How to Use Colour and Pattern
November 2, 2008 by admin
Filed under Home and Garden
Have you noticed how flexible the rules
have become with colour and pattern these days? It seems like anything goes
now. There was a time when matching colours operated only by working with
opposite sides of the colour-wheel. Although the borders have been stretched
out a little, it is still important to follow some basic rules. Let´s have a
look.
v
Don´t
overdo it.! Less is more as they say. Balance areas of strong bold colour with
plain ones
v
Be
a little adventurous! If you are the type of person who always plays it safe
with the traditional white or cream (once called magnolia but now considered
and old-fashioned term), then why not try a splash of colour. Go for one wall
and make it a feature! Try a nice rich red or burnt orange
v
You
don´t have to spend a lot of money! Colour can be splashed about with simple
vibrant cushions in assorted sizes and patterns.
Some questions that I have received
from readers
Colour
issues: ´I would like to use plain colours in
my home but I´d also like to introduce a block of pattern to give a more modern
look. What is the easiest way to do this by myself?´
I would
suggest to start in a simple way. If your walls are painted in a neutral white
or cream, introduce your pattern by using some nice new colourful cushions,
maybe a new lampshade or perhaps a nice throw. Pick patterns you like in just
one colour, then as you build up your confidence you can slowly add to the
look.
Flowers
and stripes: ´Is it ok to mix florals and
stripes?´
Absolutely!
This is a hot new look. The key to success is to maintain all the colours
within the same palatte.There is so much to choose from in the shops, you can
have great fun doing this.
Wallpaper
big and bold: ´I love the new collections of big
bold printed wallpaper. I would love to use it in my bedroom, but my room is a
bit on the small side. Any ideas?´
Wallpaper is
back with a bang in strong vibrant colours as well as soft pastel blocks. You
can make a huge impact on a room by investing a small amount of money and time
wallpapering one wall. But the secret to using it in a small room is to only
use it on one wall. Depending on how small your room is, you can try using a
block wide enough to expand to the width of your bedhead. If your room can take
it, then why not cover the entire wall.
But choose your colours carefully. Go for soft colours, they will give the
illusion of a bigger space. Go for it!
If you have any questions
you would like to ask, please feel free to email me at:
Lilly Lauterborn R.I. Dipl.
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