiration.
Q. I was just wondering if I could put white wainscoting (sp?) and chair rail on my walls. All of my baseboards etc. are mahogany colour so I don't know if white will be too stark. My windows are all white though. Thanks From: Susan
A. I don't know what other colours you have in the room but as long as you have white in 2 or more places it should create a balanced effect. You could make a feature of it by using a contrasting colour on the walls above and perhaps have artwork in white frames or mahogany frames to balance the different finishes. I don't think white will be too stark as you will have other finishes in the room, the baseboards, flooring, ceiling furniture etc. I hope this has been helpful.
Q. I am putting in an art studio for my retiring husband. The room has 2 large windows and is about 10x12 ft. It will have linoleum on the floor, but I haven't picked that out yet. What color should the walls be painted in an art studio? I was thinking maybe a soft grey? Is there some kind of reference book or site on how to decorate an art studio? From: Name no given
A. I have done a search for books on the subject and have come up empty handed sorry. I will attempt to give you some ideas. I think you need to focus on the lighting that you have, as what we see is based on our light source. This will greatly influence the colour selection when painting or doing artwork. Incandescent (the common light bulb) lighting provides good colour rendition, halogen provides crisp white light that brings out and enhances colour. A combination of both would work well and remember to try and place the light fittings so you eliminate any shadow around where your husband will be working. As for the walls white will reflect the maximum amount of light, grey will be less harsh than the white. It wouldn't hurt to tint the white with blue, green or pink to provide a hint of colour and provoke some emotion, other wise he may feel he is working in a fridge! I hope this has given you something to think about. It sounds like a lot of fun ahead for both of you. Good luck.
More questions and answers on color
More questions and answers on color 1
More questions and answers on color 2
More questions and answers on color 3
All advice given is advice only and to be used as a tool. Essentially you will
be responsible for your decisions and interiordezine.com takes no liability
for the projects that you undertake. Refer to our Website Terms of Use
