Page 38 - Indulge September 2017

Bold colors
add vitality to
While some colors may be
synonymous with certain times of
year, homeowners can employ bold colors in
their homes all year long. By embracing bold
painting and decorating styles, homeowners
can use fresh color palettes to make rooms
more inviting and colorful. These popular
color combinations can provide inspiration.
Green and pink
Colors on opposite ends of the color wheel
will always complement each other. Green
paired with pink calls to mind the great
outdoors. These hues can add a touch of
floral spring sunshine even when that season
has long since passed. Opt for a deep green
and a carnation pink for maximum impact.
And don’t forget a vase full of fresh blooms
as the finishing factor.
“These are two colors that we view
beautifully together in nature all the time,” Turquoise and brick red
says Lia Papasimakis Fraccaro of House
Splendid in Emmaus. “A very fresh pairing,
wonderful for a living room, bedroom or even
formal dining room. And if coupled with
touches of gold or antique glass, it could
easily lend itself to a more exotic feel.”
Lavender and deep blue
Analogous colors are three colors that
sit side-by-side on the color wheel and
38 | indulge • September 2017
share a common denominator in terms
of shade. Lavender, blue and an orchid
pink are examples of such hues. This cool,
regal combination can add femininity to a
bedroom or even drama to another space in
the house. If painting the walls dark blue or a fun and vintage vibe,” says Papasimakis
lavender seems scary, opt for a neutral shade Fraccaro. “Consider this for a family room, as
on walls and then dress up the space with
inky and violet accents.
“A wonderful union that offers any space
a sense of calm and relaxation. Perfect for
any bedroom, the lavender is lighter and
more feminine, while the deep blue can
bring in a masculine balancing quality,” says
Papasimakis Fraccaro. “Great for a master or
guest bath — just imaging those two colors
together reminds me of being on vacation,
and who wouldn’t want to bring a touch of
that into their home?”
Enhance the “wow” factor with these
bold colors. Although they are striking,
when they work together, they also
can impart a soothing feel, particularly
since they are often inspired by Asian
influences. Feature a light turquoise sofa
with red throw pillows. Or dress up meals
with a red tablecloth on the dining table
and turquoise, white and red, patterned
place mats.
“Two vibrant colors, this duo would appeal
to those ready to explore a more dynamic
aesthetic. A wonderful choice for a kitchen,
these colors set against a backdrop of crisp
white cabinetry and subway tile will afford you
shades of red and orange are known to foster
great conversation with family and friends. This
combination could also work really well with
bursts of black and for those appealing to an
Asian theme.”
Gray and yellow
Yellow is a pick-me-up color any time of
the year, but, when combined with a gray, it’s
toned down to be soothing instead of startling.
This color combination is popular in kitchens,
nurseries and entryways. Have fun in the
kitchen with mottled gray stone countertops,
pale yellow walls and canary café curtains.
“When pairing color, almost
anything can go. The key is working
with combinations that compliment and
balance each other,” says Papasimakis
Fraccaro. “If designing with darker tones,
lighten things up by accessorizing. Get
reflective surfaces such as various metals,
glass, and mirror. If designing with lighter
hues, add some pops of contrast with darker
accessories and woods for visual interest.”