'Crash' Colors for an Extraordinary Look
8 Good Ways to Use Two or More Paint Colors in One Space
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I'm a Designer & Color Consultant specializing in interior and exterior... More »
Sometimes limiting a room to one color also limits the room's potential. Most of us want homes that are intriguing and filled with personality, but where do you begin?
I say start with color but break the rules. You can create an extraordinary look by using two or more colors in one space — something I call color crashing. Read on to see how it's done.
I say start with color but break the rules. You can create an extraordinary look by using two or more colors in one space — something I call color crashing. Read on to see how it's done.
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| Color From Above. Painted ceilings always bring an added dimension to a room. I think it's especially interesting when the ceiling color is darker than the wall color. |
Some Like It Hot. Turn up the heat with a combination of red and orange. With this bold color scheme, you'll also want to include white — in the furniture, on one wall (as shown here), or the trim. This will provide much needed balance.
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| Plan It Earth. For an extra cozy space, pair up chocolate brown with other warm earth tones like khaki, tan, taupe or latte. Use the darker color to create a focal wall by adding a great piece of artwork or photos. |
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| Horizontal Stripes. One of the most stylish ways to use a dual-tone technique is with horizontal stripes. If you have a small space, the horizontality will make the walls appear longer and therefore the room bigger. |
Dynamic Duo. Colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel create a dramatic and visually stimulating space. Here, blue and orange enliven a stairwell and also emphasize the interesting angles of the ceiling.
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| Gray's Anatomy. Gray is such a hot neutral these days, but some people struggle with how to make it look interesting. One way is to use two different shades of gray, such as charcoal and steel gray. You'll still have a monochromatic look but the variation will add just enough interest to catch the eye.
How to Pick the Right Gray |
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| Three Isn't a Crowd. Using three colors in a room can look very harmonious and free flowing when you use colors with similar tonalities. In this space, each color is soft and slightly muted. Each hue also brings out the room's amazing architecture. |
Go to Your Room. Kids and teens love colorful spaces. Using a handful of hues in their bedroom will create a stimulating, fun place. Let your child help with choosing the colors. The downside: Being sent to his or her room just may lose its effectiveness.
More:
More guides to choosing color for your home
Color Courage: Using Jewel Tones
Choose an Unexpected Color for Your Trim
More:
More guides to choosing color for your home
Color Courage: Using Jewel Tones
Choose an Unexpected Color for Your Trim
Comments
annalaye I love the chocolate brown focal wall with the lighter walls....
23 months ago · Like
freedom WOW ! I really love how you throw the unexpected into the mix right where it belongs ! Funky and Glam all so well put together :)
23 months ago · Like
freedom Now I have to go to your link to see your other fun creations !
23 months ago · Like
herzleinmild Love all the colors!!!
23 months ago · Like
Ideabook updated on July 18, 2011.
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