Brian Patrick Flynn / The Associated Press
This bedroom designed with a blue-grey paint color called Drenched Rain from Dunn-Edwards brings a cool feel perfect for the long, hot summer.
Summer is typically the time of year when we dress in lighter and brighter clothing.
It is also an equally good time to utilize softer, lighter colours in the home. Lighter colours instantly give a space a feeling of being crisp, fresh and clean. Light colours can also make smaller rooms feel larger.
WHERE TO BEGIN
When decorating or deciding what colours to bring into any space, begin by evaluating a space from the doorway to get a full perspective. From there, decide what will be the largest pieces in the room and begin with those. For example, select the colour and material for your sofa before selecting your coffee table, or select your bed before selecting your nightstands.
WHY NEUTRAL?
In general, choosing light or lighter colours for your upholstery pieces are the way to go. Light colours blend well with other colours, are versatile and can be used as a canvas from which a colour palette can be created or built. Neutral colours are also timeless as opposed to trendy. As a result you will likely glean more use from your neutral selections.
LIGHT, BRIGHT AND PERFECT FOR SUMMER
Often when most people think of light colours, they only think of white and taupe, but there are a host of other colours that perk up your decor.
Some great colour options include:
• Light grey
• Muted gold
• Taupe
• Soft blue
• Light pink
When looking to bring accessories such as pillows and artwork into a space, don’t be afraid to go light and bright as well. A light painting on a wall, for example, can really add a lot of light to a room.
— Tribune News Service
