Colour trends are always fun to follow in the news, and then watch the year鈥檚 shades appear in all their glory as in the fashion and furniture markets. Suite NY鈥檚 online newsletter reported that colour was the name of the game at this year鈥檚 Milan Furniture Fair, 鈥渨ith rich saturated hues paired up with neutral materials such as marble, raw oak and metal to enliven and excite.鈥�
One of the 鈥渟tandout鈥� colours was a fresh, warm, deep shade of saffron, the newsletter said.
We recognize that yellow is full of energy, a happy colour, youthful and full of spirit. But the mood or atmosphere does fluctuate depending on how dense the yellow is.
Saffron has a golden richness that softens the dazzle, without losing the energy. It鈥檚 sophisticated, a bit dressy and even seductive.
And, straight out of the 1960s, saffron is a mellow yellow. The Divanitas Armchair and Footstool, seen here in a bed-sitting room vignette, demonstrate its comfort and allure. Suiteny.com also features Vernor Panton Flowerpot pendants and table lamps, whose spherical shapes glow in a range of luxurious shades of burgundy, teal blue, pink and saffron.
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Dear Debbie: My parents are moving into an older apartment that has dark panelling and the landlord will not allow us to paint it. What can we do to lighten the space without painting? Their sofa is hunter green and dining set a medium blond oak. Please help. Thank you.
Carolyn
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Your best bet is going to be adding some good lighting. However, you probably won鈥檛 be able to put up wall sconces or new track lighting. Look for interesting lamps, including up-lighting that will bathe the walls in soft light.
Then choose some large-scale artwork or a tapestry that is full of light, bright colours to hang on the walls. Trompe l鈥檕eil images, such as a window that opens onto a streetscape or a path that meanders along a river, are a clever way to draw the eye into the outside world and away from the dark wood. Lighten up the dark sofa fabric with a row of cushions; most colours will complement the hunter green, including lime green, pink, blue and yellow.
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Dear Debbie: We have a typical 1980s staircase, 鈥渙range鈥� oak banister and spindles, and carpet-covered risers and treads. I鈥檇 like to replace the old carpet with a Berber runner.
I鈥檝e checked under the carpet and it is plywood. Can the plywood tread be smoothed with filler and painted? I would also like the banister and spindles refinished to complement our new dark hardwood flooring.
Barb
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It鈥檚 difficult to 鈥渇ill in鈥� plywood to make it smooth, as the filler really stands out. Why not rethink the new look of your staircase and paint the plywood risers and treads with a distressed or colourwash paint technique?
Seal the plywood before you paint with a good-quality wood sealer/primer and let dry. Brush on one or two coats of creamy white paint and let dry.
Then, using a dry brush or soft cloth, rub on a brown glaze that matches your floors. Brush in one direction, then remove some of the glaze, leaving a soft, streaky look.
You could distress the banister and spindles, too, or simply paint them with the creamy white basecoat used on the stairs. A Berber runner will suit both the new stair finish and your floors.
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Debbie Travis鈥檚 House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Email your questions to [email protected]. You can follow Debbie on Twitter at twitter.com/debbie_travis, and visit Debbie鈥檚 website, debbietravis.com.
