Want to give a room an instant energy boost? Consider tropical colors; they also uplift. If the extroverted hues (stronger shades) are a bit much, “tame” them with warm woods and calm neutrals. For example, consider using Light Pear and Sky Blue as background colors, with Tangerine and Teal as accent colors and Burnt Orange as a surprise choice (or option).
According to interior designer Muffin Tullos, here’s how to balance bold colors with a desire for calm spaces:
- Keep walls mellow by choosing colors that are nature-like.
- Experiment with variations of your palette.
- Temper the bold strokes; tame brighter colors with white paint. “There is a point where you can do too much. Putting white on the wall is one way of editing.”
Source: “Fresh Squeeze” by Sharon Overton-Better Homes and Gardens, February 2011
Prefer a sense of coastal charm? Colors that are softened with gray are easy to live with. Muted hues mix well together, creating a calming flow throughout a home. A good example of this would be Foggy Green, Stone and/or Sandy Yellow as background colors, with Brown and Ocean Blue as accent colors.
Source: “Not Quite Neutral” also by Sharon Overton-Better Homes and Gardens, Feb. 2011
Nothing enlivens a room like a burst of your favorite color (or hue). It can be as simple as picking a pair of pillows to match your mood.
And a throw pillow can lay the groundwork (or be the foundation) for a color scheme palette.
A lamp is a fun way to bring in an accent color; just make sure the hue has the same intensity as the main color.
Glossy paint helps crown molding get noticed. A little shine goes a long way; save it for trim or one painted piece of furniture such as a sideboard or end table.
Source: “Palette Smarts” by Jody Garlock-Better Homes and Gardens, Feb. 2011
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