25th Jun. '08
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Authored by Bethany Good
Today’s decorating dilemma:
I have oak floors (much lighter than the pictures above) and have oak trim at a low chair rail height and around the window and doors. I would like to put chocolate brown on the walls, but I don’t know if I should just do below the chair and something lighter on top like a golden color or beige? I have a golden color for the curtains and my accent color.
Any ideas? –Wendy
Bethany suggests:
Yes, I recommend having a darker color, such as Ralph Lauren’s VM24 Strudel, under the chair rail, and a lighter color above such as Spectra-tone collections 7772W Roman Chamomile color. Having light colors on top and darker colors on the bottom is appropriate because darker colors have more visual weight than light colors. Also, darker colors hide scuffs the usually ding up the lower part of the wall first.
You could spice up the buttery color on the wall, since you already have golden colored curtains and accents, with a metallic faux finish.
If you want to room to have a more formal flavor, stick to the golds and browns more exclusively. Here is a gold frame when added to the room will give it a selective, sophisticated look.
If you are looking for a more casual look, I would incorporate more than just warm colors. The gold theme will really shine when it isn’t overpowering the room. Balance can be acheived by including hints of the “other side”.
Some cooler, complimentary colored accents in the room, such as a deep eggplant purple table cloth will give some visual balance.
You can draw some inspiration out of nature. Start out with a bowl full of colorfully beaded fruit with grapes, plums, or artichokes would help to bring the temperature down!
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Today’s decorating dilemma: I need a little guidance, I am renovating a Katrina damaged home,. It is taking a long time and I want everything perfect, or as much as it can be.
I have a town home, living room, and kitchen run together, maple cabinets with a mocha stain, so the cabinets are basically almond with a little color, I am using teak, hand scraped floors throughout, not much light, just a large set of french doors leading to patio, and a small garden window in kitchen, I was thinking black galaxy granite, little spec of bronze, its beautiful, and oil rubbed chandeliers and faucets. Soooo, what color do I paint, or should I change something? please help! –Sharon
Bethany’s suggests:
It sounds like what you have is generally dark so I am envisioning a scheme with lots of contrast. (more…)
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Today’s decorating dilemma: My boyfriend and I are trying to complete our bathroom, the floor is in dark brown tile with chai tea wall tile color. After going crazy searching for Tiffany blue I wonder if this would be the best combo for a relax bathroom, what do you think?? Should I go for it and use Erica’s pick????
Look forward for feedback! ~Helena
Bethany’s Suggestion:
Tiffany’s Blue definitely has some pizzazz. The dark, chocolatey browns that you described always look good with (more…)
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11th Jun. '08
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Living Spaces
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Tags: blue, color-dilemma
Authored by Kate Smith
Today’s decorating dilemma:I have recently bought a house with a light blue carpet running through out. I need some advice on how I should go about choosing an appropriate colour for the walls and decor. I have already purchased medium brown coloured furniture. Can you give me some inspiration?
I have thought of painting the house an ivory colour so it would compliment the colour of the carpet and furniture. Need your advice for interior decor! Hope I am not doomed by the blue! –Melanie
Kate’s Note: During June and July designer and guest blogger Bethany Good will be assisting me to answer the dozens of questions that I receive each week. Take it away Bethany….
Bethany suggests:
Actually blue is coming back in a big way, so you are in a good position! What I like to do is (more…)
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I love Mount Vernon and it is on my ‘dream places to live’ list because:
- It is on the water with a spectacular water view! Thanks to some smart folks with the foresight to buy the land across the river and turn it into a park it will always remain that way.
- The grounds are gorgeous and expansive. Keep in mind that in my dream life I can well afford to have someone else maintain the many acres of grass, flowers and trees.
- The home has incredible architectural details both inside.
(more…)
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