color made easy - 2013 usa
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From Soothing to Bold
COLOR SCHEMESTHAT WORK!
39No-Fail Paint Palettes2013
COLORmade easyTM
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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
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!
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Brand Leader and Executive Vice PresidentCreative Director
Content Director, Home Design
Samantha ThorpeDebra Wittrup
Kimberly Morgan MetzGayle SchadendorfAmy KuebelbeckPaul SoucyDiana Meinders
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Colormade easy
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.
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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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
Lowes.com/ColorStudio
it all starts with one wall.Find the color you’re sure to love with samples
designed to inspire confdence.
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.
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.
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
Early morning1
Afternoon3 Evening4
MiddayMidday2
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
36 COLOR made easy
bLush & ROuge
ValsparLa Fonda Fireberry
Valsparbeach SparkLe
ValsparTea roSe
ValsparSungLow
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.
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
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
Splashes of bold red bring out the zest in a neutral room.
COLOR made easy 41
4
6 7
5
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
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
COLOR made easy 45BHG.com/ColorMadeEasy
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
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.
COLOR made easy 49BHG.com/ColorMadeEasy
Behr
SUMMER HARVEST
Behr
GLOWING FIRELIGHT
Behr
SHALE GRAY
Behr
WHITE CORN
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
A vivacious hue, yellow promotes optimism and cheer.
COLOR made easy 51
4
5 6
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
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
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
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.
COLOR made easy 59BHG.com/ColorMadeEasy
Glidden
Banner Blue
Glidden
Garden of eden
Glidden
Persimmon Berry
Glidden
ice aGe
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
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.
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
Relaxing and intimate, blue embraces quiet rooms.
COLOR made easy 63
4 5
6 7
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
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
BHG.com/ColorMadeEasy COLOR made easy 67
MythicKiss of spring
MythicTaffeTa shine
Mythicregal rose
Mythicorange nasTurTium
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
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
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
COLOR made easy 71BHG.com/ColorMadeEasy
MythicGARDEN PATHWAY
MythicFAIR MAIDEN
MythicSWEET SPICE
MythicSWEET SILENCE
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
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
Bright green engenders feelings of prosperity and growth.
3
4 5
6
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
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
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
COLOR made easy 81BHG.com/ColorMadeEasy
ValsparNEW PEACH
ValsparISLAND ORANGE
ValsparGREEK TAPENADE
ValsparFIELD OF DAISIES
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
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
Fiery orangeevokes images of fall foliage and abundant harvests.
4 5
6 7
8
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
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
COLOR made easy 89BHG.com/ColorMadeEasy
Behr
Powdery Mist
Behr
delicate BlooM
Behr
cotton whisPer
Behr
satin souffle
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
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
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
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
Encourage creativity with the convivial hue of violet.
3
4 5
6
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
98 COLOR made easy
DOVE, NAVY & GOLDENROD
Farrow & Ball
PAVILION GRAY
Farrow & Ball
HAGUE BLUE
Farrow & Ball
PITCH BLUE
Farrow & Ball
BABOUCHE
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.
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
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
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
Neutrals are beloved for their flexibility and laid-back vibes.
4
5 6
7
Bring outdoor spaces into brilliant
blooming color no matter the season.
take color outside
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
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
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
A colorful porch is a welcoming invitation to stop by.
4
5
Pumped-up palettes, style-forward fabrics, and
color-coordinated furnishings turn once-boring
rooms into lovely gathering spaces.
112 COLOR made easy
makeover mastery
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
BEFORE
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
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.”
If your eyehas nowhere to rest, there are too many colors. You need to edit.
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.
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
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
COLOR made easy 121
p cool blues and whites from chilling rooms.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
COLOR made easy 135
ure they get along.
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
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.
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
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
COLOR made easy 141
nt rooms to visually connect the spaces.
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
“Blue color is everlastingly appointed by the Deity to be a source of delight.”
—painter and writer John Ruskin, 1819-1900
Co
lor
Mad
e E
asy™
(IS
SN
2150-1
289), 2
013. C
olo
r M
ad
e E
asy
is p
ub
lished
annually
in S
ep
tem
ber
by
Mere
dith C
orp
., 1
716 L
ocust
St.
, D
es M
oin
es, IA
50309-3
023. In
Canad
a: M
aile
d u
nd
er
Pub
lications M
ail
Sale
s P
rod
uct
Agre
em
ent
No. 40069223.
Canad
ian B
N 1
2348 2
887 R
T. ©
Mere
dith C
orp
. 2013. A
ll rights
reserv
ed
. P
rinte
d in
the U
.S.A
.
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!
We co-founded Water.org to help
solve this dire problem — but we
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hope in a bottleThe facts are staggering:
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