color made easy - 2013 usa

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From Soothing to Bold COLOR SCHEMES THAT WORK! 39No-Fail Paint Palettes 2013 COLOR made easy TM

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Page 1: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

From Soothing to Bold

COLOR SCHEMESTHAT WORK!

39No-Fail Paint Palettes2013

COLORmade easyTM

Page 2: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

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Page 3: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

COLORmade easy 2 editor’s note 6 color 101 32 red

42 yellow 52 blue

64 green 76 orange 86 purple 96 neutral 106 take color outside 112 makeover mastery 118 make a bold escape 126 shading toward modern 132 it had to be blue 138 graceful classic revival 144 color we love

Page 4: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

The Editors

Decorating a home that reflects who you are begins with color. Yet for most of us, making color choices can be daunting. Paint displays offer thousands of hues, fabrics beckon in myriad patterns, and suddenly, basic beige looks safe and easy. That’s where we can help. We’ve gathered the images, consulted the experts, and provided basic steps to help you select your best colors for a room or your whole house. Our goal is to fire your imagination and infuse color into your dreams. So give yourself the time to explore this issue and see where your creativity takes you. Turn the page and begin our latest armchair tour of the most memorable and alluring Color Made Easy ever published.

Enjoy the journey!

Page 5: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

EditorContributing Editor

Art DirectorContributing Designer

Contributing Copy EditorContributing ProofreaderAdministrative Assistant

Group EditorSenior Editors

Senior Associate EditorAssociate EditorAssistant Editor

Editorial ManagerSenior Editors

Associate EditorsBetter Homes and Gardens® Test Kitchen Director

EditorBetter Homes and Gardens Test Garden® Manager

Senior Associate Art Directors

Associate Art DirectorAssistant Art Directors

Assistant Managing EditorSenior Copy Editors

Associate Copy EditorEditorial Operations Manager

Business Office Assistants

Administrative AssistantsEditorial Assistant

Director, Premedia ServicesQuality/Technical Director

Photo Studio ManagerPrepress Desktop Specialist

Color Quality Analyst

Brand Leader and Executive Vice PresidentCreative Director

Content Director, Home Design

Samantha ThorpeDebra Wittrup

Kimberly Morgan MetzGayle SchadendorfAmy KuebelbeckPaul SoucyDiana Meinders

Lacey HowardAnn Blevins, LuAnn Brandsen, Samantha Hart, Bethany Kohoutek, Marie McCartan, Samantha S. ThorpeMegan BoettcherMaria V. CharbonneauxKristina McGuirk

Jan MillerCarlos Acevedo, Jessica Saari ChristensenLisa Appleton, Carrie BoydLynn Blanchard

James A. BaggettSandra Gerdes

Nick Crow, Rebecca Lau Ekstrand, Stephanie Hunter, Kimberly Morgan Metz Nicole Dean TeutChristy Brokens, Rachel Kennedy, Ananda Spadt, Lori Sturdivant

Jennifer Speer RamundtSheila Mauck, Metta Cederdahl WestJoleen RossCindy SlobaszewskiJan Crabb, Kim O’Brien-Wolett, Gabrielle RenslowSue Miller, Lori Eggers, Marlene ToddDiana MeindersAmy Tincher-DurikDave WolvekJeff AndersonRandy J. ManningDale Tunender

Gayle Goodson ButlerMichael D. BelknapJill Waage

HOME DESIGN

GARDENING

FOOD

EDITORIAL ADMINISTRATION

ART

EDITORIAL LEADERS

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR JAMES D. BLuME

Managing Editor DOuG KOuMA

Executive Editor, Food

JENNifER DARLiNG

Deputy Content Director, Home Design

KARMAN HOTCHKiSSArt Director

GENE RAuCH

For editorial questions, e-mail [email protected] or write us at Color Made Easy,

Special interest Publications, Meredith Corp., 1716 Locust St., Des Moines, iA 50309-3023.

RETAIL SALES: Retailers can order copies of Color Made Easy by e-mailing [email protected].

For reuse and reprint requests, contact [email protected].

CONTRIBUTING FIELD EDITORSAtlanta Lisa Mowry Baltimore Eileen Deymier Birmingham, AL Cathy Still McGowin

Charleston, SC/Savannah Sandra L. Mohlmann Charlotte/San Diego Andrea Caughey Chicago Megan Chaffin, Chandra Hammond, Elaine Markoutsas Denver Mindy Pantiel, Elaine St. Louis

Detroit/Toronto Khristi S. Zimmeth Jaffrey Center, NH Stacy Kunstel Los Angeles Darra Baker, Laura Hull, Robin Tucker Minneapolis/St. Paul Bonnie Broten, Heidi Pearson, Alecia Stevens Nashville Anna Forkum

New Orleans Margaret Zainey Roux Newport, RI Lynda Sutton New York City Jorge S. Arango New Paltz, NY Anna Molvik Portland, ME Susan Salomon San Francisco Sarah Alba Saratoga Springs, NY Donna Talley

Seattle Linda Humphrey Washington, DC Jeanne Blackburn Chatham, MA Karin Lidbeck-Brent

Colormade easy

Page 6: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

Visit BHG.com for color tips and tricks.color fi nder BHG.com/NewColorSee color in action! Find new paint colors

for your room’s walls, trim, ceiling, and

more with our easy online tool.

color personality quiz BHG.com/MyColorsDiscover an interior color scheme

that works perfectly for you. Answer

questions about your likes and style

preferences to get a customized

color palette.

video: color wheelBHG.com/ColorWheelUsing color can be tricky. Make choosing

a color scheme easier by applying the

color wheel, a tool favored by decorators

and designers.

decorating galleryBHG.com/DecorateBrowse rooms by color in our Decorating

Gallery and see inspiring ways to use your

favorite hues.

Page 7: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

ADVERTISEMENT

Share your opinions with

us and see how a $500

American Express® gift

card could be yours!

join our home enthusiastpanel

Color Made Easy wants to know what

makes you a Home Enthusiast. Visit

www.bhg.com/colormadeeasy, take a

brief survey and join our exclusive

community of consumers passionate

about home design.

As a member you’ll be invited

periodically to answer surveys and

opinion polls about issues concerning

homeowners.

There are a limited number of

panelists, so hurry and join today!

No purchase or survey participation is necessary to enter or win. Subject to Ofcial Rules at www.bhg.com/colormadeeasy. The HEP Survey Sweepstakes begins at 9:00 a.m. C.T. on 7/1/13 and ends at 11:59 p.m. C.T. on 12/31/13. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, and the District of Columbia, 21 years or older. Limit one (1) entry per person and per email address. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: Meredith Corporation.

Visit

bhg.com/

colormadeeasy

ADVERTISINGVice President and Publisher BRENDAN SMYTH [email protected]

Associate Publisher, Marketing STACY SHAPIRO FELDMAN [email protected]

NEW YORK ADVERTISING SALES 805 Third Ave., New York, NY 10022; 212/455-1349; Fax: 212/551-7192

Account Manager MARIA PRUYN [email protected] Manager LAUREN ROSS [email protected]

CHICAGO ADVERTISING SALES 333 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60601; 312/580-1615; Fax: 312/580-7909

Account Manager MICHELLE BALAZ [email protected] Account Manager LISA MORTON [email protected]

Sales Assistant NANCY ECHEVERRIA [email protected]

SOUTHEAST ADVERTISING SALES Navigate Media, 1875 Old Alabama Rd., Suite 1320, Roswell, GA 30076;

678/507-0110; Fax: 678/507-0118Account Executive GARY DENNIS [email protected]

WEST COAST ADVERTISING SALES 1990 S. Bundy Dr., Suite 500, Los Angeles, CA 90025;

310/689-1627; Fax: 310/479-2692Account Manager BIANCA HALEY [email protected]

ADVERTISING OPERATIONS 1716 Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309-3023

Senior Production Manager APRIL BRACELIN Advertising Operations Manager LIBBY EHMKE Production Director KENT POLLPETER

Associate Product Manager DEBBIE REYNOLDS

MARKETING SERVICES 212/455-1349; Fax: 212/551-7192

Senior Integrated Marketing Manager KATHLEEN KEANE [email protected] Integrated Marketing Manager SAMANTHA FRIEDMAN [email protected]

Promotion Art Director LORI CHRISTIANSEN [email protected]

DIRECT MEDIA Fax: 212/499-6757

Advertising Director GRACE CHUNG-MUI [email protected] 212/499-6719 Business Development Manager STEPHANIE BARREZUETA [email protected] 212/499-6723

CRAFTS GROUP ADVERTISING SALESVice President and Publisher, Crafts Group TOM DAVIS

Advertising Sales Director AMY GATES [email protected] Account Executive MEREDITH JINKS [email protected] Project Supervisor BETHANY PETERSON [email protected]

Sales Assistant ASHLEY MCGRAW [email protected]

NEWSSTANDRetail Brand Managers

Women’s and Crafts DAWN ANGUS Food, Holiday, and Health HILLARY ECKERT Home and Garden JESS LIDDLE

FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATIONBusiness Director JANICE CROAT Associate Advertising Business Manager EDWARD HAYES

Business Manager JENNA HETCKO Product Sales HEATHER PROCTOR

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENTS

President, Media Sales | RICHARD PORTERPresident, Better Homes and Gardens | JAMES CARR

President, Parents Network | CAREY WITMERPresident, Women’s Lifestyle | THOMAS WITSCHI

Creative Content Leader | GAYLE GOODSON BUTLERChief Marketing Offcer | NANCY WEBER

Chief Digital Offcer | LIZ SCHIMELChief Revenue Offcer | MICHAEL BROWNSTEIN

Chief Innovation Offcer | JEANNINE SHAO COLLINSGeneral Manager | MIKE RIGGS

Director, Operations and Business Development | DOUG OLSON

Chairman and Chief Executive Offcer | Stephen M. Lacy

President, Meredith Local Media Group | Paul Karpowicz

Vice Chairman | Mell Meredith Frazier

In Memoriam | E. T. Meredith III, 1933–2003

Meredith National Media Group President | TOM HARTY

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENTS

Chief Technology Offcer | JACK GOLDENBERGAudience Development and Commerce | ANDY WILSON

Digital Sales | CAROLYN BEKKEDAHL

VICE PRESIDENTS

Consumer Marketing | JANET DONNELLYCorporate Marketing | STEPHANIE CONNOLLY

Corporate Sales | BRIAN KIGHTLINGERDirect Media | PATTI FOLLO

Brand Licensing | ELISE CONTARSYResearch Solutions | BRITTA CLEVELAND

Communications | PATRICK TAYLORNewsstand | MARK PETERSON

Video Production and Product | LAURA ROWLEY

Page 8: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA
Page 9: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

To make sense of a journey, it’s

critical to have a good map. Your

map to decorating with color is

this guide to the basic elements,

terminology, and techniques of

working with color, pattern, and

paint. When you’ve followed the

route to all that’s important about

color, you’ll be ready to hit the

road on your own expedition.

color 101first things first

COLOR made easy 7

Page 10: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

get behind the wheel

color terms

The greatest invention in history (for

decorating purposes, anyway) is the wheel—

the color wheel. Here’s how to use this

artistic wonder.

Color originates in light

Isaac Newton (1642–1727) discovered that

white light refracted through a crystal prism

separates into the colors of the rainbow.

When Newton took his color spectrum

and imagined it as a circle, he created the

very useful color wheel. By this simple act,

Newton made color relationships easier to

see. A color wheel is made of 12 hues: three

primary colors, three secondaries, and six

tertiaries. Color relationships based on these

groups form the basis of color theory (see

the images, opposite).

Color in harmony

As you create a color scheme for your

room, keep in mind that everything is about

balance. Color harmony in any palette is

achieved through dominance (how much

any color is used within a space), recurrence

(how often it is used), and placement (where

it's used).

online resourCes

BHG.com/ColorFinder. Play with palettes

and change them with a click of the mouse.

colormatters.com. This site discusses the

symbolism of color, how to design with it,

and how our eyes see color.

colorsontheweb.com. This site offers

inspiration and tools for designing your

own color scheme. The Color Wizard

automatically provides accent hues to go

with your chosen color.

design-seeds.com. Get a color palette drawn

from a favorite photo.

Primary colors

Pure colors—red, yellow, and blue—that

combine to create all the other colors.

secondary colors

Colors that result from a combination of

equal parts of two primary colors—green,

orange, and purple.

tertiary colors

Colors resulting from an equal mix of one

primary and one secondary color; examples

are blue-green and red-purple.

neutrals

Colors that are neither warm nor cool.

Examples include white, black, and gray.

tint

A color made lighter by adding white to it.

Pink is a tint of red, for example.

shade

A color made darker by adding black to

it. Navy blue is a shade of blue. Shade also

refers to slight variations in a color.

saturation

The degree of a color’s purity in relation

to gray. Saturated colors are clear and

contain no gray. Think fire-engine red and

lemon yellow.

Value

The brightness of a color. The higher the

value, the more light a color emits.

opacity

The amount of light that passes through a

color. If light passes through completely,

the color is transparent or clear. If light

is muted or partially blocked, the color is

translucent. If light is blocked completely,

the color is considered opaque.

8 COlOR made easy

Secondary

Primary

Secondary

Sec

onda

ry

Pri

mar

y

Prim

ary

Tertiary

Tertiary

Tertia

ry

Tertiary

Tertiary

Tert

iary

Page 11: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

SPLIT COMPLEMENTARY

In this scheme, a color and the colors

analogous to its complement are combined

for a high degree of contrast that’s not quite

as intense as a true complementary scheme.

TERTIARY

Tamer than a triad palette, these colors result

from the mix of a primary and a secondary

color. Tertiary hues bring clear, saturated color

to the curtains, accents, and pillows.

PLUM BEAUTIFUL One hue doesn’t mean boring or

bland when you use fabrics with di� erent textures

and patterns. Neutral whites and ivories expand

decor options without veering outside the scheme.

SUPER SATURATED STYLE This analogous scheme

leans on a punchy and vibrant trio of hues: yellow,

orange, and red, supplemented with tints in pale

yellow and bright pink.

WHAT A COMPLEMENT! White furnishings dashed

with orange-and-blue fabrics and accents wake up

this room like a morning pot of co� ee. Blue walls and

fl oors take the hot edge o� the orange touches.

A STEP BACK A giant rug bursting with

blue-and-yellow circles sets a colorful stage for

this space and strikes a balance with the coral

and orange-yellow furnishings.

MONOCHROMATIC

Such a scheme starts with a single color—

in the case of this living room, a dramatic

purple. To enliven a monochromatic scheme,

incorporate tints and shades of your chosen

color in solids and patterns. Toss in some

texture for additional depth and interest.

ANALOGOUS

These colors sit next to each other on the

color wheel; they o� er enough variety to

spice up a room but still manage to play

nicely together. Here, a mélange of red

tints and shades clusters with oranges

and yellows.

COMPLEMENTARY

Colors residing on opposite sides of the

color wheel absolutely attract—attention.

Note how the blue walls and pillows

positively burst to life against the orange

fl owers on curtain panels, sofa pillows, and

the skirted ottoman.

NATURAL BEAUTY A touch tropical, this living room

feels like a barefoot paradise, thanks to hues and

materials borrowed from nature: green fabrics, cork

fl ooring, fl oral-pattern curtains, and woven blinds.

NEUTRAL RELIEF Because blue-violet, blue-green,

and red-violet carry some tension between them,

most of the room is cast in warm browns and beige.

A river of deep blue silk pours from the curtain rod.

TRIAD

Triad colors are three hues equidistant on the

color wheel, such as the green, purple, and

orange in this family room. Such a combo yields

a colorful and vibrant yet balanced scheme.

Page 12: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

10 COLOR made easy

finding inspiRatiOn

Personal ChoiCes.

Find the ideal color in a treasured collectible.

One small object, such as a pillow or a vase,

can encapsulate an entire color scheme.

Pull your favorite as the lead hue and use

other colors for furnishings, and another for

accents. Don’t worry about matching the

inspiration colors exactly. This is a jumping-

off point, so feel free to play around. Use each

hue from your chosen palette at least twice.

Repeat your wall color in the form of pillows

or other accessories to unify your theme.

looking around.

When you’re out and about, look for pleasing

color combinations you can adapt for your

decor. Color palettes show up in unlikely

places, so keep an open mind. The farmer’s

market or grocery produce aisle, for example,

provides a veritable smorgasbord of color in

varying hues and shades. Or you can bring

home the relaxing atmosphere of a vacation

or favorite view with a color scheme inspired

by your travels.

history lessons.

If you’re drawn to the styles and furnishings

of a different era, let retro color combos

guide your choice of palette. Think of the

languid silky hues and boxy patterns of the

Art Deco era. Or the bright, pure colors of the

post-World War II period. The midcentury-

modern look of streamlined shapes and bold

blocks of earthy color is back in fashion, so

let that palette guide your inclinations.

When working with vintage elements,

consider a neutral backdrop—it gives you

license to mix with abandon an array of

colors and patterns that are held together by

your theme.

follow your Passion. Let

the choices you’ve already

made—your wardrobe, china

pattern, works of art—guide

color choices for your room

as well. This mix of colors and

patterns came out of the closet

to inform a blooming bedroom

palette. The striped curtain

panels pull hues from favorite

garments, while the blossoms

on the duvet cover sparkle with

jewelry hues. If a dress or skirt

inspires a wall shade, your paint

store can use that piece to

create an exact color match.

Page 13: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

In the mood.

If you’re in a color

quandary, don’t wait for

ideas. It’s time to go out

and get them.

Designer tool. Make

a mood board. This is

where you see what

you’re drawn to and

how everything fits,

right.

Hunt and gather. Grab,

photograph, or tear out

anything that catches

your eye. It’s all grist for

your creative mill.

Evolving eye. Tack

up your treasures on

a board. You’ll notice

your color and style

tendencies start to

emerge.

Play around. Pin up

crazy combos—you

might be surprised

by how many of them

really work.

Page 14: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

12 COLOR made easy

COTTAGE CHARMROMANCE A ROOM.

The pastel palette characteristic of cottage

style conveys softness, nostalgia, and

femininity. As sweet as Grandmother’s

handkerchiefs or as evocative as the beach

surrounded by softly colored seashells and

the light blue elements of sea and sky, this

charming scheme is especially appropriate in

private rooms of the home. In this bedroom,

watercolor hues, wistful pinks, and lacy

whites blend in a palette as welcome as

a loving embrace. The bed takes center

stage with dreamy hangings and linens in

white with a fl irty skirting of pinks. Vintage

furniture in a mix of styles is unifi ed with

paint in pastel greens. Neutral walls and

fl ooring set o� the romantic decor.

Glidden

CASCADE

Glidden

BLUE BROOK

Glidden

COTTON CANDY PINK

Glidden

CABANA CORAL

Page 15: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

Farrow & Ball

LULWORTH BLUE

Farrow & Ball

YELLOW GROUND

Farrow & Ball

EATING ROOM RED

Farrow & Ball

NEW WHITE

PAST PERFECT.

If you’re a traditionalist, you love the looks

of historic homes and formal rooms in simple

palettes of analogous hues. You’re also drawn

to warm and clubby environments with deep

leather seating, classically patterned wing-

back chairs, Oriental rugs, and muted walls.

The best versions of a traditional room are

those that appear to have been furnished

over time, with heirloom-quality accents in

classic colors. Finishes and textures support

the look of handed-down heritage.

REPEAT HISTORY.

If you want to achieve a traditional

style, look to the past for historical color

combinations that pair well with antiques

and classic design. Limit a traditional color

palette to a few neutrals and two colors to

maintain a formal air and keep fi nishes and

textures in the realm of understated luxury.

TIMELESS STYLE.

Traditional style relies on a refi ned

composition and classic styling. Have fun

with this graceful look in a dining room by

layering in a saturated color or two. With

a foundation of timeless blue and white, a

warm duo of russet and gold brings this

space to life. The dominant color’s varying

tone on accents, furnishings, and walls

creates a quiet palette that produces a

peaceful easy feeling. Patterns—limited to

the lush rug and the wallpaper’s graphic

twist on damask —add depth and interest.

Dark-wood chair frames and tables and the

dark fl oor, along with the traditional styling

of the vivid rug, keep the space on the right

side of formal.

TRIED & TRUE TRADITIONAL

COLOR made easy 13BHG.com/ColorMadeEasy

Page 16: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

boho rhapsodyuniquely yours.

The Bohemian style is all about a free-

spirited look and a carefree attitude toward

color. There are no so-called rules to

decorating in the Boho style, which makes

it a creative and personal way to combine

an exuberant love of color with an affinity

for other, more classic designs. If you love

cottage, for example, follow the tenets of

Pratt & Lambert

Sea Hawk

Pratt & Lambert

PoPPy Petal

Pratt & Lambert

Bellflower

Pratt & Lambert

Siam Blue

that style, but layer in bright, saturated

pastel hues. If you love midcentury modern,

opt for vivid primary colors. If you lean

toward jewel tones, as we did here, bring

in globally influenced textiles such as

vibrant sari silks from India or wax-resist

dyed fabrics from Africa to introduce deep

amethyst, lapis, sapphire, ruby, emerald,

cinnabar, topaz, and ruby.

14 CoLor made easy

Page 17: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

COLOR made easy 15BHG.com/ColorMadeEasy

color with style.

Natural and relaxed, the rustic look fits many

styles: Tuscan, Southwestern, country, Arts

and Crafts, and more. Each shares an affinity

for earthy hues. Think of the sun-baked

hues of desert adobe, the woodsy tones of a

mountain cabin, or the stucco villas of central

Italy. A variation in intensities can alter the

mood of your interior—brighter hues suggest

a cheerful exuberance, while warm shades of

ochre, terra-cotta, and clay lend romance.

Natural iNflueNce.

A rustic look is a more subdued cousin of

the Bohemian spirit in the way it embraces

a no-rules approach to decorating with color

and encourages the inclusion of global or

regional influences in pattern and textiles.

The focus here is warmth, texture, and

personal touches. Everywhere you look—a

spice rack of mustard, sage, and cinnamon,

a walk through a fern-filled forest, a journey

down a dirt road—you find ideas for your

decor. It’s a colorway as well as a way of

approaching life.

warm aNd welcomiNg.

In this delightful dining room, earthy hues

and textures abound. Raw and refined woods

mix, with birch-branch chairs and a twig

chandelier mated to a well-worn farm table.

The dark-stained table matches the leather-

covered chair seats. Warm maple flooring

brings a rosy hue underfoot and plays off the

pale peachy tones of the wall color. A black

glass-front cabinet anchors the end of the

room and showcases an impressive collection

of gorgeous green majolica. Textiles are

limited to the matching host chairs and

curtain panels in a color combination that

encompasses all the hues in the room.

Refined RustiC

OlympicPeach Flow

OlympicYukon Gold

OlympicalPine ValleY

OlympicBasil Pesto

Page 18: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

16 COLOR made easy

RetRO RevivaLvintage vibes.

Celebrate the return of retro hipness with the

hues of the era. After the austerity of World

War ll, there was an explosion of color in

interior design. Along with bright pure color,

muted shades of turquoise, avocado, gold,

grays, and browns were found in designs that

ranged from stark geometrics to space-age

whimsy to lush tropical flora. Texture and

shape played an important role, too, seen in

such materials as the nubby fabrics of bark

cloth and the smooth and simple silhouettes

of Danish modern.

In this cheery reading nook, period accents

spread vibrant color around the room, while

a broad strip of pure orange paint creates a

focal point in the corner. Simple shapes and

neutral hues characterize the furniture.

Dutch BoyFlickering Flame

Dutch Boyrocket red

Dutch BoyFrivolous Berry

Dutch Boylone star Quilt

Page 19: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

Lowes.com/ColorStudio

it all starts with one wall.Find the color you’re sure to love with samples

designed to inspire confdence.

Page 20: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

FROM THE PROS

When you think you’ve found the right color on the strip, go a step or two lighter. Pale colors are more flexible for pairing with other colors.

Better Homes & Gardens® editors and favorite

designers share their tricks for fi nding color

success and avoiding pigment pitfalls.

1Choosing paint colors in an empty room

is like closing your eyes and throwing a

dart at a paint deck. Consider the style of your

home, your furnishings, art, fabrics—and the

colors that make you look good and feel good.

—Shannon Kaye, shannonkaye.com

2 Three words for people who tend to

rush into paint colors: samples, samples,

samples! Even the most skilled designers often

need several tries to fi nd the perfect shade.

Give yourself permission to use lots of samples

and make a mess of your walls until you fi nd

the perfect color.

—Kelly Keiser, kellykeiserdesign.com

3 People have gotten the word that

bedrooms should be calm and relaxing,

but that doesn’t mean going overboard with

beige. A bright throw across the bed will liven

up a bland bedroom instantly. Sheets and

pillows also can add color without sacrifi cing

the calm.

—Kelly Moseley, anabelinteriors.com

4 Think about the big picture to give a

home fl ow. Weave the same colors

throughout main spaces, but make the

dominant color in one room an accent in

another. You’ll be surprised at how di� erent

the rooms will look, yet how easily they fl ow.

5When you have a store custom-match

a paint, make sure to get the formula

(usually on a label stuck to the can). No two

custom matches will be the same without it.

Better yet, ask for an extra printout in case

the original gets covered with drips.

6 Failing to think of wood as a color can ruin

an otherwise thought-out scheme. Oaks

and rusty oranges can look too similar, and

mahogany can make a dark room even darker.

Page 21: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

COLOR made easy 19

Every designer will tell you to test paint colors in your space. We’ve just made it easier! Go to BHG.com/ColorFinder to try out di� erent paint combos on dozens of beautiful rooms (including your own when you upload a photo), above.

7 If you’re one of those people who gets

obsessed with a color and drives yourself

crazy looking for that color for everything,

let me provide you with some relief: If you

truly want a color to take center stage,

surround it with other colors. Gray walls and

cream furniture will show o� the yumminess

of a yellow chair more than a room full of

matching yellow things.

—Shannon Kaye, shannonkaye.com

8 Professionally decorated rooms always

have multiple tones of the color scheme

in the room. In a green and brown room, for

example, that means a paler green and a

stronger green with beiges, taupes, tobaccos,

and darker browns.

—Elaine Gri� n, elainegriffi n.com

9 People are afraid they’ll get tired of

a color if they use it on a big piece

of furniture, like a sofa. But if you’ve liked

chartreuse since you were a kid, it’s a part

of who you are. To be totally safe, choose a

lighter version of your favorite color—a light

yellow-green can stand in for chartreuse, for

example.

—Jessica Brende, brendehome.com

10 If you can’t head outdoors to see a

chip in natural light (the best way to

see the true color), fi nd a bright white halogen

lamp. Though it can “cool” some colors, it

distorts hues less than other lights do.

11 Trying to appease everyone in the house

can be tricky—say if one person likes

autumn colors and the other a spring palette.

Pick one color, such as purple, and play around

with the hues. Have a dark plum wall, a neutral

sofa, and lavender pillows to represent both.

—Jessica Brende, brendehome.com

12 Don’t let curtains be an afterthought—

use them for e� ect. If you want

your furniture to stand out or the view out

the window to be the focus, blend curtains

with walls. If the view isn’t so great, use

contrasting color or a pattern so the curtains

become the focus.

13 Lightening paint isn’t as simple as

adding white. If you want a color

lighter than the paint card, ask the paint store

to mix it at half formula or one-fourth formula.

14 Never use the pillows that come

with your sofa. Swap them out for

something that brings a little life to the party.

Bonus: You can use the inserts with new

pillow covers.

—Elaine Gri� n, elainegriffi n.com

15 Beware the boring neutral room! A rule

of thumb: Neutral walls make room for

rich furniture and vibrant art, while colorful

walls rest well behind neutral furnishings and

accents of similar or complementary colors.

Page 22: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

Color is a product of light, so how you

illuminate a room has a dramatic effect on

its palette.

here comes the sun.

Light is a tricky ally when it comes to color

in your home. When choosing colors, daylight

is the ideal source. It’s considered a perfect

light because it has nearly uniform intensity

over the entire visible spectrum of colors.

Natural sunlight provides a neutral balance

between the warm (yellow) and cool (blue)

regions of the light spectrum. But daylight

isn’t consistent. Natural light changes from

sunrise to sunset as the sun’s rays travel

through varying amounts of atmosphere.

And it changes with the weather and time of

year. When considering a color scheme for

a particular room, spend some time in the

space throughout the day, taking note of how

the shifting light affects it (see opposite).

Consider your climate, too. Northern light is

cooler, while light in southern climes is the

most intense. The bright colors associated

with tropical climates are more than a

matter of cultural preference. The bright,

intense light of tropical and equatorial

regions washes out pale colors—only

saturated hues can hold their own in the

strong light.

light effects.

Not all artificial light is created equal,

either. Different types of bulbs cast slightly

different light color, which in turn varies the

tint of colors in your room. When selecting

colors for a room that is used primarily

before sunrise or after sunset, choose them

only under the lighting used in the room.

In addition, directional lighting (track, wall

wash, uplights, accent) will also cast a

different light and create different shadow

patterns than an overhead or table lamp.

value added.

As you choose colors, don’t forget to

consider their values. A mix of values within

your color scheme helps keep a palette with

multiple hues from becoming chaotic. Choose

one dark color, one light color, and one bright

color & light

color. Select them against each other, never

against a white wall. And remember that any

color with white in it will pick up the colors

that surround it. A white wall, for example,

will take on the reflections from carpeting,

ceiling color, or even furnishings.

time will tell.

To help you deal with this ever-changing

effect, test paint colors on your wall by

painting a piece of foam board or masonite

and taping the swatches up on your wall (see

page 22 for examples).

Leave it up for a few days before you

paint so you can see how the different

swatches work at different times of the

day and in different light conditions. Drape

large swatches of your chosen fabrics over

furnishings to get their measure in differing

light situations, too.

Consider the times of the day when you’ll be

home. If a color looks gorgeous at 10 a.m., will

you be there to appreciate it? If you’re only

home in the early morning and evening, pick a

color that looks best at those times of the day

because that’s when you’ll be enjoying it.

Know your options.

Incandescent lamps These bulbs, the

standard for indoor lighting since the days

of Thomas Edison, radiate warm yellow

light. New energy regulations, however,

are phasing out traditional incandescents,

which consume enormous amounts of energy

compared with other types of bulbs.

Compact fluorescent Blessed with long

life and energy efficiency, these twist-shape

bulbs cast a soft white light that’s whiter and

brighter than incandescents.

Halogen Considered by many to best

mimic pure daylight, halogen lamps are

incandescents with greater efficiency and

longer life, thanks to their use of halogen gas

inside the glass bulb.

LED Light-emitting diodes have long been

used in cars and flashlights and are now

illuminating homes. LEDs are dimmable, but

unlike incandescents, they are highly efficient,

and they stay cool while providing bright,

crisp light.

All-day lightingSee how natural and artificial lighting can

affect color.

1 early morning In the first hours of

daylight, mild rays from the sunrise just

barely awaken the robin’s-egg blue walls in

this east-facing room. Because the sun is

still near the horizon, its golden light casts

long shadows into the room.

2 midday Sunlight grows stronger as the

sun rises in the sky and enters the room

at a sharper angle, so there are almost no

shadows, but a harsh patch of light has

settled on one chair. The bright light also

illuminates the entire room—notice that

the walls are a clearer blue.

3 afternoon With a lot of daytime still

left, light filters through the window, but

it’s not direct as the sun moves to the west

later in the afternoon. Hence, the space

appears darker and grayer than it did

earlier in the day.

4 evening Once dusk settles outside, we

turn to electric lights to brighten a room—

and the effect is quite different from

daylight. Most lightbulbs emit yellowish

light further warmed by lampshades, so the

room’s blue walls take on a greenish tint.

20 color made easy

Page 23: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

Early morning1

Afternoon3 Evening4

MiddayMidday2

Page 24: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

sampling a wall color test drive.

Make the wall paint color your last decision

when decorating a room. It’s the least

expensive element to change, but it has a

huge impact on the look of a finished space.

Purchase a test pot of the paint color or

colors you like. Buy large pieces of poster

board, and paint one in each hue you want to

test. Hang one on the wall near furnishings

and watch the color as the light changes.

Move it to different walls around the room

for a day or two and observe how the color

reacts to light at different times of day.

Repeat the process for every board you’ve

painted. When you find the color you love,

you’re ready to go.

PhotograPhy by: Jay Wilde. Produced by: debra Wittrup.

Too light!

Too dark!

Too yellow!

Just right!

Page 25: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

Have a dull, dreary, or dark space? Paint it the color of new foliage in sunshine, and the room will instantly feel more friendly and inviting.

COLOR made easy 23

Page 26: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

24 COLOR made easy

CHOOSE YOUR MOOD.

Decorating a room with color can seem

overwhelming with all the choices available.

But the entire process can be broken down

into a few basic steps. First, decide what

mood you want the room to project. This will

help you select the values and intensities of

the colors for the space. Think about how you

use the room, what time of day you use it,

and who spends the most time there. Then,

review what you have to work with in the

space or in storage, and consider what may

be modifi ed to fi t your plan.

CREATE A BALANCE.

Now you are ready to make decisions about

which color will dominate on the walls, fl oor,

and ceiling, which will be the secondary

color or colors for upholstered pieces and

window treatments, and which color or

colors will be used for accent. In a room or

in a home, color balance is seldom achieved

when two colors are used equally. If you’re

uncertain how much each dose of color

should be, use a 70-20-10 formula as a goof-

proof guide. According to the formula, the

main color in your selected palette should

cover approximately 70 percent of the room

(usually the painted or papered walls, or in

the case of a kitchen, the majority of the

cabinetry). A second color should cover 20

percent of the room (window treatments,

upholstery, rugs, and in kitchens, often the

walls), while the remaining 10 percent should

be taken up by accents such as artwork,

pillows, lampshades, candles (or accent tiles

in the kitchen), and other small pieces.

MAKE DECISIONS.

Finally, it’s time to select swatches for

fabrics, wallpaper, and paint. Use the largest

pieces you can get of patterned fabrics so

that you have the full repeat to consider.

Drape the swatches where they are to

be used, then live with them a few days.

Lay fl ooring samples on the fl oor. Look at

wallpaper samples and paint swatches on a

vertical plane. Be sure to use a mix of solid

colors and patterns of varying scales to make

your room visually stimulating.

BUILDING A COLOR SCHEME

REAP THE BOUNTY

Whites and creams are

key to moving harvest

colors out of the ‘70s. To

keep harvest hues from

screaming “fall,” add a

pop of apple green or

neutral gray. If you use

an orange-yellow and

paprika together, add

purple for excitement.

In this warm and

luscious design board,

one harvest hue —

pumpkin—is tempered

with lots of creamy

white and accented with

earthy brown, subtle

aubergine, and touches

of magenta. Grass cloth

brings texture to the

ripe and comfy scheme.

BLUE CLUES Rich,

bold blue hues will

always look great in a

south-facing room that’s

fl ooded with light. In a

room with less light, opt

for a pale color on walls

and save intense hues

for accents.

Blue, white, and

yellow is a classic

palette. Keep it fresh

by going with a bold

blue that tends toward

peacock or turquoise

and opt for ivory rather

than white. Then top

it o� with a touch

of citrus yellow. This

design board is perfect

for updating a blue-and-

brown pairing.

Page 27: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

SOOTHING HUES The colors of the sun and ocean are channeled into a master

bedroom and bath design that redefi nes “spa colors.” Deploy turquoise and a

sunny yellow for the wall and ceiling and traditional dimensional fabrics for

window treatments and upholstered pieces.

Finish the look with a pale buttery paint for casework, sand-hue tile for

fl ooring, and Moroccan-inspired tiles to tie the rooms together.

JUST PEACHY Peach hues are classic, fl attering, and back in style. Gravitate

toward the hues that are hard to put a name on—peach-pinks or orangey corals.

These hybrid colors usually have a greater mix of pigments, giving the color more

depth and softness.

Here, dove gray, chocolate brown, raspberry pink, orangey reds, and even a bit

of blue are all interesting complements in a peachy palette.

PURPLE MAJESTY Don’t dismiss orchid as too sweet. There’s a huge range of

violets, and di� erent variations will create di� erent moods. Tone down purple’s

girly shades with industrial pieces, streamlined furniture, or black-and-white

photography. Pair with red for a chic look or with pale olive for an earthy feel.

A luxe violet scheme is ideal for a master suite. Neutral casework tempers bold

violet walls. Gray and raisin fabrics add sophistication; tile and knobs add sparkle.

BEACH BABY Yellow is a versatile color that goes with everything and every style.

It’s a cheerful partner for aqua, as it evokes sunshine on water. Add wood accents

in a driftwood brown-gray and you’ve got a palette fi t for a day at the beach.

This fresh preppy mix signals a happy room. Try the yellow dotted fabric on

a chair, the stripe on a bench, and ikat, lattice, or starburst fabrics for poufs or

pillows. Paint walls pale aqua and a piece of furniture red.

Page 28: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

Incorporating pattern into a room may

be daunting at fi rst, but the rewards far

outweigh the risks. Check out our plan and

give it a try.

MAGICAL MIXTURES.

Pattern is the easiest way to add personality

to your decor. If you don’t know where

to start, try gathering patterned items

MIXING PATTERN & TEXTURE

CHOCOLATE DROP Dot the sofa with

an additional pillow of dark chocolate

brown; this mottled leaf print adds

more texture.

HEAVY METAL Fleur-

de-lis curtain tiebacks

bring a bronze element

to the blue silk panels

when drawn aside.

CRYSTAL CLEAR Tone-on-tone

wallpaper incorporates a scroll

pattern and faux gems that add

sparkle and depth to the walls.

BABY BLUE Solid-color

fabric in delicate light-

blue silk is a luminous

choice for curtain

panels.

TEXTURED FOOTING Rattan legs

on the upholstered ottoman add a

touch of texture down low.

HUE HINTS A high-

contrast stripe in white,

brown, sage, blue, and

pink, wrapped just on

the ottoman and a sofa

pillow, increases the

whole room’s energy.

A BIT OF BRAVADO

Cut velvet practically

vibrates with a

geometric pattern,

enlivening a buttoned-

up sofa.

PILLOW JEWELRY

This beaded tassel adds

a playful aspect to the

center of an accent

pillow.

THROW A CURVE A

small-scale blue-and-

white pattern balances

the many linear designs

in the room’s fabrics,

bringing curved lines to

the pillows.

BUNDLE OF BLUES

Blue fabrics, both shot

through with white

accents, mimic the sofa

fabric, but in a smaller

scale that works for

pillows.

DARK SHADOWS An embroidered

chain enlivens a brown cornice

board, which takes the dark hue

up the walls.

from around your home—a comfy pillow,

your china, or even clothing. Use these

treasures as a starting point to select fabrics

and papers that share common design

qualities—a similar motif, an identical color

palette, or, better still, both.

Patterns don’t have to match; they simply

have to coordinate. You can pair a wild

tropical print with a modifi ed Asian motif

if both prints share a color palette. Keep in

mind that you’ll want large-scale prints as

well as small ones, even in a small room.

Instead of emphasizing a room’s petite

proportions, big patterns fool the eye into

thinking the room is larger than it actually is.

When mixing patterns, inject plenty of

neutral foils in woodwork, fl ooring, and

furniture to create visual balance and clarity.

Page 29: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

COLOR made easy 27

GOOD VIBRATIONS

Soulful browns and breezy blues electrify this living room, thanks to the zingy

patterns throughout. A geometric fabric gives shape to the sturdy lines of the

sofa, stripes dazzle and play on the ottoman, and the rug’s diagonal grid anchors

the whole patterned palette.

Why this room worksReminiscent of earth

and sky, brown and blue

make a classic team. But

choosing two gorgeous

colors is the easy part;

how do you add pattern

to them? Try these time-

tested rules of thumb.

Limit yourself.

At least one pattern

should include all the

colors in your palette,

such as the snazzy stripe

on the ottoman. Those

dashes of pink and sage

are color cues for accent

pieces. The other patterns

contain either brown or

blue (plus white). Reining

in your color choices will

keep a room cohesive.

Large patterns for large

spaces.

The biggest-scale designs

in the room are the rug

and the wallpaper—in

terms of square footage,

the walls and fl oor are the

largest “canvases” in the

space. As a rule, assign

oversize patterns to those

elements that are large

enough to show them o�

properly.

Mix the scale.

Various-size patterns

don’t overwhelm because

they are kept within the

same tight color palette.

At least fi ve patterns

mingle harmoniously as

pillows on the sofa.

BHG.com/ColorMadeEasy

Page 30: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

TOOLS YOU CAN USE.

Be sure to choose a brush meant for the kind

of paint you’re using. Natural-bristle brushes

meant for oil paints or stains swell when

exposed to water-based paints, and the job

will su� er. A synthetic brush won’t hold stain

as well as it does other types of paint.

Rollers are the easiest way to apply paint

to broad surfaces quickly. With screw-on

extenders for the handle, you can reach all

but the highest ceilings without a ladder.

Standard covers have either a lamb’s-wool or

synthetic pile to hold paint. The deeper the

pile, the more paint the covers hold and the

better they coat heavily textured surfaces.

FAUX FEATURES.

Rooms that lack architectural character

can benefi t with a clever use of paint and

color. Use two contrasting hues in horizontal

bands that meet at chair-rail height to mimic

wainscoting. Disguise unattractive molding

by painting it the same color, in a semigloss

fi nish, as the wall hue.

Use your ceiling’s potential for dazzling

design. If the walls and ceiling share the

same hue, the ceiling appears taller and the

space roomier. A sharp line between the

walls and ceiling, whether with a drastic

color change or a stretch of crown molding,

clearly defi nes the ceiling’s height.

FORMULA ONE.

Choose the right type of paint for the job.

Di� erent kinds of surfaces require di� erent

types of paint to get the result you want.

Latex paints are ideal for walls and wood

furniture. Spray paints come in a remarkable

variety of fi nishes, including enamel, metallic,

stone, mirror, glitter, and chalkboard. You’ll

fi nd them ideal for painting accents and small

furnishings. Indoor and outdoor formulas are

available. Specialty paints allow you to add

color or designs to porcelain, fabric, glass,

and more. Follow the paint manufacturer’s

guidelines for the best result.

PAINT BASICS

Paint fi nishes

Paint comes in several degrees of sheen:

matte, fl at, eggshell, satin, semigloss, and

high-gloss. Choose the fi nish that suits

your application.

Matte fi nish Rich and almost velvety-

looking, matte fi nish (not pictured here)

refl ects no light. Such a paint looks

dramatic, but it’s di� cult to clean, so it’s

not for high-tra� c rooms or households

with children.

Flat fi nish Flat paint refl ects light

very subtly and can be almost chalky in

appearance. Slightly easier to clean than

matte paint, it’s good for ceilings, o� ces,

and bedroom walls.

Satin fi nish A very popular choice for its

durability and easy cleaning, satin paint is

somewhat shinier than fl at paint, giving

walls more dimension. Use it on the walls

in rooms that get more wear and tear, such

as hallways, kids’ spaces, and family rooms.

Try it on furniture or accents that don’t get

a lot of handling, such as a lamp base.

Semigloss fi nish Semigloss paint bounces

quite a bit of light around a room, giving

it a dynamic appearance. Easy to clean

and long-wearing, it’s the sheen of choice

for kitchens, bathrooms, cabinetry, and

furniture. It’s also an excellent choice for

painting wood furniture.

High-gloss fi nish High-gloss fi nishes are

best suited to fl oors, stairway railings, and

other applications where a hard, easy-to-

clean fi nish is desirable. Be aware, though,

that tough, stain-resistant high gloss will

emphasize surface imperfections.

Flat

Satin

Semigloss

High-gloss

28 COLOR made easy

Page 31: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

READING THE STRIP.

Look at the bottom color on a paint strip.

It’s the most saturated and helps determine

the color family and the undertone. When

you think you’ve found the right color on the

strip, go a step or two lighter. Pale colors are

more fl exible for pairing with other colors.

What the pros knowThese tips will help you achieve the best paint results.

Choose wisely. What you see on a paint chip is what you get—

except it’s way smaller, so the color will seem more intense on the

wall. And don’t panic when you open the can: Paint colors will look

darker when dry on the walls than they do in the can.

Calculate quantity. Calculate the wall area of your room by

multiplying the length of each wall by the height of the ceiling and

adding up the products of each. Divide the total wall area by 400

square feet per gallon to get the quantity needed for one coat of

paint in the room. For textured surfaces, divide by 300 square feet.

Light colors usually need two coats, while dark colors may need

three or more.

Tape it of . Apply no more than 8–10 inches of painter’s tape at

a time for a straight edge. Smooth the edges with a putty knife

so no stray paint seeps underneath. Wait until paint is dry to the

touch and remove the tape slowly at a 45-degree angle. If the

tape begins to tear, run a crafts knife along the seam to loosen

the tape.

Break time. When you take a break, wrap brushes and rollers

in plastic bags, squeezing the air out, and seal with twist ties or

rubber bands. To leave them overnight, place the sealed tools in

the refrigerator.

Primer is your friend. Primer seals in stains, blots out old paint,

and provides a surface that paint can easily grab. It’s especially

important if you’re applying a light color over a deep, rich one. In

that case, primer can be tinted to your wall color to provide

better coverage.

Trim or walls? When using a semigloss paint for trim, paint the

trim fi rst. If you accidentally get wall paint on your newly painted

trim, the semigloss fi nish makes it easy to wipe o� .

Let paint dry. Paint needs to dry for at least 24 hours before

you pile your furniture back into the room to prevent smudging

the walls. Allow drawers and doors ample time to cure so painted

surfaces don’t stick together.

Mix it up. When using two or more gallons of a paint color, mix

all gallons together in a 5-gallon bucket. Called boxing, this will

ensure that the color is uniform throughout the application. Boxing

is particularly worthwhile if you’re using a custom-mixed color.

Page 32: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

2

3

PICK A BRUSH

Buy a quality brush

specifi cally for latex

paint. A polyester/nylon-

blend brush or

100-percent polyester

brush will keep its

shape, hold paint well,

and not shed.

11. PREP SCHOOL Before getting started on any

painting project, prepare the surface. Fill nail holes

with a small dab of patching compound. No need to

sand such petite blemishes; simply wipe with a damp

rag. Larger holes and cracks may need to be patched

and gently sanded. Finally, be sure walls are clean.

Remove any grease or residue.

PAINT BASICS

Add this fundamental skill to your DIY

talents. Painting is as simple as 1-2-3.

CLIMB THE WALLS.

Gather your equipment, open the

windows, and change into your

grubby clothes (we really don’t

recommend white pants!).

You’ve chosen your

color; now it’s the

moment of truth.

Time to paint it

on the walls!

30 COLOR made easy

2. CUTTING CLASS Before dipping your brush for

the fi rst time, cover fl oors and furniture with drop

cloths or plastic. And be sure to remove outlet and

light switch covers. Tape around windows, doors, and

trim with low-tack painter’s tape. Then start small.

Cut in around the room’s edges with a quality 2-inch

brush; hold it near the base of the handle. Keep a wet

edge as you work around the room.

Page 33: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

4

5

CHOOSE A ROLLER

Don’t be overwhelmed

by the selection. Various

materials and naps

serve di� erent purposes.

A polyester roller with a

durable plastic core will

work well with latex

paint, but read labels

closely.

COLOR made easy 31BHG.com/ColorMadeEasy

3. THE BIG W Painting isn’t brain surgery, but

knowing proper techniques will make you more

e� cient and give you better results. Using a quality

roller, start in a corner, painting as close to the

edges as possible. Paint a large W on the wall,

fi lling in and overlapping areas while the paint is

still wet. Repeat around the room until complete.

4. EDGE PERFECT An edging tool may allow you to

skip a step when dealing with windows, doors, and

other trim. The small wheel on the tool allows you

to glide it along fl at woodwork without taping it o� .

Take your time, though. Patience is key.

5. CLEAN RINSE Cleaning up the mess after working

with latex paint is fairly simple. Wash brushes and

rollers with soap and water until water runs clear. To

remove excess water and paint, run the curved edge

of a painter’s tool along the roller. When the water

runs clear again, dry the roller or brush on a roller

spinner, holding it inside a garbage bin or deep sink.

Page 34: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA
Page 35: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

Create spaces that demand

attention by introducing glimmers,

fl ashes, or explosions of red—the

warm shade that burns the hottest.

A potent pick-me-up, red packs a

physical and psychological punch.

It stimulates appetites, quickens

breathing, and raises blood

pressure. This powerhouse, used

in the right doses, makes a bold

statement.

red

COLOR made easy 33

Page 36: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

crimson & chocolate

34 color made easy

charismatic composition. In this vibrant living room, luxurious crimson window treatments become

color focal points. Traditional lamp shapes get a fresh look in a bright citron hue. Echoing the symmetrical

arrangement of draperies and lamps, two subtly patterned ottomans tuck underneath a mirrored console table.

basic backdrop. Beige walls and painted white trim create a neutral constant that keeps the focus on

the vivid color combinations of this roomÕs furnishings. The rich chocolate-brown velvet sofa and ottoman lay

a neutral foundation for the space. pattern panache. Classic furniture shapes and motifs are freshened

with patterns and bold colors, both in upholstery and accent-pillow fabrics. solid state. Linen-slipcovered

armchairs in solid red balance the carefully repeated patterns. The judicious use of neutrals and solid blocks of

color amid a mix of patterns keeps the decor restrained and seamless.

OlympicPrairie Dust

OlympicPrairie WinDs

OlympicCanDy Corn

Olympicaloe Vera

Page 37: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

scarlet strategiesUse reds to expand your palette and enrich your home’s style,

but know when and where to place this potent hue.

Assess amounts and applications: Go bold by painting walls

orange-red, but ease red’s impact with neutral furnishings. Take

a middle road, using rosy red as the dominant color. Or simply

spark interest by painting one accent wall in red or by adding a

red chair or burgundy sofa.

Comparison shop: Shiny red fabrics look more vibrant than

cottons or wools, so bring textiles home to see how they work

together and with other reds in a room.

Make it fun: Add inexpensive red accents, such as teakettles,

towels, throws, pillows, and posters, to brighten rooms.

Take a timeless approach: Traditional interiors call for deep

mahoganies, rubies, or burgundies, accented with pale yellows,

porcelain blues, and antique rugs with red and gold highlights.

Go country: Build country interiors around barn reds. Their

blackened tones go nearly neutral when combined with soft

blues, pale rose, harvest gold, and sage green.

Reach for retro: Rethink 1960s psychedelic patterns and

palettes to fashion retro-modern designs. Try Op-Art patterned

accent pillows in day-glow reds, pinks, and oranges to wake up

a neutral sofa.

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36 COLOR made easy

bLush & ROuge

ValsparLa Fonda Fireberry

Valsparbeach SparkLe

ValsparTea roSe

ValsparSungLow

Page 39: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

COLOR made easy 37BHG.com/ColorMadeEasy

pretty in pink. The lipstick red from the living areas lightens to pink in the master bedroom of this open

plan home. Crisp white slipcovers and touches of gold further the connection. The boudoir is freshened with

springtime tones and motifs that add life to the room. white balance. In the bath, snowy textiles and

fittings spotlight a focal wall covered in pink and white wallpaper. color rules. While red walls endow the

kitchen core with its own identity, substantial white walls in the dining area reiterate the kitchen cabinets’

color story. Red makes its splash in cheery cushions and pillows. fabrics & finishes. Light wood finishes

and strategically placed red fabrics carry attention to lipstick-red walls, defining the kitchen and neighboring

seating areas. accent on red. Though red is used as the primary hue throughout this media room off the

kitchen, it takes on a smaller role as piping on a pair of wing-back chairs.

Page 40: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA
Page 41: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

Cabernet & slate

COlOr made easy 39BHG.com/ColorMadeEasy

wine tasting. Although some reds in large doses can make a loud statement, many people find burgundy

red, with its muted purple undercurrent, more tranquil than its brighter cousins in the red family. Dark-red

wines offer a warm welcome and make larger rooms feel soothing and cozy. sophisticated stage.

Striking wine-colored walls spotlight the chic colors, finishes, and silhouettes of classically elegant furnishings.

This room is livable and lively but could easily appear strident if left unbalanced. Cool blues, seen here in the

fluid pattern of the rug, turn down the volume, as do black casework and white and slate seating.

Farrow & BallPigeon

Farrow & BallStone Blue

Farrow & Ballincarnadine

Page 42: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

1 SOFT LANDINGS. A rose-red fabric creates

a focal-point canopy that turns a charming iron

bed into an elegant bedstead that anchors the

yellow bedroom. The red hue adds just enough

gravitas to prevent the room from becoming too

precious, while broad areas of white keep the

pink and yellow from feeling too warm. A red

chain-pattern rug inserts a modern note amid

the cottage comforts. 2 WITH

COMPLEMENTS. A home o� ce doesn’t

have to be all work and no play. In this room,

vibrant color is the order of the day with a

complementary pairing of magenta and Kelly

green. The traditional styling of the tufted wing-

back chair gets an update in an unexpected

deep-pink velvet that begs to be touched. Not

to be overlooked, the high-contrast green-

and-white patterned pillow creates a swirl

of visual dynamics. 3 IN THE PINK. Floral

wallpaper and a striped rug in shades of pink

lead this dining room in a feminine direction and

provide a delicately colored backdrop for white

furnishings: Mismatched side chairs surrounding

a white tulip table are painted white, a

white-painted ceiling medallion adds majestic

detail above the glamorous chandelier, and a

white trestle table makes a shapely silhouette

against the fl orals. 4 COME ON IN. O� ering

an energetic welcome, this deep red doorway

beckons visitors with warmth. Immediately

inside, a periwinkle-and-white-striped chest

creates a cool counterpoint. 5 TRANSITIONAL

TONES. Deeper shades fashion spaces that suit

eclectic preferences. Set cherry-red furnishings

against deep sapphire-blue walls; fi nish the look

with a large neutral sofa, soft yellow accents,

and deep-hued ethnic patterns. 6 IN LINE.

Barn-red cabinetry in this living room gives

colorful weight to a corner near French doors

and establishes the room’s scheme. A

red-and-white-striped chair echoes the lines

of the cabinetry’s beaded board. 7 PINK

PERFECTION. Turquoise accessories are a cool

counterpoint to bright pink and orange that

together enliven a room surfaced in crisp white.

Pink features prominently in the space, but the

other color choices keep it from becoming too

sweet. Burnished-bronze accents bring in a

touch of glamour.

RED AROUND THE HOUSE1

2 3

Page 43: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

Splashes of bold red bring out the zest in a neutral room.

COLOR made easy 41

4

6 7

5

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Page 45: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

COLOR made easy 43

No matter the intensity, yellow

always packs a cheery punch,

sparks interest, and convivially

complements most every other

color. The most visible of all colors,

yellow boasts a chameleonlike

character, shifting its appearance

with its surroundings. These

noteworthy qualities make

decorating with yellow a

challenging but exciting prospect.

yellow

Page 46: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

butterscotch & aqua

wall wisdom. Because yellow paint intensifies as it dries, pick a yellow shade you love, then buy a paint

that’s two or three shades lighter. Thanks to the sunrise-sunset undertones of butterscotch, these walls emit

warmth and amplify the coziness of the living room. Simple window treatments bring softness to the walls,

but the simplicity focuses all the attention on the walls, unique furniture shapes, and brilliant accents.

art smart. Vibrant yellows can work on walls if you practice restraint when choosing furnishings. Here,

neutral furniture provides a plain canvas for the addition of vivid accessories to counter the yellow walls. Blocks

of solid-color pillows in primary and secondary hues dot the sofa, interspersed with others in geometric and

figural patterns. On the floor, a large-scale pattern in white and aqua adds color and interest underfoot. The

entire palette is encapsulated in the diverse grouping of artwork on the wall, which, despite its variety, creates a

cohesive visual statement above the neutral sofa.

Sherwin-WilliamsBelize

Sherwin-WilliamsGypsy Red

Sherwin-WilliamsBanana CReam

Page 47: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

COLOR made easy 45BHG.com/ColorMadeEasy

Page 48: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

46 COLOR made easy

gOLd & taupe

golden glow. Deeply toned yellows make civilized statements, appear luxurious, and enrich elegant interiors.

These qualities make the gold shades chosen for this living and dining area ideal for the sophisticated design

and classic furnishings. Embroidered silk-fabric wallcovering paves the way for luxe touches of gilding on

frames and heightens the impact of the gold Venetian-glass chandelier and an urn-shape English Regency

knife box. masterful mix. Living room walls in handsome whispery vanilla make the room feel expansive,

calming, and graceful. Large-scale pattern on the area rug and luscious window treatments in gold-and-gray

woven damask counter the minute and multihued chevron pattern on the matching wing-back chairs. Brass

nailhead trim and the sheen of the chairs’ playful upholstery are the perfect foil for the warm patina and gilded

highlights of the Louis XVI-style cabinets. The vibrant and tactile surfaces of the textiles on walls, windows,

floors, and wing-back chairs are balanced by two large sofas in a solid neutral cream and a pair of chairs

upholstered in an organic tone-on-tone pattern.

yellow yearningsStrategically use yellows to add

energy to your home.

Chic sophisticate: Be dramatic.

Showcase formal furnishings

upholstered in aubergine velvet

and gold-striped purple draperies

against tawny walls to shape high-

fashion spaces.

swedish style: Combine buttery

yellows and rich creams with

wedgwood blues to create cottage-

comfort interiors. Include a

lively mix of geometric fabrics to

generate modern vibes.

transitional designs: Fabricate

laid-back schemes that easily

accommodate your eclectic tastes.

Paint walls taupe, and move in

sunshine-yellow, honey-gold, and

teal furnishings.

Zesty spaces: Blend spicy shades,

such as saffron yellows, cinnamon

oranges, and paprika reds, to create

welcoming entertaining spaces and

extra-cozy kitchens.

really retro: Pair green-gold

yellows with grays and heather

tones. Mix techno-yellows with

other primaries tempered with

neutrals.

Benjamin MooreDry Sage

Benjamin MooreFrench Quarter golD

Benjamin MooreantiQue lace

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Page 50: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

48 COLOR made easy

BUTTER & CINNAMON

COLOR CUES. Yellow is an instant kitchen brightener, and treating it with a faux-antique fi nish adds a sense of

depth and age. This buttery shade of yellow was chosen as a pretty background for the homeowner’s blue-and-

white china collection. Cinnamon-orange patterned linen window treatments complement the blue. The china

collection also hinted at the slate-blue island countertop. Antique white covers horizontally applied beaded

board on the walls, a color choice that not only reinforces the warmth of the yellows and orange-red, but also

gives emphasis to the hand-hewn reclaimed-oak ceiling beams. DETAILS COUNT. A kitchen in a rustic style

benefi ts from unpolished, hand-forged metal hardware, especially iron. Here, hammered-metal cabinet and door

hinges and pulls punctuate the kitchen’s light paint colors. The antiquing glaze on cabinetry collects around trim

details and furniture-style turnings to increase the new kitchen’s vintage-farmhouse character.

Page 51: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

COLOR made easy 49BHG.com/ColorMadeEasy

Behr

SUMMER HARVEST

Behr

GLOWING FIRELIGHT

Behr

SHALE GRAY

Behr

WHITE CORN

Page 52: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

1 Sweet Slumber. Butter-yellow walls

surround a cottage-style bedroom in soft pinks,

greens, and blues. Yellow takes a darker turn in

honey gold on the pillow, shams, and bed ruffle.

An old beaded-board chest at the end of the bed

sports a refreshing coat of aqua paint to tie into

the pastel color scheme. 2 Color Control.

A bright color palette in warm saffron, orange,

and green mingles on walls and floral fabrics. The

bright color on the wall acts as a foil to the riot of

busy and vivid patterns on the rug, cushions, and

pillows. 3 ClaSSiC Charm. High wainscoting

in crisp white leaves only a sliver of space for a

band of vanilla yellow below the crown molding in

this formal master bedroom. The black bedstead

provides an anchor for a riot of buffalo-check

and toile fabrics in sunflower gold that exude a

welcoming warmth. 4 go for gold. Cabinets

painted in a distressed green-gold bring country-

French style to a kitchen filled with the warmth

and texture of stained wood. 5 finiShing

touCheS. This dining room’s daffodil-yellow

draperies bookend the large windows, diffusing

and softening natural light. The dark wood

finishes on the table and chairs stand out against

the white trimwork, yellows, and neutral rug.

6 Sunny SkieS. Sunshine-yellow beaded-board

walls create an inviting envelope that takes the

formal out of the dining room in this light-filled

space. The distressed sky-blue sideboard furthers

the feeling that this is a room that’s meant to be

used, not just admired.

yellow around the house1

2 3

Page 53: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

A vivacious hue, yellow promotes optimism and cheer.

COLOR made easy 51

4

5 6

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Page 55: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

blueComfortable as a pair of well-

worn jeans, this striking spectrum

includes a wealth of sea-to-sky

shades, gemstone colors, and deep

twilight tones. Globally favored,

blue universally pleases due to its

reassuringly familiar associations

with sea and sky, its calming

properties, and its versatility. From

baby blues that promote tranquility

to navy blues that denote authority

and security, blue has it all.

COLOR made easy 53

Page 56: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

singing the blues. Deep-blue walls create a secure, cocooning sensation in this pretty bedroom. The color

repeats on the bed coverlet and appears more subtly on the window treatments. The curtain panels introduce

a secondary hue, a playful teal, that keeps the blue from becoming too serious and staid. To inject warmth and

contrast, coral hues pop in on accent pieces. Lest all this color be too much, furnishings—the bed, nightstand,

and chair—are limited to pure white paint and upholstery. warming trend. A coral-hue lamp base brings

just the right amount of warm color up to eye level amid the cool shades on walls and window and references

the tint that spreads across the rug below. play with scale. Patterns in a limited palette keep the interest

level high with a variety of motifs and scale. Sapphire and white cover the surface of the bed in a large-scale

organic pattern, while teal and white star on the trellis-and-floral curtain panels and the overscale dotted

pillow. The entire color scheme is combined on the small-scale floral pillow in bands of deep sapphire, teal,

coral, and white.

PhotograPhy by: Jay Wilde. Produced by: Katie leporte.

Find resources for this story at BHG.com/ColorResources.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: Drexel, Gypsya, Serena & Lily, Shades of Light.

Sherwin-WilliamsMariner

Sherwin-Williamsdaring

Sherwin-WilliamsBlue Chip

sapphire, teal & coral

54 color made easy

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Page 58: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA
Page 59: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

COLOR made easy 57

light fantastic. Natural light floods in through skylights, large windows, and exterior doors, highlighting

the contrast between the home’s abundance of neutral, light woods and its bold palette of blue, yellow, and

green accents. Woven furniture, white walls, and the wood ceiling and floors accentuate the openness of the

large space. summer living. Thanks to the summery color—especially yards and yards of blue linen—and

textures of raw salvaged chestnut and woven fibers, the space has a light, airy, and barefoot appeal that belies

its expansive size. The ample and boxy woven-fiber frame of the chaise longue provides a visual division that

separates the room into two sitting areas, each grounded with a nubby cream-colored rug. The reclaimed

floors, still sporting old nail holes, add warmth and character to the great-room. A two-tier distressed wood

chandelier takes rustic texture up to the ceiling.

BHG.com/ColorMadeEasy

Ralph Lauren PaintMango gold

Ralph Lauren PaintBig Sur Blue

Ralph Lauren PaintSage Sweater

POwdeR BLue & PeBBLe

Ralph Lauren PaintHigHline

Page 60: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

58 COLOR made easy

peaCOCk, GRass & kumquat

clean lines. White perimeter cabinets and countertops and a dark walnut floor set a clean-lined stage for

the playful green island. The ornate chandeliers above are supporting characters in the kitchen’s lighthearted

mix of styles and colors. custom order. Open shelves leave room to showcase the kitchen’s custom

wallpaper and a collection of tea-serving accessories. The wallpaper is a one-of-a-kind version of hand-painted

silk paper from China. It was created to the homeowner’s specs on color and the number of birds and flowers

in each panel. While deep blue has a tendency to recede, the vivid pattern in green, white, and orange keeps the

gorgeous surface front and center. color explosion. In the breakfast room, floor-to-ceiling windows pour

light into the space, highlighting the explosion of vivid colors on the table. Like the rug in the kitchen, the carpet

here was the jumping off-point that inspired a brighter take on its colors.

Page 61: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

COLOR made easy 59BHG.com/ColorMadeEasy

Glidden

Banner Blue

Glidden

Garden of eden

Glidden

Persimmon Berry

Glidden

ice aGe

Page 62: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

Midnight, ruby & creaM

after midnight. Midnight-blue walls, a hue pulled from the brilliant ruby-and-blue rug on the floor, bring

into focus the beautiful cream-colored crown moldings and fireplace. Pale-blue upholstery on the wing-back

host chairs provides the only other pattern in the room. Simple ivory matte silk drapes, with a lead edge

finished in ivory and taupe, frame windows with diamond-shape muntins. fire light. Cream paint unifies the

fireplace surround and overmantel. The enclosed mirror reflects light and brightens the dark wall. mercury

rising. Silvered and mercury-glass accessories set off the sideboard vignette, raising the nickel hardware on

the casework to accent status. The mirror is painted in silver metallic with a mahogany rub. sheer delight.

A sheer drum shade adds substance to the slim chrome chandelier, giving it weight when seen against the deep-

blue walls. Crystal drops bring sparkle to the center of the room.

PhotograPhy by: Jay Wilde. Produced by: laura Bianchi. Styled by: Megan chaffin.

Find resources for this story at BHG.com/ColorResources.

Pittsburgh Paintsred licorice

Pittsburgh PaintsVictory Blue

Pittsburgh PaintsMother of Pearl

60 cOLOr made easy

Page 63: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

blue beginningsTrue-blue hues suggest truth, constancy, sincerity, and

tranquility. Weave their magic through every room.

Caribbean warmth: Combine indigo blues with terra-cotta,

pink, and lively greens and yellows to create tropical character.

Refined settings: Promote classic comfort with slate-blue

walls, green-velvet upholstery, gold accent fabrics, and red-

toned wood pieces.

Garden fresh: Brighten bedrooms and baths with cornflower

blues, rosy pinks, sunny yellows, and leaf greens.

Seaside scheme: Fashion “life’s a beach” scenes with

aquamarine walls, seashore motifs, and awning-stripe fabrics.

Well worn: Denim is a great color option for family rooms. It

wears like blue jeans, it exudes casual comfort, and what color

doesn’t look good with jeans? Use its versatility to rotate a

plethora of palettes with colorful accents.

Semi precious: Turquoise brings a hint of green into the blue

family. For a global, energized palette, try pairing turquoise

with spice tones and plum. For a calm, cool, and collected look,

try it with pale woods, white, and silver. To skew blue-green

toward a masculine look, try black or gray accents. A turquoise

wall with gray trim is especially chic.

Page 64: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

1 ONE NOTE WONDER. Turquoise and white

pack a powerful monochromatic punch in this

small room. Upholstered headboards match the

tailored bed skirts. White bedding keeps the

bright color on the calmer side. Dabs of celadon

green in the window treatments insert a second

cool color. Charming blue-and-white stools perk

up the end of each bed. 2 ECLECTIC TASTES.

Comfortable cottage-style furniture in blue ikat

fabrics and yellow geometrics is juxtaposed with a

modern mirrored chandelier to create an eclectic

interior that’s well-designed but unpretentious.

The broad-striped blue-and-white rug brings

eyes down from the lofty ceiling. Robin’s-egg blue

lozenges decorate the curtain panels. 3 PRIMARY

SCHOOL. Deep blue-gray walls in this master

bedroom give the space a cocooning feeling.

Bands of bright red on the duvet and shams and in

a Greek key pattern on the tufted pouf pair with

yellow accents to form a lovely triad of primary

hues. 4 UNIFIED FRONT. Slate blue unites vanity,

wainscoting, and windows to visually stretch a

tiny bathroom and play up the gray tones of the

marble countertop. The rich color also captures

light to showcase the beautifully combined beaded

board, cabinetry, shutters, and crown molding.

Custom patterned black-and-white shades on

sconces match the Roman shade on the window.

5 COORDINATED EFFORT. Graphic bands of blue

paint on these master bedroom walls modernize

a classic color scheme of French blue and white.

A beautiful toile fabric covers the bed and

windows, but reversing the use of colors keeps

the repetition fun and unexpected. Intriguing

old gate hinges on the side curtain panels add

metallic patina and character. 6 SOMETHING

BLUE. A countertop-to-ceiling backsplash of

brilliant turquoise glass mosaic tiles sets o�

vibrant accents in this cheerful kitchen. A vintage

lab table in the same hue acts as an island and

bar-height breakfast table. Cabinets in dependable

white balance the bold colors of the tile and the

zesty accents. 7 CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT. A

modern fl oral pattern wallpaper defi nes the room

and sets the color palette in this dreamy bedroom.

Even though the foundation of the room is neutral,

peacock blue and spring green give the room zip.

Layered on top of solid-color shams and a duvet,

patterned toss pillows change the whole look of

the bed.

BLUE AROUND THE HOUSE

2 3

1

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Relaxing and intimate, blue embraces quiet rooms.

COLOR made easy 63

4 5

6 7

Page 66: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA
Page 67: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

greenLeafi ng out in an array of verdant

shades, this versatile hue naturally

enhances most every scheme and

establishes moods from soothing

to lively. Greens can be active or

passive, generating high drama,

devising playful places, and

creating neutral backdrops. If

you need inspiration for a green

palette, take a look outside and let

nature be your guide.

COLOR made easy 65

Page 68: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

EmErald & turquoisE

Jewel bright. With an emerald-green wall color this rich, it makes sense to give it room to shine by

incorporating neutral upholstered furniture. A turquoise coffee table and lampshade add solid analogous color

(see pages 8-9), while a busy-patterned and brightly colored rug, incorporating swaths of both the green and

blue, brings warm hues of orange, yellow, and pink into the room. tactile tactics. Punchy pillow

patterns, a woven throw, an embossed vase, framed grasscloth mattes, and tone-on-tone trim inject texture

and dimension into the palette.

PhotograPhy by: Jay Wilde. Produced by: Katie leporte.

Find resources for this story at BHG.com/ColorResources.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: Lee Industries, Rifle Paper Co., Shades of Light.

66 Color made easy

Page 69: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

BHG.com/ColorMadeEasy COLOR made easy 67

MythicKiss of spring

MythicTaffeTa shine

Mythicregal rose

Mythicorange nasTurTium

Page 70: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

apple & biscuit

breezy beginnings. Refreshing trumps rustic in a master bedroom that stays true to nature with apple-

green color and touchable textures. The fresh-as-a-breeze design starts with the crisp green of the horizontal

plank walls. The upholstered furnishings are a mix of greens, some lighter and some darker than the walls, all

mingling with ease. Damask linen curtains continue the green scheme but with a heavy tint of yellow-gold so

they nearly glow. unexpected pleasure. A pair of wing chairs covered in a pale-celery chenille fabric,

gauzy kiwi-green-check sheer bed hangings, and framed botanicals introduce varying shades of green to keep

the palette together. Every room should include a surprise, and in this room it’s the ottoman. It’s covered in cut

velvet with large graphic dots that spin across the piece in various greens and neutrals.

68 cOlOR made easy

Page 71: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

BHG.com/ColorMadeEasy

See how purple dresses up a room at BHG.com/purple.

COLOR made easy 69

shamrock schemesUse the many shades of green in

any room to introduce a new look

from spa to sparkling.

Summer spaces: Create a citrusy

splash in kitchens, sunrooms, and

hobby spaces. Set lime green,

zesty orange, and lemon yellow

accessories against turquoise walls

for a fresh take on tropical.

Rethink timeless: Update a

traditional green-and-blue pairing.

Showcase apple-green toile or

fl oral chintz draperies against sky-

blue walls. Enhance the revitalized

scheme with raspberry and pale-

pink accents.

Classic comforts: Formalize

libraries and dining rooms with

opulent hues. Paint walls hunter

green and move in dark tables,

moss-green velvet chairs, navy

fabrics, and gilded fl ourishes.

Spicy quarters: Set salsa-red,

burnt-orange, maize, jalapeño-

green, and lime-green furnishings

and trimmings against guacamole-

hue walls to create spicy spaces.

Light the way: In places where

there isn’t a lot of natural light,

choose greens that have more

white. Moody gray-greens hold up

well in sunnier locations.

Pittsburgh PaintsYELLOW LETTUCE

Pittsburgh PaintsGREEN GRAPES

Pittsburgh PaintsGOLDEN CRICKET

Pittsburgh PaintsSPUN COTTON

Page 72: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

SEA GLASS & BRICK

OPPOSITES ATTRACT. Pairing a rough-and-tumble brick chimney and wall in a newly renovated kitchen with

delicate shades of sea-glass green sounds like an unlikely duo, but this kitchen proves that they work together

very well indeed. White deck paint on original pine fl ooring instantly brightens and expands the room.

SEA SPLASH. Streamlined Shaker-inspired cabinets and beaded-board backsplashes are fi nished in sparkling

sea-glass-green paint that sets o� large black painted knobs and a wrought-iron-style faucet. The touches of

black as well as the sleek stainless-steel sink and appliances keep the green wall of cabinets from becoming

too near a pastel confection. Leather-clad chairs in honeydew-melon-green gather around the dining table and

straddle the line between modern and vintage.

70 COLOR made easy

Page 73: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

COLOR made easy 71BHG.com/ColorMadeEasy

MythicGARDEN PATHWAY

MythicFAIR MAIDEN

MythicSWEET SPICE

MythicSWEET SILENCE

Page 74: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

72 COLOR made easy

FERN & HYACINTH

TURNING A NEW LEAF. Inspired by ferns and other natural elements, a leafy-green palette with creams and

warm wood accents gives this bedroom a breath of fresh air. Painting the walls two shades of green, separated

at chair-rail height, creates interest in a room that lacks architectural personality. Whitewashing the trim also

boosts the light and bright look. FABRIC FINESSE. The dark wood headboard is balanced with mixed-and-

matched layers of comfy bedding. Combining crisp white sheets with a hyacinth purple quilt and a botanical-

inspired top layer lends the bed a casual and cozy feel. Wake up store-bought white curtain panels by adding a

band of colorful patterned fabric. Here, the trim lines up with the shift in wall colors.

GliddenSPANISH OLIVE

GliddenSPRING CACTUS

GliddenORCHID BLUSH

Page 75: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA
Page 76: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

1 flower power. Subtle floral motifs suggest

the wall color in spring green. The pretty paper

echoes the floral medallions on the pillow, the

coffee-table knobs, and the pendant light in the

dining room. 2 glass act. Traditional elegance

meets modern style in this beautiful bath. White

paint and multiple mirrors bounce light around

the room. The only color in the space comes

from the green tint resulting from iron content

in the satin-etched glass that encloses the

shower and toilet compartment. 3 fresh face.

Green cabinetry, a colorful tile backsplash, and

natural light from sink-wall windows balance the

darkness of mahogany cabinets and Brazilian

cherry flooring in this fresh and fun kitchen.

4 sweet repose. Oversize paisley fabric is the

star of this almost-white room. The celery-green

and soft-white palette holds sway throughout the

space, creating a light, airy retreat that’s classic,

fun, and unfussy. A two-color scheme is crisp and

easy to freshen by adding a third color to the

mix. 5 personal palette. Favorite accents

suggested the scheme for this kitchen and dining

area: a red-framed poster with apple-green and

blue accents, and a collection of aqua-tinged jars.

6 room to experiment. Because they’re only

inhabited periodically, guest rooms are a great

place to try out fun color combos. Lime-green

walls create a lively backdrop here, subdued

by soft green bedding and natural wicker. The

painted turquoise bed kicks things back up a

notch and keeps the scheme interesting.

74 COLOR made easy

gReen aROund the hOuse1

2

Page 77: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

Bright green engenders feelings of prosperity and growth.

3

4 5

6

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Page 79: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

orangeWhether it’s apricot, amber, peach,

terra-cotta, or tangerine, oranges

supply house-warming options

that support styles ranging from

old-world to psychedelic. The

warm hue downsizes too-large

rooms, stimulates appetites and

conversations, and draws folks into

a space. Unexpectedly elegant and

sophisticated in formal spaces, it’s

also at home playing with the kids

in the media or crafts room.

COLOR made easy 77

Page 80: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

78 COLOR made easy

playful spirit. As a sleeping porch, this charming room already has a cottage-casual style, but the play of

saturated color on white makes the space positively sparkle with cheerful and whimsical character. Horizontal

paneled walls are painted in crisp white, with window frames, including an eye-catching trio above the bed,

painted in marine blue. This appealing shell is the host to a delightful dancing interplay of color. pillow

pattern. Punchy pillows enliven the pumpkin coverlet and white linens on the bed. The geometric patterned

pillow matches the bedding scheme, while the larger floral pillow adds a variety of hues, including the room’s

signature blue. bloom time. Fresh elements have their place in this color scheme, too. Orange tea roses fill a

blue ceramic vase on the small console table by the windows and, in reverse, a large pierced orange vase filled

with mophead blue hydrangea blooms brings color to the bedside table. light the way. A charming table

lamp in reflective blue sports a shade banded in the same hue, which matches the painted window frames

perfectly. jazz it up. Curtain panels frame the windows in orange, blue, olive, and black, bringing lively

pattern to the wall across from the bed. Solid pillows in darker blue accent the pair of wing-back chairs.

PhotograPhy by: Jean allsopp. Produced by: lynn nesmith.

Find resources for this story at BHG.com/ColorResources.

pumpkin & maRine bLue

Behrasparagus

Behrtropical splash

Behrharvest pumpkin

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Page 82: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

80 COLOR made easy

MOOD SWING. Apricot walls and perky fabrics take this family room to a happy place. A bound rug over a

wood fl oor grounds the scheme, while colorful accent rugs under the co� ee table add punch. Four small tables

in glossy orange bring saturated hues to the center of the room, but their open frames keep them light on their

feet. HOT SEATS. A mix of patterns—geometrics, chevrons, stripes, and fl orals—create visual excitement

around the room. They enliven a neutral sofa, jazz up the oatmeal-hue rug, and add punctuation to a striped

chaise longue and a pair of stylized fl oral-print slipper chairs. The combination of bright citrus hues is mellowed

by the use of neutrals and by the grown-up gold fi nishes on the matching étagères, the sophisticated nailhead

trim on the sofa, and the black-iron wall sconces.

APRICOT, OLIVE & SUNSHINE

Page 83: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

COLOR made easy 81BHG.com/ColorMadeEasy

ValsparNEW PEACH

ValsparISLAND ORANGE

ValsparGREEK TAPENADE

ValsparFIELD OF DAISIES

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BHG.com/ColorMadeEasy COLOR made easy 83

subway token. A knockout wall of gleaming persimmon subway tile makes an arresting visual in this

kitchen. With such a strong design statement, little else is needed. A dark bronze-tinted range hood breaks

the main square of tile as a graphic punctuation mark. Two clear-glass chandeliers dangle with a barely-there

iridescent glimmer. Glass decanters hold cooking oils in style near the cooktop, while bright-blue glass vases

add dashes of complementary color on the shining white marble countertop. artful arabesques. A

gleaming stained-wood table matches the dark wood of the kitchen cabinetry. To interrupt the expanse of

dark wood, a set of dining chairs is covered in a dynamic pattern of fluid espresso and bright blue arabesques.

Balancing the vibrant tile in the kitchen, a rich orange rug with a Moroccan-style pattern in white adds subtle

pattern and vivid color underfoot to ground the dining area.

PhotograPhy by: RichaRd Leo Johnson. Produced by: sandRa L. MohLMann.

Find resources for this story at BHG.com/ColorResources.

orange optionsUse varying orange hues to warm

up rooms and spark interest.

Classic applications: Like

traditional? Opt for understated

shades such as copper, brick, or

burnt orange. Grapey purples,

turquoise, and sage make

unexpectedly elegant partners for

these orangey jewel tones.

Global influences: Got a yen

for the exotic? Start with spicy

cinnamon or cayenne and blend in

pinks, reds, turquoise, and gold to

create well-traveled tableaus.

Modern medleys: Crave cutting-

edge? Combine zesty oranges with

equally vivid tones of periwinkle

blue, lime green, and yellow to

create spaces that pulsate with

fashion-forward vibes.

tranquil transition: Longing

for peace and quiet? Paint walls

in honey-orange hues, and layer

in caramel-shade furnishings

and saturated coral and muted

aquamarine accents.

toned down: Want orange

without the heat? Include a splash

of turquoise. It’s like adding water

to fire. Or pair with chocolate for a

sophisticated look.

Benjamin MooreRhythM and BLues

Benjamin MoorePiñata

Benjamin MoorenoRthwood BRown

PeRsimmOn, ebOny & azuRe

Page 86: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

1 CENTER STAGE. A pared-down color palette

unites modern and traditional elements in this

kitchen dining nook. Maple cabinets painted a

crisp white balance walls covered in luscious

yellow. Pale-blue glass tiles make up the

backsplash, but the stars of the color story are

the hot-orange cushions and midcentury-style

molded chairs. 2 COLOR AT WORK. Colorful

paint can make a small bath sizzle. The bright

tangerine hue on the upper walls balances the

sanitary white surfaces that dominate this room.

3 STUDY IN COLOR. Nine-foot windows bathe

this grandly proportioned study in light, which

allows a darker, more masculine palette to prevail.

Deep-persimmon patterned drapery panels fl ank

each window, adding to the warmth of camel-

color walls and sofa. A matching wing-back chair

repeats the fabric color and motif toward the

center of the room. 4 CORNER CREATION. Soft

peach walls and citron-hue curtain panels bring

life to an underused corner. Fitted with a desk, it

becomes a cheery spot to accomplish daily tasks.

5 TWIST ON TRADITION. Blue piping outlines

an orange wide-wale corduroy bench in this entry.

An embroidered blue pillow supplies bountiful

texture as well as a shot of complementary

contrast against the upholstery, enhancing the

entry’s fresh feel. An oversize fl oral-pattern

wallpaper provides a pleasing contrast with

the densely balustered stairway. 6 POWDER

POWER. Powder rooms are ideal spaces to try

bold prints and splashy colors. Here, a functional

table-style vanity is dressed up nicely in an eye-

catching bittersweet orange, yet it doesn’t steal

the show from the shapely mirror above or the

busy patterned wallpaper. Accents with strong

silhouettes hold their own against the cacophony

of color and pattern. 7 UNIFIED LOOK. Burnt

orange and gold on chair fabrics play elegantly

against this living room’s buttercream walls. The

red-orange chairs and plush wool orange-and-

golden-yellow carpet add warmth in front of the

large bank of windows. Multihue striped drapery

panels encapsulate the room’s color scheme.

8 TUCKED AWAY. Apricot walls surround a cozy

daybed tucked into a bedroom corner. Neutral

slipcovers defi ne the bed, which comes to life with

the addition of vivid orange patterned pillows. A

small side table reiterates the color scheme.

ORANGE AROUND THE HOUSE

84 COLOR made easy

2 3

1

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Fiery orangeevokes images of fall foliage and abundant harvests.

4 5

6 7

8

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Page 89: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

purpleCombining cool blues and warm

reds, the purple palette supplies

a striking array of color options

for decorating traditional and

unconventional interiors. Purple

veers from majestic and passionate

in its deeper tones to sweet and

innocent as a newborn baby in

its palest incarnations. Purple’s

fl uctuating tones can make it an

exciting and tricky color to weave

into your home.

COLOR made easy 87

Page 90: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

Mauve & lilac

masterful mix. Pink- and blue-tinted purples combine in varying intensities to create pleasing compositions

in this captivating bedroom. Icy lilac bathes the walls in cool color while warmth comes in the form of mauve

accents and a maize-hue Greek-key carpet. fabric focus. Cream and white dominate the bedding, casework,

and trim in the spacious room, but hints of color appear here and there to delight the eye. Mauve buffalo-

check ruffles peek from beneath the white coverlet, while mauve patterned lozenges dot the window seat and

headboard. Lilac reappears as banded pillows on the window seat. Mauve ikat makes a stunning stripe down

the center of the cream armchair, bordered by lilac to bring the hues together in one beautiful piece.

88 cOlOR made easy

Page 91: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

COLOR made easy 89BHG.com/ColorMadeEasy

Behr

Powdery Mist

Behr

delicate BlooM

Behr

cotton whisPer

Behr

satin souffle

Page 92: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

raisin & heather

go deep. Pops of rich color in the form of deep-raisin armchairs bring out the warmth of this living room’s

neutral foundation. More visual interest mixes into the space with light and dark shades of the same color in

the pillows, pouf, and accents. Repeating similar hues throughout creates a sense of cohesiveness. Understated

glamour comes from the heather-gray painted built-in bookcases and the weathered trumeau mirror above

the mantel. play with texture. Reflections from mirrors and glass accessories add sparkle at strategic

points around the space. A heathery purple-gray furry pouf and a bottle-green glass sculpture bring in texture

and a note of playfulness. Woven elements—baskets, sisal rug, and linen —repeat at different points, injecting

additional texture into the room.

90 COLOr made easy

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BHG.com/ColorMadeEasy

See how purple dresses up a room at BHG.com/purple.

COLOR made easy 91

pursuing purpleWith blue or red undertones, this

cheerful shade always sounds a

feel-good note.

Elegant outlook: Accent

deep-purple walls with neutral

upholstered pieces; metallic

patinas; plush textiles; dark

fi nishes; and gold, caramel, and/or

burnt-orange accents to strike a

sophisticated chord.

Cottage charm: Combine garden

patterns and colors, including

blue-shaded violet and hyacinth,

hot pink, marigold yellow, and leaf

green, to create vintage character.

Eclectic allure: Paint walls deep

mauve and bring in sage-green

furniture, spicy-orange and harvest-

gold fabrics, and dusty-amethyst

and gray accessories.

Fashionably funky: Use deep

lavender walls to highlight fuchsia,

lime-green, cobalt-blue, turquoise,

and tomato-red accessories and

coordinating big-motif fabrics.

Space case: Generally, dark

purples work best in formal living

and dining areas; bright purples

energize kids’ and craft rooms; and

lavenders are soothing in bedrooms

and baths.

Pratt & LambertOMBRE

Pratt & LambertKID GLOVE

Pratt & LambertCHINESE VIOLET

Pratt & LambertKIDSKIN

Page 94: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

WISTERIA & AQUA

92 COLOR made easy

FLEX DECOR. Art and accessories do most of the heavy lifting to inject color into this cream-and-white living

room. Rather than letting the walls carry the color, fabrics, glass, and accents provide pops of pretty hues

around the space. This approach also allows a lot of fl exibility—go with saturated pastels in the summer and

swap them out for deep, richer shades for winter. FABRIC FIX. The fabric on the white chair inspired an

expanded palette for the room. A wisteria-purple slipcover dresses up a tub chair by the fi replace. Varying

fabrics in the hue are dotted around in dynamic organic patterns—mauve ikat, patterned aubergine, violet

fl oral—and solids such as lavender pillows and a plum-color throw. A large amethyst on a corner table, along

with silvered lamp bases, amplify the sparkle. The analogous aqua hue shows up in a cushy sofa across the room

and in pops from pillows and throws.

Ace PaintBRIGHTON BEACH

Ace PaintREBECCA

Ace PaintIVORY LYRIC

Page 95: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA
Page 96: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

1 play with purple. Periwinkle hues

dominate this beachside bedroom, but multiple

tones of the color, a mix of florals and geometric

patterns, and doses of springy green and aqua

keep the vivid color from being overwhelming.

2 Garden Glory. Bold patterns in garden-

floral and trellis themes enliven textural but

neutral-hue grasscloth walls. The view outside

is unremarkable, so the colorful and contrasting

chairs and curtain panels keep the focus firmly

inside the room. 3 set the staGe. A simple

envelope of dark-stained floor and pale gray-

painted walls provides a neutral background for

large-scale prints in off-white and deep plum.

Pattern instantly updates a room, but don’t be shy:

A too-small print defeats the purpose. 4 reflect

on it. In a room with low light, pale colors

sing. These creamy-tan walls are a reflective

hue, which makes the room feel more expansive.

Lavender window treatments and bedding add

soft and soothing contrast. The purple shade is

analogous to the blues that star in other rooms,

so it blends well. 5 shady story. The secret to

color success is using multiple tones of the same

hue. Here, aubergine curtain panels offer a softer,

lighter version of the raisin shade of the sofa. A

violet with more red in it appears in the patterned

pillows. 6 in full bloom. A roll of mauve floral

wallpaper trimmed to the width of the headboard

creates a colorful focal point without a big-time

commitment. A deep-purple glazed ceramic

planter makes a playful bedside table.

94 COLOR made easy

PuRPLe aROund the hOuse

2

1

Page 97: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

Encourage creativity with the convivial hue of violet.

3

4 5

6

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Page 99: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

Neutral hues emphasize vibrant

colored and patterned companions.

They unify contrasting palettes

and establish styles ranging from

peaceable to progressive. Warm

neutrals—such as brown, tan,

ivory, gold, and black—and cool

neutrals—including white, silver,

lavender, and gray—ef ortlessly

move between supporting and

starring roles in a room.

neutral

COLOR made easy 97

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98 COLOR made easy

DOVE, NAVY & GOLDENROD

Farrow & Ball

PAVILION GRAY

Farrow & Ball

HAGUE BLUE

Farrow & Ball

PITCH BLUE

Farrow & Ball

BABOUCHE

Page 101: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

COLOR made easy 99BHG.com/ColorMadeEasy

OPEN TO COLOR. Starting the day is easy with dove gray, which covers the living area walls, the rug and the

sofa. This allows bolder choices such as yellow on the ottoman and navy on the chairs to peacefully coexist in an

open-plan condo, where the rooms are visible from one another. A mix of graphic patterned fabrics on pillows

ties the palette together. FASHION FORWARD. The homeowner’s wardrobe revealed a mix of pattern and

color that she spun into a decorating scheme. Classic cuts, layers of bold prints, and bright accessories put her

personal stamp on every room. Start this kind of palette by selecting patterned accent fabrics. This puts the

home’s boldest statements in easy-to-live-with accents, such as throw pillows or a pair of identical stools, while

large surfaces, such as the queen-size bed, remain quiet and recessive. A softer, refl ective gray paint in the living

room makes the space look expansive; the deeper blue-gray shade on bedroom walls recedes and beckons.

Page 102: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA
Page 103: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

COLOR made easy 101

SAND & ROBIN’S EGG

TONAL SHIFTS. Outdoor furniture in a blend of gray and beige lives inside comfortably in this polished yet

casual dining room. The padded wicker chairs pull up to a skirted table covered in neutral layers of linen and

burlap. Silvery mercury-glass accents and a barely-there metal chandelier increase the charm factor at the

table. A pickled-wood cabinet conjures images of driftwood washed ashore. Linen drapery panels pair with

fl oral-pattern sheers in summery greens that lead outside to the verdant garden. SEA WORTHY. A beachy

palette of robin’s-egg blue and mixed-sand hues ripples through this living room and adjoining spaces. The

pair of deep club chairs in blue-green outlined in brown encapsulate the scheme. Facing them, color comes in

the form of solid and patterned cushions and pillows on the white sofa and window seat. Walls are bathed

in a sandy gray-beige hue with just a hint of texture—a perfect hue to show o� a dramatic bracketed shelf

displaying sea fans, starfi sh, and other forms of sea life. Underfoot, a jute rug resembles a sandy beach.

Neutral needsIn a colorful, busy world, coming

home to a calm, neutral space feels

like a breath of fresh air.

Rethink the classics: Combine

silver, charcoal gray, and white

with misty mauve for understated

elegance, or rev up that combo

with navy-blue and pale-yellow

accents.

Urbane attitude: Modern, manly

digs call for streamlined palettes.

Paint walls deep brown, add camel-

leather and beige-linen upholstered

pieces, and introduce one vibrant

hue via pillows and artwork.

Green scenes: Take a cue from

Mother Nature. Combine light

herbal greens and natural wood

fi nishes with gold, lavender, and

black accessories to create quietly

chic spaces.

Industrial cool: Set stainless-

steel surfaces, white lacquered

furniture, and black-and-white

photographs against textured

charcoal walls; moor the look with

a graphic area rug.

True colors: Many neutrals sport

undertones from blue to yellow to

red, which need to be considered

when devising a palette.

BHG.com/ColorMadeEasy

YOLO ColorhouseSTONE 03

YOLO ColorhouseWATER 01

YOLO ColorhouseIMAGINE 03

Page 104: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA
Page 105: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

COLOR made easy 103

gray havens. Charcoal soapstone counters and soft-gray painted cabinets mingle effortlessly with a dressy

marble-topped island and Venetian-glass chandelier. Don’t be afraid to mix materials, finishes, and surfaces.

The striking combination of texture, shine, and color lends unique personality to this kitchen. cloud cover.

A symphony of grays, reminiscent of clouds in a gathering storm, make beautiful music together. Pearly white-

and-gray marble glimmers atop the island, gray stone covers the floors, stainless-steel appliances add their

metallic shine, cabinetry gains presence in a pewter hue, deep gray tops the counters, and platinum bathes the

walls. There are no soft elements in the room, but texture and pattern do make an appearance in the subtle

lines and shimmer of the subway-tile backsplashes, the fluting on island cabinetry, and the muntins of glass-

front cabinet doors.

Ralph Lauren PaintStone

Ralph Lauren PaintGuSt of Wind

Ralph Lauren PaintSWeatShirt Gray

Ralph Lauren PaintSmoked GlaSS

BHG.com/ColorMadeEasy

PewteR & PLatinum

Page 106: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

1 get inspired. The steely hue of this

streamlined bed frame jump-started this

bedroom’s trendy gunmetal-gray and mustard

color scheme. Look for color inspiration first

in things that are hard to coordinate, such

as furniture, bed linens, and rugs. Then ask a

home center to create a wall paint color to

match. 2 new meets old. Eclectic style

meets affordability. A thrift-store chair, part

of a matched set, gets new life with a coat of

white paint and a reupholstered seat in black

and citron fabric. A round citron-hue pillow adds

further softness. Khaki-color shades dress up

white spray-painted old lamp bases. A former

TV console is renewed in a glossy black finish.

3 cottage industry. Steel, hide, and linen

blend in this living room, making it a symphony

of neutral textures and a meld of cottage and

industrial styles. Ebony-stained oak floors and

charcoal walls ground the comfortable and casual

space. 4 pillow punch. Every room needs

a little pattern to pop, but including it can feel

like major commitment. Conquer the dilemma

with a graphic pillow cover (or two). Here, a

modern blue print allows neutral draperies and

furnishings to read as serene rather than boring.

The pattern is just the oomph the room needs,

delivered in a few fabric squares. 5 formally

fun. Cream wainscoting and a graphic taupe

wallpaper give this dining room an air of both

fun and formality. Rich mink-color drapery panels

are echoed in the mink-and-cream-stripe chairs.

Mixing patterns can create a visually noisy room,

but here the designer avoided that by balancing

large- and small-scale patterns, both bold and

muted, within a neutral palette. 6 milky hues.

Brown tones bathe this country-style kitchen

in warm and inviting character. Malted-milk

chocolate covers wood-clad walls and open

shelving as well as the island. A lighter cafe-au-

lait painted floor blends with the darker hue.

Wicker barstools and baskets suspended from

the overhead pot rack bring woven texture and

shades of golden brown to the cozy kitchen.

7 gray haven. A gray upholstered banquette

and a walnut-stained trestle table create a

welcoming breakfast nook. Hammered-silver

pendant lights further the vintage style

established by off-white board-and-batten walls,

Shaker-style cabinetry, and iron shelf brackets.

neutRaL aROund the hOuse1

2 3

Page 107: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

Neutrals are beloved for their flexibility and laid-back vibes.

4

5 6

7

Page 108: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

Bring outdoor spaces into brilliant

blooming color no matter the season.

take color outside

Page 109: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

opposing forces with complements. The most dynamic color combination to be found on the color wheel, a

complementary scheme gets its energy from the opposition of two hues. In this case, bold orange and vivid

blue light up this screened porch like a vibrant sunset over water. Playfully mixing on the porch in nearly equal

measure, the two colors cover a sophisticated collection of furnishings, creating a stylish look that doesn’t

take itself too seriously. visual verve. Texture from woven baskets and wicker, nubby fabrics, ridged

and reflective ceramics, and weathered wood helps to differentiate the furnishings. Geometrics, stripes, and

ornamental botanicals mix in the patterned textiles. Piled with plush accent pillows, the generous daybed

quickly becomes the life of this porch party. Bright blue shutters ensure that the entry door gets noticed. White

walls and trim and two pierced white ceramic garden stools play host to the rich interplay of strong color,

keeping the opposing hues and the contrast of warm and cool in check.

Written by: Debra Wittrup. photography by: RichaRd Leo Johnson. proDuceD by: sandRa L. MohLMann.

Resources for this story at BHG.com/ColorResources.

coLor made easy 107coLor made easy 107

Sherwin-WilliamsdynaMic BLue

Sherwin-WilliamsGReen ViBes

Sherwin-WilliamsundeRcooL

Sherwin-WilliamsKid’s stuff

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Page 111: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

COLOR made easy 109

color fix. An underused porch springs to life with a cozy swing, cushy rugs, and a color scheme inspired by

autumn leaves. The brick facade—a rich rust color—is reminiscent of fall, sparking the porch’s whole palette

of gold, orange, and sage green. The vivid and cheery colors brighten the space, while pale-blue accents are

a pleasing, cool contrast to all the warmth. easy approach. All who bound up the steps are greeted by

golden ipe wood decking softened by seagrass rugs in green, orange, and blue. Green-cushioned rocking chairs,

vibrant orange side tables that resemble tree stumps, and a rolling coffee table made from orange-painted

galvanized metal tubs cluster around a charming swing piled with pillows. An open-air porch is one place

where layers of patterns will dazzle rather than distract, and introducing softness to furnishings adds kick-

back comfort, inviting long chats on the porch.

Kelly-Moore PaintsAlligAtor Alley

Kelly-Moore PaintsChimeneA

Kelly-Moore PaintsSky WAtCh

perfect porchPorches boast the coziness of an

interior room with the breezy ease

of the great outdoors. Likewise,

color cues can come from inside

your home or from Mother Nature,

whose mastery of mixing hues is

unmatched. Consider these ideas

when planning your outdoor room.

play house A porch’s palette

should complement hard-to-change

elements of a home’s exterior, such

as brick, stone, or exterior paint.

If the coloring is already bold, the

porch should not compete.

fabric fill Outdoor fabrics rival

their indoor counterparts in style

but are waterproof and durable.

Curtains, pillows, and cushions

will soften hard edges and enliven

furnishings with color and pattern.

When in doubt, go green All

greens go together and mix with

any color—just look at your

landscape for inspiration—so

green will look right at home in an

outdoor room.

Transform with paint You can

unify the most motley crew of

mismatched furniture and increase

durability with a coat or two of

outdoor spray paint.

haRvest hues

Page 112: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

1 BREATH OF SPRING. Textiles in pink and

yellow with pops of green and peach shine as

this porch’s main stars, while white furniture

and a pale blue fl oor are the supporting cast. An

egg-yolk-yellow folding screen creates a vivid

backdrop for a blooming mandevilla vine potted

in a raspberry-and-white woven pot. 2 PRIVATE

PALETTE. A diminutive covered deck continues

an aqua-and-red color scheme from a sitting

room just inside a pair of French doors. Tied-back

privacy panels in red bordered with patterned

aqua echo the colors found in the striped cushion

and fl oral pillow. 3 BREEZY HUES. A weathered

wood table gets party looks with the addition of

gumball-blue metal folding chairs and hanging

paper lanterns that dance in the breeze. Add

more color or coordinate hues for a gathering

with jazzy patterned melamine tableware.

4 THINKING BIG. A narrow patio lives large

thanks to big, comfortable furniture in a tightly

coordinated color scheme of green, purple, and

orange. Furniture, cushions, and fl owers all go

beautifully together and avoid the “confetti”

approach: one plant or accent in every color.

Mauve hydrangeas, purple petunias and pansies,

and orange lantana mesh with the pillows,

tabletops, and seating. 5 BY THE SEA. Seaglass-

blue walls, a striped rug, and white wicker get a

jolt with a lime-green glider and orange accents.

Additional visual excitement comes from the mix

of textures: shiny metallics, natural weaves, soft

fabrics, and peeling paint.

110 COLOR made easy

OUTDOOR GALLERY

2 3

1

Page 113: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

A colorful porch is a welcoming invitation to stop by.

4

5

Page 114: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

Pumped-up palettes, style-forward fabrics, and

color-coordinated furnishings turn once-boring

rooms into lovely gathering spaces.

112 COLOR made easy

makeover mastery

Page 115: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

BEFORE

BUILDING BLOCKS BLAND BEGINNINGS. The sofa and chairs are chic, the window shades lovely, and the wall color perfectly

pleasant, but this living room still made designer Elaine Gri� n yawn. “This could have been a rent-by-the-hour

conference room,” she says. “Many people get to this point and run out of steam because they don’t know what

to do next. I see this a lot.” COLOR BLOCKING. “Every room needs a bit of contrasting color for visual success,”

Gri� n says. One of the biggest trends right now is color blocking—the use of di� erent solid-color fabrics

together. Starting with the existing green chairs, Gri� n added raspberry, teal, and yellow. “I actually didn’t add

that much color,” she says, “but I used it in strategic, high-impact locations.” The green chairs, a new teal chair,

bright throw pillows, and raspberry lamps create a horizontal swath of color across the seating area. For added

sophistication, Gri� n mixed a couple of small prints with the solid throw pillows. MIX THINGS UP. “Matching

tables are a no-no,” Gri� n says. “Varying fi nishes is the key.” The white fretwork console table echoes the white

of the tulip-style side tables, while the co� ee table is weathered wood and metal. ADD HEIGHT. “Your eye

needs to meander in a little wave as it looks around the room,” says Gri� n, who added a trio of kicky yellow

bookcases opposite the sofa. By fi lling the wall, they actually make this side of the room seem bigger.

Benjamin MooreCINCO DE MAYO

Benjamin MooreCANDY GREEN

Benjamin MooreVARSITY BLUES

Benjamin MooreORANGE APPEAL

Page 116: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

BEFORE

Page 117: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

COLOR IT HAPPYSCATTERED START. With lively color, eight windows, and two sets of glass doors, this sunroom sounded good

on paper. The reality? Minty green walls that clashed with nature, scattered furniture, and white window trim

that made the room look busy and boxy. PERKY PALETTE. “Sunrooms are convivial spaces—they shouldn’t

be somber,” Gri� n says. Aqua, grass green, coral, and sandy yellow set a relaxed summery tone. Walls are

bathed in a watery blue-green, and extending the hue to the window trim moves eyes outside rather than

stopping them at the trim. Even the ceiling gets a new look with a pale sunshine yellow. “Color evokes a mood,”

Gri� n says. “These remind me of sitting out by the pool.” MATERIAL WORLD. Napkins and bedspreads were

repurposed for a� ordable Indian block-print yardage. Cut and pieced into pillows and cushions, they fl aunt

their distinctive borders. FABRIC FLOURISHES. Roller shades painted in stripes of aqua, coral, and yellow

resemble awnings, and piles of pillows on sofa, chairs, and window seat add easy-to-change hits of color. The

oversize ottoman and geometric-pattern rug earn their keep by injecting gregarious green hues into the room.

BETWEEN THE LINES. A console table fi lls the space between two sets of doors. Woven mats nailed to the

wall provide a textural backdrop for ceiling medallions aged with brown shoe polish.

Farrow & BallCHARLOTTE’S LOCKS

Farrow & BallFOLLY GREEN

Farrow & BallDIX BLUE

Farrow & BallCITRON

COLOR made easy 115

Page 118: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

116 COLOR made easy

BEFORE

Dutch BoyTIPPER TEAL

Dutch BoyTROPICAL BREEZES

Dutch BoyWATERING HOLE

Dutch BoyFUCHSIA FASHION

PROMISE FULFILLED MISSED OPPORTUNITIES. Talk about potential. This room had good bones, plenty of natural light, and decent

furniture, but its best features—a stately fi replace, bay windows, and a built-in bookcase with a window seat—

were being ignored. Drab yellow walls, a dark rug, and an even-darker sofa didn’t do the sunny space any favors

either. PALETTE POINTERS. A high-tra� c space calls out for calm, so Gri� n went with celadon walls. Where

two wall colors had made the room look choppy, a single color unifi es it and erases fl aws (such as the bulkhead

between the original room and an addition). Shades of celadon and teal are a restful backdrop for attention-

grabbing dashes of raspberry and yellow. Ivory trim and lamps, brass tables, and a brown sofa keep the candy

colors looking sophisticated. MAGIC CARPET. When Gri� n spied this honey of a rug—a swirling design that

pulls the whole palette together—she knew she had found her star. She balanced its boldness with upholstered

pieces on top that read mostly as solids. BRIGHT SPOT. An abstract painting in juicy colors and a sprinkling of

sparkly accessories take the fi replace from walk-on-by to stop-you-in-your-tracks. In the window bay, a spray-

painted and antiqued console table stands in as a desk and carries the raspberry of the pillows and rug across

the room. Gri� n kept the rest light. “Just like makeup,” she says, “you can have bold lips or eyes, not both.”

Page 119: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

If your eyehas nowhere to rest, there are too many colors. You need to edit.

Page 120: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

welcome refreshment. Inside the entry of

Julie and Dean Moesch’s Tybee Island, Georgia,

vacation home, this buoyant pairing of kiwi green and

turquoise signals that happy times await.

Page 121: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

make

Not everyone is able to drive just

20 minutes to experience laid-back

island living like the Moesch family

can. But by using the rainbow of

radiant hues in their cottage-style

house as inspiration, you can cast

a blissful seaside vibe over your

own home.

a boldescape

COLOR made easy 119

Page 122: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

notable accent. The first thing Julie and Dean Moesch installed in their weekend getaway was a coral-red

chandelier over the kitchen island. After painting the shell of the house white and breezy aqua, Julie sought to

punch up the volume. “I wanted the house to be lively,” she says. “We needed bright colors to pop.” To help her

meet that goal, she hired interior designer Jane Coslick, a friend and neighbor. “I knew Jane’s ability to bring

things to life,” she says. Coslick added stools with red tops and aqua bottoms, then carried the red accents into

the adjacent living room with coral-pattern upholstery and a spray-painted side table. custom blend. Julie

and Dean had inherited a disparate assortment of furniture, and they wanted Coslick to pull it all together. The

breakfast area in the kitchen shows her tricks: Formal antique chairs adopt beachy attitude thanks to outdoor-

fabric-covered seats and a coating of vivid paint. After that, Coslick put a limit on the fiery accents (“Bold

colors need some breathing room,” she says) and bolstered the cool tones with blue pillows and light fixtures.

Benjamin MooreSweet DreamS

Benjamin MooreFreSh Green

Benjamin MooreLake tahoe

Benjamin Mooreexotic reD

Red accents turn up the temperature to keep cool blues a

Page 123: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

COLOR made easy 121

p cool blues and whites from chilling rooms.

Page 124: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA
Page 125: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

COLOR made easy 123

light effects. Built in 2003, this home is elevated on stilts above the flood plain, as local code requires. The

result is a deluge of natural light throughout the day. Coslick knew that to compete with the bright rays, she

had to select colors with verve. “When you have a lot of light, color washes out completely,” she says. Pale aqua

walls, for example, dampen to near-white. Coslick boosted the hue several shades for the dining area, enveloping

the Queen Anne chairs in ocean-wave blue and highlighting the room’s architectural feature, the bookcase, with

periwinkle. artful palette. Coslick derived hues from the parrot painting that Julie and Dean purchased

from local artist Bellamy Murphy. “The colors that make you feel good in a piece of art are the colors you need

in your house,” Coslick says. Pops of feather-bright orange in pillows and flowers are exotic touches.

Benjamin MooreSummer Blue

Benjamin MooreFieSta Yellow

Benjamin MooremiStY Blue

Benjamin MoorerumBa orange

BHG.com/ColorMadeEasy

Page 126: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

common values. Coslick dipped into her color box to decorate the bedrooms, where she introduced

sunny yellow, petal pink, reed green, clementine orange, and several shades of sea-glass blue. Though each

space has a different dominant hue, she kept things consistent by selecting shades with the same intensity.

“I picked bold, clear colors with the same value,” she says. “Each room is its own world, but all the colors

work together.” blue clues. In the main-level bedroom, the ceiling was painted pale aqua (the same shade

as the living area walls), so Coslick selected a deeper version to cozy up the paneled walls. The painting of a

hibiscus flower introduced the partnering yellow, which is a natural complement. Watery blue-green decks

the lampshade and distressed table. new life. A couple of armchairs wearing 1980s floral upholstery were

updated with spunky chevron-pattern slipcovers. Each of the vintage side tables wears a different paint color

and can sidle up to any seating group in the house. Julie and Dean have six children, so when the house fills

with guests and friends, they can move furnishings around as needed. right white. Plenty of bright, crisp

white—on molding, painted furniture, slipcovers, and bedding—is the neutral undercurrent that flows through

each room. “White is the best color in the universe,” Coslick says. “Start with a white with no gray or color in

it, and then you can bring in any hue you want.”

Written by: Sarah EggE. PhotograPhy by: richard LEo JohnSon. Produced by: Sandra L. MohLMann.

Find resources for this story at BHG.com/ColorResources.

124 COLOR made easy

Page 127: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

dramatic flairUse brilliant blocks of color to

energize bland, tired spaces.

Be intense Choose saturated

colors that boast a contemporary

attitude. Spotlight the chromatic

qualities of fabrics and accents

with neutral upholstery fabrics.

Rearrange furniture Determine

ways to lay out conversation

areas that allow you to add extra

seating or ottomans done up in

colorful fabrics.

Update windows Think

of windows as additional

opportunities for furthering the

room’s color story. Dress them

in textural shades and brightly

banded draperies.

Accent thoughtfully Opt for

curvaceous lamps, stack vibrant

artwork, and display accessories

that introduce quieter hues and

rounded shapes.

Define the space Choose a

neutral textured rug that’s

large enough to comfortably

accommodate all the furniture

pieces in each seating area.

For more inspiration and color ideas, visit BHG.com/HomeColor.

Page 128: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

Changing Temps. Butter-yellow walls brighten with

streaming sunbeams, but they shift to cozy warmth under

lamplight. The cheery hue pairs nicely with a vivid red coffee

table and a time-faded antique Oushak rug. Ikat pillows

display every color in the room without creating chaos.

Page 129: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

toward

Color-savvy designer Leslie Rylee

uses simplified schemes, chic

motifs, and organic textures

to give her family’s classically

decorated country home a modern

twist. See how she combines just

a few fetching colors to build

vivaciously welcoming spaces.

modern

COLOR made easy 127

shading

Page 130: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

128 COLOR made easy

Striking ShapeS. Salvaged steel cabinets outfitted with frosted glass echo the shimmer of the kitchen’s

ship-lantern pendants and the color of the walls and countertops. With their statuesque profiles, aged

patina, and elegant details, the cabinets double as artworks. Subtle ShadingS. The industrial-style zinc

countertop and sink take on a bluish cast while supplying a pitted surface that acts as a rough counterpoint

to the polished-marble countertops elsewhere. ShipShape charm. Crisp white trim highlights soft blue

walls, which in turn spotlight the room’s cabinetry and subway-tiled backsplash; the spick-and-span feel suits

the homeowner’s love of soothing, uncluttered workspaces. cozy QuarterS. Salvaged mantels, substantial

woodwork, and period-perfect windows make the new house appear older than its years. A gotta-have-it area

rug inspired the library’s brown-and-coral color scheme, which promotes cocooning. Finishes and fabrics vary

from dark to light in tone to direct attention around the room.

The kitchen is bright, orderly, and calm.

OlympicMountaintop

OlympicSMoke Screen

Olympicanticipation

Page 131: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

keep it simpleFashion high-impact designs by

using a few hues wisely.

Maximize the minimum

Showcase a main color in three

areas, preferably at different levels

to create a sense of movement.

Present the color as solid or

tone-on-tone upholstered pieces

and delicately patterned surfaces

so as not to overwhelm a room’s

architecture.

Create cohesion Accent objects,

furniture, upholstery, and window

treatments with painted details or

dressmaker trims that pick up the

colors of other pieces. Use accent

fabrics that feature prominent

shades along with new hues.

Go deep When choosing floor

finishes or area rugs for white or

light-hued rooms, darker tones

anchor airy spaces. Another

balancing trick? Paint baseboard

caps white and their lower sections

black for a refined finish.

Provide visual relief Use light-

hued drapery panels, bamboo

shades, and cream or white

bedcovers as restful backdrops for

colorful accents and bed linens.

Page 132: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

130 COLOR made easy

OlympicShining Armor

OlympicTurquoiSe miST

OlympicgrASSy meAdow

OlympicSouTh PAcific

White woodwork balances all the color.

perfection realized. Rylee painted the master bathroom walls three times before settling on a deep

charcoal gray, which takes the chill off the room’s fixtures and white finishes. Green touches, presented in

artworks and bands on the bamboo shades, tie to the emerald greens in the master bedroom. sentimental

notions. Grandma’s settee, once covered in emerald-green silk, gets an update with printed emerald linen

embellished with printed turquoise linen piping; the green linen pops up as cording and a covered button on a

turquoise bolster. relaxing rhythms. Neutral bed toppers and draperies allow the bedroom’s turquoise

walls, upholstered headboard, and turquoise and emerald-green elements to move to center stage.

Written by: Ann wilSon. PhotograPhy by: John gruen. Produced by: AnnA molvik.

Find resources for this story at BHG.com/ColorResources.

Page 133: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA
Page 134: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

InspIratIon Underfoot. A giant flowered rug, bursting

with the same blues and oranges seen in the rest of the

house, sparked the TV room’s whole scheme. Ivory walls,

a paneled ceiling, and a cappuccino-hued sectional ground

the room in neutrals, letting the punchy pillows and wall art

stand out. wIndow wow. A painting in the office fills

in for curtains. The canvas, which gives the room its

color palette, is also painted on its reverse side,

ensuring that the view from the backyard

is just as stunning.

Page 135: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

to be

Weaving a single courageous

color—clear, vibrant peacock

blue—throughout this Charlotte

home enlivens every other

element, from furnishings and

rugs to artwork and window

treatments. It’s that jolt of energy

that quickens the pulse of the

whole house.

COLOR made easy 133

blue it had

Page 136: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

134 COLOR made easy

taupe no more. Once cloaked in tone-on-tone neutrals, the living room underwent a dramatic

transformation with a coat of peacock-blue wall paint. It pairs well with just about any saturated hue, as

evidenced by the merry mélange of red lamps, an orange armchair, a magenta-plaid slipper chair, and playful

pillows that seem to come alive under its gaze. playful palette. The den invites traditional elements, such

as a green leather chesterfield sofa, to the same party as funky industrial pieces, including an old factory cart

standing in as a coffee table—and the result is a mighty good time! Splashes of more green on the sofa and

armchair, patterned throw pillows, and a mix of artwork happily intermingle. colors come forward. The

kitchen’s benches are covered in zesty stripes, while a tall-backed chair upholstered in sumptuous blue velvet

beckons people to take a soft seat. Creamy-gray walls and upper cabinets, paired with taupe base cabinets and

a charcoal-gray slate floor, provide a solid grounding of neutrals for the sprays of color to shine through.

Keep colors in the same tone to make sure t

Sherwin-WilliamsSundance

Sherwin-Williamschild’S Play

Sherwin-Williamsamalfi

Sherwin-WilliamsOSage Orange

Page 137: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

COLOR made easy 135

ure they get along.

Page 138: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA
Page 139: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

bursts of blue. The taupe dining room springs to life with a few swipes of blue. The hue is the perfect

playmate for oranges and browns because they face off on the color wheel—visual drama follows wherever

they go. fabric cues. Yellow and blue steal the spotlight in the master bedroom. Both hues were plucked

from the fabric sheathing the chaise and repeated elsewhere to craft a cohesive scheme. perfect pairing.

This child’s bent toward pink and purple led to the color scheme, while Mom amped up the sophistication (and

the room’s longevity) with a bouquet of offbeat fabrics, zany lamps, and grow-with-you nightstands.

Written by: Sarah Wolf. PhotograPhy by: Brie WilliamS. Produced by: andrea Caughey.

Find resources for this story at BHG.com/ColorResources.

COLOR made easy 137

Page 140: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

ENTRY POINTS. A comfy side chair services a desk

near the entry and introduces punchy pattern with

plaid cushions and a fl oral pillow that matches drapery

panels. Lamps do their part, too, to up the color ante in

various rooms with colorful shades or bases.

Page 141: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

classicgraceful

Homes once had rooms used for

a specifi c purpose, but today,

rooms are used for everything.

In this renovated home, spaces

were opened up to fl ow into each

other, which required a unifi ed

and coordinated color scheme

throughout that would create a

look of casual, livable elegance.

COLOR made easy 139

revival

Page 142: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

BECKONING BAY. Most of the rooms in this Mobile, Alabama, Tudor Revival are bathed in light, watery

blues and greens reminiscent of the nearby bay. The cool, relaxing color sets the tone for the home and shifts

throughout the day with the ambient light. In the living room, stripes, plaids, fl orals, and solids in quiet blue and

green add interest but not visual noise. Isolated pops of pink, purple, and orange keep things lively. ACCENT

FOCUS. A light touch keeps the small dining room from feeling crowded. Pale hues for chair slipcovers, window

shades, and the area rug allow a few accent pieces in bold hues to achieve focal-point status. KITCHEN

CONTRAST. Rather than being confi ned to a single color for kitchen cabinets, white and brown mix to create

contrast and depth and to provide a color base for other design choices in the room such as window treatments,

backsplash tiles, countertops, and accessories. Choosing a dark fi nish for the island helps defi ne it and will hide

the scu� marks that are inevitable when the counter stools are in use.

ValsparSKYWRITER

ValsparJADED LIME

ValsparSONIC SKY

ValsparPINK DESTINY

Colors and patterns complement adjacent rooms to vis

Page 143: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

COLOR made easy 141

nt rooms to visually connect the spaces.

Page 144: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA
Page 145: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

SUBTLE SHIFTS. A progression of hues fl ows through the rooms of the house: A nature-inspired green

brightens the kitchen, a soothing blue is introduced in the living room and dining room, and in addition to

those colors, an infusion of a delightful lavender enlivens the master suite. Fabrics follow the same path, from

subdued hues in the living room and master suite to bolder colors and prints in the kitchen plus glam wallpaper

in the main hall. PAW PRINTS. Stairway walls start with an unassuming beige, then get gregarious in a

hurry with a boldly beautiful lilac-and-gold wallpaper pattern. An animal-print rug and runner add fl amboyant

detail underfoot, while a touch-of-bling gold faux bois side table makes a surprising appearance. COOL AND

CLASSIC. The master suite is an escape zone for adults. The colors are relaxing, and the classic hardwood

furnishings refl ect the area’s French and Spanish heritage. Faint hues of blue, green, and purple create an

analogous palette on the cool side of the color wheel, ideal for the warm and humid environment of a Southern

home. SPA QUALITY. Cool, pale hues and botanical prints refl ect the home’s proximity to the water and add

a soothing spa quality to the master bath, where a large soaking tub takes center stage. Unlined shades on the

windows allow the light to fl ood the space and refl ect o� the polished white surfaces.

COLOR made easy 143BHG.com/ColorMadeEasy

color connectedForge strong and lively connections

through an open-plan home by:

Considering the whole picture

Look carefully at sight lines from

di� erent sides of the room to

determine where to showcase or

shift colors within a space.

Going for fl ow Create cohesion

by carrying the same neutral

backdrops, such as white walls

and ceilings, painted or stained

woodwork, and hardwood fl ooring

or carpeting, from one area to

the next.

Transitioning sensibly Shift wall

colors at architectural stopping or

starting points, such as corners, but

use the same trim color throughout

a space as the tie that binds.

Boldly bonding Use a vibrant hue

or an accent wall color to direct

attention from one room to the

next. Vary the amount and shades

of your color in di� erent areas.

Keeping it in proportion For an

easy room-to-room transition, use

the same hues throughout your

home and vary the proportions in

each room. For example, use one

hue as a wall color in one room and

as an accent color in the next.

ValsparDUSKY LAVENDER

ValsparNEW PENNY

ValsparBLUE MIST

ValsparZEN GARDEN

Page 146: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

“Blue color is everlastingly appointed by the Deity to be a source of delight.”

—painter and writer John Ruskin, 1819-1900

Co

lor

Mad

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(IS

SN

2150-1

289), 2

013. C

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. 2013. A

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reserv

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Page 147: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

Hydrangea Everlasting™

Revolution ExclusivE For our rEadErsWe’re delighted to bring you a r eblooming Hydrangea that ofers a summer-long kaleidoscope of changing color! Each blossom lasts for weeks, creating combinations of light and dark pinks (or blues with a more acid soil) and pale green. Shipped as a one-year-old plant from September to mid-November, weather permitting. Recommended for zones 5-9. item GM063213, $32.95 each plus shipping.

Limited Quantities! CaLL 1-800-420-2852

rebLooming

Long Lasting

exQuisiteCoLor

advertisement

To place your order, call White Flower Farm at 1-800-420-2852 and refer to code BHG07 or order online at BHGgardenstore.com

order early; quantities are limited and are reserved on a frst-come, frst-served basis.

Sorry, we are unable to ship to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, APO/FPO addresses, or addresses outside the United States.

exquisite reblooming beauties!

Lilac Bloomerang® a lilac that rEblooMsSimply a knockout in the garden, Bloomerang® covers itself with clusters of purple-pink, sweetly scented blooms for 2-3 weeks in May, and then continues fowering of and on with lighter fushes of bloom throughout the summer. Your Lilac will be shipped in a 1-gallon pot September to mid-November, weather permitting. Recommended for zones 4-7 S / 4-8 W. item GM067562, $29.95 each or buy 3 and savE 20% - plus shipping.

FLowers

From

spring to

Frost!

Page 148: Color Made Easy - 2013 USA

We co-founded Water.org to help

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hope in a bottleThe facts are staggering:

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We envision the day when everyone in the world can take a safe drink of water.

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© Copyright, Water.org 2010. Water.org and the stylized infi nity logo are trademarks of Water.org, Inc.

The CAMELBAK mark is a registered trademark of CamelBak Products, LLC and is used with permission