Dear Debbie;
I love our cosy master bedroom. Colours are neutral browns, chocolate, tan and creamy white. The headboard is quite large and covered in a deep brown suede fabric. I'd like to lighten the room up for summer without losing the tranquil feel. What would you suggest?
-- Remy
Dear Remy;
You have created a calm, sophisticated bedroom that suits your desire for a tranquil retreat. I would look at the big picture and work on a solution that will be more inviting for the warmer months, and also add a touch of cheer in the winter. Start with the walls, especially the one behind the headboard. Choose from this year's soft pastels, a summer lavender would make a perfect backdrop to your browns and taupes, and is light and calm.
If you are feeling really inspired, then why not go even further and build some architectural interest with a paneled wall? You can do this with moulding strips nailed onto your wall in a pattern of squares. Once painted, it will look like a solid wood paneled wall.
To make a seasonal change, the simplest step is to switch your bed linens. Strip away heavy bedspreads or duvets and replace with light weight linens and fabrics. Look for the exciting new florals and nature themes that are out there. Fresh flowers by the bed, a change of artwork on the walls, even a new pair of lampshades will breathe new life into the room. It's like opening up the windows and letting the colours and patterns of summer float in.
Dear Debbie;
I am going to be painting my small bedroom. I've heard that if you paint one colour on the walls and paint the ceiling a little bit darker, this creates the illusion of a bigger room. Is this true?
Angela
Dear Angela;
I don't agree with this, in fact, I think it will make you feel like you are in a box with a lid on it, Instead, choose a pale wall colour such as cream and try a very pale blue on the ceiling. This will open the room up. Another option is pale green with a light tint of pink on the ceiling. Just make sure that the colours have the same intensity and stick to the pastel tinted white range. In my living room I have dove grey walls and a pale aqua ceiling, you barely notice it, but it gives a beautiful contemporary feel.
Dear Debbie;
Our basement is long and narrow, 60 ft. x 15 ft. It feels like a bowling alley. I'm thinking of wainscoting, light shade on top and darker below. Or light colour on the long walls and dark at each end. Which is the better solution to make the room feel shorter? Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Cheryl
Dear Cheryl;
This is a common dilemma for basement rooms. I would stay away from the wainscoting as you will be chopping the walls in half. The better solution is to apply the slightly darker shade at the end wall. For best results, choose an advancing colour such as red, yellow or orange. These are warm colours that produce the effect of the wall coming toward you and therefore make the room feel a little shorter. Another option is to make the end walls display areas - a photo gallery or shelves for books and objects that reflect your interests.
Debbie Travis' House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Please email your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.
