Women's Club Donates To Victims Resource Center

Ann Adams

Saturday, January 03, 2004 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 5D 





One of the easiest and cheapest ways to change a room is paint, which can
freshen any space and allow you to add something new without having to
completely redecorate. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Regardless of your personal style, furniture and accessories, nothing has
more impact on the personality of a room than a splash of color. Color has the
ability to evoke a certain mood. It also gives you the freedom to create an
array of different looks. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Use bold colors for an intense dramatic effect or a blend of muted tones
for a subtle look. Or when it doubt, try a combination of these extremes. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Some basic knowledge of an artist's color wheel could lessen anxiety about
choosing the right color for your walls. A color wheel shows you where colors
fall on a spectrum and it's the key to choosing hues that will work together.
A small color wheel can be picked up at any art supply store. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 By using a theme of neighboring colors on the color wheel, you'll get
foolproof harmony. Now, here's a closer look at a few color combinations to
help you create specific moods throughout your home: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Restful blue &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Blue is peaceful and soothing. When used in a bedroom, it creates a secure,
restful escape that neither excites nor tires the mind. A color found
frequently in nature, blue can be used on almost every surface without
overwhelming the room. By using different shades of blue, you can create an
effect that is both relaxing and revitalizing. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 You can compliment a blue decor through using natural wood furniture and
crisp white fabrics. The combination will help you create a distinct look
among the various shades of blue you might use in a room. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The brilliance of yellow &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Yellow is such a happy color. It brightens a space while creating the
illusion of sunlight. Hallways or entryways deprived of natural light can
benefit from a yellow color scheme. A bright yellow hallway or entryway will
provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere for any visitor. Combine soft and
strong yellows such as lemon yellow as your backdrop while you use pale yellow
and deep ocher as accents throughout a space. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 A garden of green &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Green is easy on the eye and represents balance and harmony. Everyone could
use a bit of green in their home. Green is considered a pacifying color to
calm and re-energize. Deep greens comfort, while lime and bright greens can
enliven an atmosphere. A cool green is a great choice of color for a room that
is flooded with sunlight. To perfectly compliment a green room, keep
accessories and furniture in natural tones. Add botanical accents to harmonize
(and we do love that) and create a natural environment. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Luxurious red &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Red is a very assertive color. Rich and warm, red is a good color choice in
rooms where activity occurs. Red can give a small room a warm jewel-like
intensity. You can use accents of white and black to tone down the impact of
red and create an inviting appeal. Most eyes are drawn to the color red. So
use it for emphasis in accent pieces. Add a bit of color with an afghan or
with artwork featuring the color red. The use of candlelight can soften deep,
rich reds and make a wonderful background color for entertaining guests. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Now if you're still feeling a bit timid about painting your walls a color
(or you're renting and your landlord won't permit it), you can still add color
to your space, just in a less dramatic way. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Try incorporating color by using accent pieces throughout your home such as
glass bottles, curtains, candles, flowers, picture frames, artwork and throw
pillows. Or toss an afghan over the arm of a chair or sofa. Use your
imagination, and remember your home is your canvas. So let your personality
shine. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Color Your World On The Cheap To Obtain Dramatic Effect