Carefully Concentrated Color

Popular colors are becoming bolder and more saturated. Since these colors are harder to use in large quantities, using them as an accent works well. By using a neutral background such as white, beige, or gray, color can become the focus of an interior and give your space the energy it needs.

For example, the picture below shows a contemporary home we recently finished for a client.  The walls are a very light cream color, while the back of the Dining Room niche is faux finished in a deep oxblood, with hints of plum.  On top of this, we placed a fine piece of original art by Tess Muth, a predominantly teal painting with oxblood, silver and gold accents.  This bold use of color creates a phenomenal focal point in the Dining area of this Great Room.

Another example of this is demonstrated in a model home we completed for a builder.  In this space, we used a bold color to accent the barrel vault ceiling, employing just the right shade of aqua with a custom large scale champagne colored metallic hand-painted design, it does not overpower the space or feel heavy, but is enough elegant interest to draw you eyes and take your breath.

Another way to accent your life with color is to have neutral walls and neutral furniture but introduce many different flares of color throughout the home.  Selecting different textures also helps to create a more interesting view.  We used this technique in a client's Sante Fe style home.

In the Sante Fe style home Dining Room niche, we used a deep eggplant to bring an unexpected surprise to this cozy space.  Since the color tones used here have the same intensity, this stunningly impassioned shade of purple completes this room, even though there are no other purple items in this space, above.

  

Bright, engaging patterns help to liven the space.  These Kitchen barstools have an exciting stripe while the Living Room chair in the background introduces a classsic pattern from the Museum of New Mexico, a geometric with historic reference and modern appeal.  

Art, rugs and accessories play an important role in the character of a room.  Art is a strong expression of the home owner's personality and interests, a vital part of any interior.  The pillows emphasize the style of the home and compliment the Sante Fe rug, while the largest furniture in the space remains timeless in a neutral fabric.

Used in strategic ways, color can enhance the experience of living.  However, color without a specific purpose can often lead to distracting and non-cohesive spaces.  To learn how to mix color and pattern, watch for our next post.