If you want to pack some punch into your decor and make a statement, then using the effects of contrast is the way to go. The eye will focus longer on contrasting colours, thus making whatever you're painting a memorable vision. Take a look at our feature photograph, courtesy of Sico, to see just how dramatic rich, contrasting colours can be.
A staircase is a wonderful place to use high drama. The black-and-white, high-gloss paint treatment is certainly eye-catching. Choosing to paint the railings and spindles in black rather than white is a bold choice, which makes the carpentry come alive. Black-and-white stairs are as classic as black-and-white checkered flooring is in the kitchen. It's a timeless look that will endure, which makes black and white a good colour choice. (Be sure to use a non-slip coating on the treads.) The black plank flooring brings the drama to a whole new level.
The dark blue (Sico Jazz Night) and white facing wall is a great example of how you can infuse visual interest into any room. The contrast of the two colours is dramatic on its own, but adding the decorative white panel and stripes shows how mixing it up a little can add that bit of spice your decor might be lacking. Consider this palette in a boy's room with a wide-striped focal wall behind the bed with white window coverings and window/door trim. Horizontal stripes are another way to go. Wide bands of contrasting colour can make a small room feel larger and will definitely be striking. In a master suite, perhaps wainscoting in white and deep blue for the upper walls. This particular combination would make an elegant and spectacular master bedroom palette.
In the background of our feature space is a rich emerald green called Amalfi Lagoon. Contrasted with white, the rich jewel tone really pops but is timely and elegant with a historical flavour.
The great thing about this entire space is the additional architectural details, which make all of these rich colours work. The ornate staircase is definitely dramatic, but notice the wide baseboards and decorative column flanking the doorway. The ornate doors in the hallway with sandblasted glass panels add to the richness of the decor. The large chandelier tops off the space with a bit of glam.
My point here is, when you're using such rich colours, you need the contrast of not only white but also larger-scale moulding, baseboards and the like to make it work. If your decor is lacking in these elements, you can add architectural components by installing panels made from moulding and beefing up the door and baseboard trim by either adding trim to the existing casings or using paint to visually enlarge them. For baseboards, which are not at eye level as a doorjamb would be, you can create a the appearance of a wider baseboard by installing a 1/2-inch round trim a few inches above your existing baseboard. Paint the entire area white and voila, a wider-looking baseboard that will fool the eye.
In a foyer like this one, you'll want to pay attention to the details, such as great lighting and panelled doors. Again, you can create faux panels on doors with moulding.
Another good trick is to include ornate furniture pieces that have been painted white to make up for the architectural elements that might be missing. Imagine an ornate console table in fresh white set against the rich blue wall in our feature photograph. You can purchase neglected furniture for a good price then freshen it up with white paint to add interest to your project. Other affordable items such as floating shelves and paintings, or mirrors with ornate white frames, can also be used to enhance your dramatic makeover. Suddenly, that cheesy 1970s gold-framed mirror can become renewed with fresh white paint and repurposed into your new space.
If you don't have black floors, consider purchasing an area rug in rich tones with black accents and borders. I wouldn't go all black with the area rug, as you'll see every piece of lint, dust and pet hair that touches it.
Adding drama is all about making the eye stop and take a second look. Use rich colours contrasted with white to really make things pop. Add some ornate touches for a bit of glam and a little sparkle to finish the look. The lesson here is Pop, Stop and Drool. A decor like this will pop, stop the eye and make your guests drool.
connieoliver@shaw.ca
