Painting Rooms - Interior Design Advice

Q. Lately I've visited three houses that have a room where 1 wall is painted a different color than the others. Is this something new? It seems off to me.

A. Painting just one wall is not new. It can be very effective to pull color through an open space by repeating the wall color in furniture and accessories.

It works on a "weak" wall to add strength. A "weak" wall is one that has no opening or architectural feature like doors, window, fireplace, etc.

Giving this wall a different look gives it importance to compete with the other walls.

Q. Hello, I have recently painted my room. I love bright colors so I did each wall different. Lime green, Mango orange, Purple, and Yellow.

I love the colors but they don't blend. I was wondering if stripes would help and if so I'm not sure what colors.

If you have any advice I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks, Cambree

A. You have courage! Congratulations. Your colors do not blend but are complimentary and that's good.

Since all the colors are strong, you also achieved some balance and that is the goal to achieve a pleasant impact. Now you must go the next step.

On each color add a compliment, an example would be on the lime green wall add a picture that had purple, yellow and mango with maybe a small amount of green-not necessarily lime.

Repeat that concept on each colored wall using different subjects- like a headboard, or curtain, etc. This will create rhythm in you space.

You should also incorporate the ceiling and floor colors in your space.

Q. My bedroom paint needs a freshening up.

I don't want to change the bedding but how will I get the new paint noticed if I just have it repainted the same color?

A. Try a new color. Change a lamp shade to a complimentary color, add a new picture or recover a chair.

Make your decisions based on placing similar colors or styles in a triangle space. This leads to good balance. You will really great a fresh look!

It's not about how much you spend or change, but how you do it.

HGTV is a wonderful teacher. Reflections also gives classes that are geared toward the consumer.

Q. I'm going to be painting my rooms soon and I'm in the process of choosing colors.

Are the darker colors still trendy? If not, what is?

A. Don't worry about trends.

Chose what appeals to you and concentrate on creating a total environment. Changing colors or adding a new piece will only be exactly what it is.

You need to re-think your space or spaces and try a new fresh look. Again, it helps to have professional help.

Q. What color should I paint my living room walls if I have a burgundy sofa and dark pine coffee and end tables?

Also what color window coverings should I have? Thank you.

A. I wish making a space inviting and peaceful was as simple as you are anticipating. But - not so.

Your sofa and table colors are a small percentage of the space that remains unexplained. Four walls, ceiling and floor.

Since appealing rooms, regardless of their style, all share a balance of color, texture, scale and theme, without more information I cannot give you advice that would be accurate. You may want to seek the advice of a designer to consult with you for the best advice.

Q. I love the design shows on cable such as Trading Spaces but wonder if people actually paint designs (usually freehand!) on their walls as much as they do on TV.

Everyone seems to have something painted on their walls. Do you see this in the real world very much?

A. Painted wall designs offer character, depth, and a theme to any given space. This can be achieved with the use of wallpaper, patterned wood trim, murals, or the painting of unique objects.

If you are talented, it is cost effective to paint the design yourself. If you are not, try taking a picture and projecting it on the wall with a projector then outline the image and paint it in. Inexpensive projectors can be purchased at paint stores for this purpose.

Wall paintings are not a new concept. This art has been around for centuries. Television and technology have brought this technique to our attention.

Wall art is a great way to make a room or a weak wall come to life.