Absorbed in Color
Posted by Michele | Filed under Color Themes, Random
I’ve been a bit absorbed in myself. My son and I are working towards the crazy calendar I set for ourselves. We are having our own art exhibit on November 8th. I’ve not displayed my artwork anywhere for a very long time so I’m on a mean cycle here to make it happen. I’d better get back to absorbing myself in this blog, Colorthemes for the moment. Today, since absorbtion is the mood, I’ll show you two simple rooms that absorb your attention. One simple and one a little crazy. You tell me if they work or not for you?
Simple colors can be white. Simple colors can be any color. You can design a home in just one or two tones. It can be very light but it can also be extremely bold if you rely on two tones. I know I’ve just confused the heck out of you. I’ll break it down even further.
Simple Color/White and Tints
White is classy and it can be the best backdrop. You’re thinking I’ve had white walls for all these years and now you are telling me to keep them white? I choose white when I find the home is dreary and dark. But, it’s not just white. There are numerous whites that have a hint of color. I will pick a hint of color that blends in with the stones, carpet, wood or other architectural elements and furnishings.
White looks best with contrast surrounding it. That contrast can be just a dark wood floor or wood beams or vivid art such as abstracts, or colorful accessories. If you have a warm wood, I would chose a warm white. If you have a very dark wood like mahogany I would choose a cool white. White on white is very clean but 100% white might suggest you’ve got a germ phobia. For contrast without distractions you should keep the values close such as a warm white with a pastel butter. If that is not enough color without overdoing it, add the next value up from butter such as medium yellow or golden tones. This lemon wallpaper wakes up the spirit in the room but I feel there is too much of the same pattern. I think I would have gone for just a soft yellow on the walls and kept the upholstered chairs to create the focal point instead of being absorbed in the pattern. To each is own.
Simple Color/Crazy - Let’s take two colors. White and black. It’s simple but crazy bold and I love how the designer created this sitting area with the pop-on wall tiles. This is a great look but be careful not to overdo it in every room. I would not design an entire home in black and white unless a client absolutely had a fetish for it. If so, I’d break into a new theme with a vivid accent color such a red, purple, fusicia, turquoise, or yellow. As I sit here thinking of how each room would look, I might get sick to my stomach after awhile. It’s a bit OP-Artish. That is why you’ve got to keep it simple. When they said, “You can never have too much of a good thing”, I beg to differ. I’m all about feeling good in a room and this particular setting is fun but not suitable for most. The black and white is all about intensity. You’d get no rest in this environment. It’s meant to liven you up.
Both examples are anything but simple. They are extreme with busy patterns yet they have a simple color palette. Some would love living with all that energy of pattern. I had a checkered floor back in the 80’s. We painted the cabinets in white and beige zolotone (the stuff they spray on garage floors). It was great for awhile. If you want something that isn’t all consuming, then try toning it down to a soft monochromatic energy. The best way to find out what you want is to peruse through magazines and choose things that make you say, “Awww!” Then ask yourself why you like it. Make some notes. If you go through this process, you’ll have better luck bringing it all together without making it too crazy. If you have tons of extra cash to blow have some fun and redecorate every year or so. Otherwise, keep it simple and add color that works for you.
