White
Alone, white can be stark and cold. Using white to balance colour, however, is a great way to up the ante with your décor. White piping on a navy sofa, white wainscoting in a vivid pumpkin-coloured dining room or white stair rails against mahogany stairs add dimension and contrast to what might otherwise be dark or overpowering.
Colour needs contrast in order to work. If you painted a small bathroom navy, for instance, and didn't have any white accents in the room, it would appear dark and gloomy. Add a white shower curtain, white linens and white accent tiles and suddenly the room pops with drama. People often shy away from dramatic wall colour for fear of overpowering a space but if you have a good balance of white or cream accents to add to the mix then strong colour can really work.
Trim and architecture
Rambling old houses with tons of ornate trim, molding and other architectural details are great places to use strong colour. By painting the trim in white or cream you can use colours like brown, pumpkin, red and navy successfully because the trim will provide tons of visual interest and will help break up the strong wall colour. If your home doesn't boast ornate trim, add to it in order to make it look substantial enough to do the trick. You could also use white window treatments to offset rich wall colour if your window trim is insufficient in size.
White on white
For those who prefer a restful, monochromatic space, a white on white room can be glorious with the right elements added to it. In a restful bedroom, for example, tone on tone of white and cream will provide a luxurious and peaceful setting. To keep it interesting, use lots of texture and subtle pattern. Satins, brocades, chunky knits, cording and braiding and tons of trimmed accent pillows on the bed will create an oasis built for a queen.
Black
Black is dramatic but often necessary in small doses to give dimension to a space. Black picture frames against a vivid wall colour, for example, would be more stylish than wooden frames would be. Black and white photography is a wonderful way to add a personal touch to your décor in an artful way. Rethink all of those dated, colour portraits that are hanging up now and change them into black and white art. Display these photographs on black or ebony floating frames for an updated look. Other black accessories like those made of black iron are good fodder for a balanced décor. A touch of black here and there creates punches of subtle drama and sophistication. Black furniture can be visually overpowering so opt instead for touches of black in accents like lamps, accessories and shelving. Highlights of black in items like area rugs and draperies can be stunning touches as well. Don't rule out black because black rules!
Black and white together
The classic black and white tile floor comes to mind as just one example of how black and white together can create dramatic effect. While this look is not for everyone, black and white can work together in more subtle ways which can be just as interesting. Black toile, for example, would be a wonderful fabric for draperies or toss cushions in just about any colour décor. The black and white tones bring this timeless pattern into the present beautifully. Medium-sized black and white checks in bedding denote a masculine décor which would be great for young boys. Black and white stripes in small doses (like on an accent chair) can give a real punch of drama. A faux zebra print rug might be stunning in the den while a pattern of small black and white dots on a lampshade add subtle charm to a bedside lamp. Other ways to incorporate black into your décor is by using black cabinet hardware or blackboard paint on a pantry door.
Espresso is the new black
Espresso seems to be replacing black in the décor arena in places like bathroom vanities and cabinetry. This almost black colour can work well in place of plain black so don't shy away from it. Again, the balance of white (sink and tub) against this dark, dramatic colour makes it work. Balance is the key.
So, don't be shy of using great colour, just include some elements of white and/or black to balance the look and to add drama.
Coliver@3web.net
