indoors
KNOW-HOW
A square of color painted around the bed
is an instant focal point For the border;
go two shades darker on the sample card.
T H E
P A LE T T E
■
A
A Sure Thing:
Neutrals Plus
One Color
The easiest approach to
decorating with color is to
establish a neutral background
then add one color on top of
it. But that definitely doesn’t
mean everything should match.
The key is to use different
shades of the color. It gives the
room interest and guarantees
that everything works together.
1. MIX NEUTRALS
Gray curtains, a cream
headboard, and white
bedding, though very
different in color, are all
considered neutrals. Go
ahead and mix at will.
2. STAKE A CLAIM
Establish the main color
of the room on a large
surface, such as the top
of the bed. Use that
color as a starting
point, then add both
darker and lighter
shades of it elsewhere
in the room.
3. PLAY AT PATTERN
A tight color palette
needs pattern to keep
from looking sterile.
You don’t have to go
overboard—two pillows
in the same color as the
bedding do the trick.
4. VARY TEXTURES
A
velvet tufted headboard
and satiny coverlet say
fancy; woven baskets
and a wooden bench
say humble. Set up
texture contrasts to
make a room lively.
5. DON’T FEAR DARK
At least one black or
dark element helps a
room look grown-up
and pulled together.
Here, that’s done
with the mismatched
bedside tables, one
wicker, one wood.
Ready to take this color scheme a step further? Turn the page.»
50
FEBRUARY 2009 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
