Colors

Some TLC for your room’s sixth side

We have grown up with the impression (presumably) that ceilings must be white. Even so, my daughter who is a product of the millennial generation can’t think any different.

Recently she decided to paint her room white, which meant the ceiling and trim had to be white too. With plain white furniture already in the room and zero texture, I had to contrive.

The floor tiles in her room had a yellow undertone, so my options for white must have a yellow undertone. I picked two options and suggested the lighter off white (my “trust me I am color consultant’ hat was convincing). We went with BM OC-122, Cotton balls. It was an off- white that would appear almost white in her well-lit room. While the bright white ceiling and trim was untouched, I was happy that the overall effect was not dull and boring.

The essence was minimalism yet pops of color made the space livable and warm.

How about this bedroom below?  The walls and ceiling in one color make the room appear larger than it is, enhancing every piece of décor.  What if the ceiling was also white?  I can imagine the eye resting on patches of color and the beauty of the décor and design getting lost in the mix.  

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Tender loving care (TLC) towards the ceiling will create incredible appeal. How about a wooden ceiling, wooden windows and décor combined with white and black….?

….Or a white and wood ceiling coordinated with wooden flooring, staircase and white walls? Don’t you think a variety of texture in this living room makes it more interesting?

Industrial design in coffee shops and restaurants seems to be trending. What do you think of this “dressed-up” white ceiling?

When ceilings are ornate or busy with crown molding, the design elements need to stand out. Here, white would do the job. Of course there are churches, palaces, mosques and museums where you want to stare at those artistic and colorful ceilings forever.

Dark furniture, for instance cherry oak, would work well with white walls and ceiling. On the other hand, what do you think of pleasing pastel color combined with white to bring out the ceiling elements in the hotel below? Don’t miss the marble border above the trim connecting with the pillar so that it is not singled out.

If you want yellow walls, then white would work on the ceiling. In this older home below, don’t you think the white and yellow are well balanced? I love the crown molding on the wall; it takes away any overt attention from the ceiling.

High ceilings create a formal environment in a traditional or modern home. For warmth and coziness, you could have a dark ceiling to lower the room’s height while white walls give largeness to space. Do you think this innovative shophouse in Southeast Asia though expansive, creates warmth?

How about you? What color would you pick for your ceiling?

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Accessories to accent

Accessories to accent

Color design completes a full circle with eye-catching accessories. They make a difference whether it’s a stool, a rug, pillows, shelf, dresser or just flowers and fruits.

 

Take a look at the bedroom below. Each décor piece holds its own yet blends in with the one next to it. Think about this – Although the colors are different, the neon pink dotted box offsets the fuchsia pink flowers and the brown vase looks great next to the red-brown lamp base. The white side table is perfect with the lampshade. And then these hues flow through the pillow, again in different shades, enhancing the calming green, grey and white.

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Blending Vintage with Modern

I love vintage home décor and furniture provided it’s not heavy and in the face. I have always wanted to get some stuff but I felt it would not suit my home. Though my house was old, it looked well maintained with a compact layout and no high ceilings. Nevertheless, there was roominess and warmth. What made me move in were these features plus the large kitchen and a light brown wood and black wrought iron staircase railing with pretty floral carving.

If you’re lucky to have a house with a true old home character or an apartment with an unusual appeal then decorate it in a way that preserves the past and brings out its modern traits.  The outcome? Enhanced warmth.  

Let’s look at this pretty bathroom. Minimalism in neutral colors augments the vintage design on the upper wall. I love everything in this blend of functionality and charm. 

Flip this design concept and you get a small wonder. What do you think of this?

Creating an authentic style by combining vintage and contemporary pieces gives a comfortable and relaxed feeling and makes the home less formal.

Here’s a dining area crafted by matching antique and modern décor.  Don’t you think the bright pink with weathered wood looks stunning?

Think about this. If you want to make a big splash, add vintage decor to your modern space. Take a look at these fascinating pieces that are meant to heighten the warmth and interest in the midst of clean solid lines.

Beaten by time, this large wooden door with elevated planters is out to get your attention and yet the modern design does not make it look out of place.  

This one would be perfect above a cozy kitchen dining table.

Can you imagine these amazing wine glasses on your contemporary dining set?  

Where would these antiques look good? By a corner or side seating in the living room? Or even a hallway area?

How about this arrangement with pops of color in your study?  

I love this buffet in the kitchen; a one of kind exotica that could well become an heirloom. Does it seem like the odd piece in this mix of modern texture, design and color?

Now would you part with this lovely vintage chair or find a place for it in your new home? 

Imagine this group of vintage maps on a gray wall above a sleek light taupe couch.  Do you think the vignette would be complete with a center table made of glass and light gray metal, peach flowers in a taupe vase and a set of gray, beige and peach coffee table books?

Would love to hear from you? What are your ideas about combining the old with the new?