The designers, architects and color consultants who have given me such support and inspiration over the years have inspired me to put together my new Full Spectrum “Designer’s Palette”.

I created these new colors with some of the countries most talented designers, architects and color consultants. The Designer’s Palette includes (more…)   

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Today’s color dilemma…

I have a galley style kitchen with one large wall, a backsplash behind counter and bulkhead - these are all painted Mountain Haze by Behr. It is too drab. I want to brighten it up with some kind of red, but I don’t want it to make the kitchen look smaller.

I don’t know whether to just do the wall, just do the blacksplash, the bulkhead or all. I am thinking of keeping the Mountain Haze color probably on the bulkhead as an accent to the red I pick, but I am open to suggestions. – tre1kent

Kate suggests…

When working with accent colors in small spaces, it’s best to not go too bold to avoid creating the illusion of an even smaller space.

For your galley style kitchen I would suggest applying the accent color to the end wall. By painting this wall rather than the cabinet wall you are not narrowing the room even more but rather bringing the end closer which will also make the room appear wider.

Red could work well with your cabinets and flooring. I think a warm, rich hue will accent your existing color and allow you to bring the red you desire into the room without overpowering the space.

Some red paint color that could work well include Behr ‘Cajun Spice’, Ralph Lauren ‘Hunting Coat Red’, Valspar ‘Oatlands Upholstery Red’ and C2 ‘Tango’.

Resources:

• Behr and Ralph Lauren Paint is available at Home Depot.
• Valspar paint is available at Lowe’s. Type in your zip code to find your local Lowe’s
• For a list of C2 Paint dealers visit their website
• Do you have a color dilemma? Post it in the Makeover Gallery at RoomVues.com and you could be the next reader to have your color question answered on the Color For Your Home blog.

**Please note: Due to individual computer monitor limitations, colors seen here may not accurately reflect the paint colors. Please refer to an actual sample of the paint for an accurate rendition of the color.   

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Today’s color dilemma…

“We are moving into a new apartment soon, and I am creating an office and work room for the family, which includes two boys.

I want to pick an accent color that will be stimulating, but mentally stimulating, not physically stimulating. At first I thought I would use orange (with grey/beige/white) but I think that may be a mistake because orange is thought to stimulate appetite. Yellow? Red?

Or, should I keep their work area in their bedroom, which is indigo and a mossy/celeryish not dull not bright medium green - that’s the furniture, bedding, and the rug - walls aren’t painted yet.What do you think for an accent color for the work room, and would the boys be better off working in the room that is green and blue?

Many thanks.
-Wendi

Kate suggests…

You are on the right track by beginning with thinking about the functionality of the room and the mood you want to create.

The main color in you decorating scheme sets the mood of the room. Other colors are added that enhance that mood. The gray, tan and white color scheme you mention is a good choice for a family workspace and would go nicely with red or orange accents.

A color scheme of grey/beige/white can work well for kids too as shown in these two workspaces from Pottery Barn Kids

Yellow might be another good choice because it instills optimism and sparks creative thought.

Since an accent color generally occupies less than 30% of what is seen in a room it would not cause your boys to be more hyper plus red, orange and yellow all have the positive effect of being mentally stimulating.

A shared workspace becomes “family central” with spaces to display kids latest school work and keep track of activities.

You could set up their work area in the bedroom however if you have the ability to create a workspace that is shared with your kids this is what I would recommend. It gives you the ability to each be working independently yet be together, and allows you to keep an eye that they are actually working without having it seem as though you are checking up on them.

This solution would also allow you to keep their room focused on rest and relaxation rather than work. The color scheme you have chosen already is ideal for this because cool colors like blue and green have been known in color psychology to promote relaxation, which is why they are often a popular choice for bedrooms.

Architecture for beginners wall decals

If you want to allow your boys to help decorate their space a fun option would be wall decals like the ones shown here.

I hope you find these thoughts helpful as you decorate your new apartment. I’d enjoy seeing pictures of how it all comes together.

Resources:

• Wall decals available at kidsmodern.com
• Furniture and wall organizers from potterybarnkids.com
• Do you have a color dilemma? Post it in the Makeover Gallery at RoomVues.com and you could be the next reader to have your color question answered on the Color For Your Home blog.

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RED is a sizzling color full of symbolic meanings and many hues. Whether you prefer scarlet, crimson, maroon, ruby, rose or tomato, there is a shade for everyone.

Shanghai wallpaper from Jaima Brown Home

Red creates the perfect accent for any space when paired with timeless neutrals like brown or cream.

In the 18th century red garlands and scarves were part of cultural wedding ceremonies. Chinese brides wore a traditional Kwa; a heavily embroidered formal wedding gown in red and Greek brides wore red veils, which is still customary today.

In ancient history, wearing a red painted amulet, ruby or garnet supposedly made one invincible. Red signifies love, fertility, strength, good fortune, and happiness. We often see red front doors on the outside of homes across America, instilling the influence of Feng Shui.

Persia wallpaper from Jaima Brown Home

RED demands attention, revitalize your home with the dramatic allure of color and pattern through the magic of wallpaper using a design like our lively Shanghai and Persia designs.

Find inspiRED wallpaper and home accessories at Jaima Brown Home online   

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