{ Purple?….Please! } Ask a Designer

When deciding on a new colour pallet for your home there are so many colours to choose from that it can become a very daunting process.  It’s not always best to pick an overall colourful shade for all four walls, especially when it is a dark tone.  This can make the room feel too overwhelming, but fortunately there are ways to incorporate colour into your home, and get the look you’ll love.  Thanks A. for your before picture, here’s what I think you should do to get the living room you want…

Before

After

Inspiration Via: Canadian House & Home

 I like to work a little bit backwards in picking my pallet.  I start by selecting a great accent colour…in this case purple, the hottest trend for 2009.  I like to incorporate a few pieces that offer a hit of colour, for example in the first photo, the velvet chair, and in the second photo, the throw rug.  This small dose of colour is perfect to add a statement, but doesn’t overwhelm the room, and these pieces are a minimal investment which can be replaced or re-upholstered when the room begins to become dated.

Next start layering in some neutrals.  Depending on your lifestyle, the sofa can either be a light toned tailored piece or for something more casual like the darker charcoal piece.  Either way, toss in some throw cushions in neutral tones to soften the feature colour.  Keep the rest of the accessories like the lighting, and other decorative pieces in materials that can be placed into any colour pallet.

Working with patterns and textures is a wonderful way to create interest, and individualize a room.  The first photo showcases many patterns like the thick striping on the walls, the fine striping on the small ottomans, and the florals and geometrics on the throw pillows.  The second photo uses textures like the velvet pillows and  furry throws displayed on the matte sofa.  Each technique harmoniously blends a mix of materials creating a uniform and unique look.

For the windows and walls, there are many choices depending on your comfort level.  The first photo displays a wallpaper or painting treatment with a two-toned striping detail.  This is quite a daring option, but if drama is what your looking for, than this is a perfect fit.  If you are a little more on the cautious side, try painting out the walls in a neutral tone, then incorporate texture, and colour through window treatments like the silk charcoal panels and rattan roll-up blinds.  Both looks are striking, and convey great use of a feature colour!

~k