Dear Debbie: I am quite taken by the metallic look and would like to paint my walls with golden-brown metallic paint, but would it be too much?
Frank
When applied with care, metallic paint will produce a stunning result. It is robust and dramatic, but does not have to be overwhelming. There are a few tips to help you make the most of your decorating. In the vignette shown above I envisioned a restful space that personified a rich and adventurous lifestyle. I painted the walls metallic bronze. When left alone it appeared garish, but by ragging dark brown glaze over the top, the effect is softened as bronze peaks through and catches the light. To reproduce the look, apply a base coat of metallic bronze. Mix a glaze, one part brown paint to 4 parts glazing liquid. Roll it over the base coat and immediately pounce over the glaze with a stippling brush. Periodically remove the wet glaze from the brush. Play around with this technique until you have light and dark areas that show the bronze peeking through.
Walls this grand should be matched by trim and doors that carry the same weight as well as substantial furnishings to keep the room in balance. A simple, dark brown fireplace surround was given the royal treatment with small inlays of faux tortoiseshell. The brown and black tones come alive with several coats of high-gloss varnish. Cork floors are warm, comfortable and durable. They can be stained any colour so that you can customize a design, or come already sealed. Enjoy decorating in your own personal style.
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Dear Debbie: A friend wants to paint her kitchen and family room a dark brown with white trim around windows and sliding door. What would you think about this? It鈥檚 an open kitchen, light painted cupboards, light coloured floor tiles. The amily room has brown carpet.
Inez
Personal tastes differ, and I听shy away from imposing rules or trends on anyone. But if asked, I would say that chocolate brown is a bit dated now. However, a mouse grey brown is very chic and looks wonderful with white accents. This choice will complement the kitchen cabinets and floor and transform the entire open concept space.
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Dear Debbie: Can you recommend a paint colour for a small bedroom that faces north so gets no sunlight? When our son was young he wanted the walls white but the white paint we used doesn鈥檛 really look white in this room. We are happy to have the walls white again but are open to new suggestions.
Eileen
As you have experienced, the presence and direction of the sun鈥檚 rays have a big effect on how we perceive colour. There are warm and cool shades of white, and here you want a听warm shade of cream or antique white. Use a bit of sheen in the paint, eggshell or a step down from semi-gloss. This will create some depth. Or, why not brighten up his room with a pale but sunny butter yellow?
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Debbie Travis鈥� column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Email [email protected]. Follow Debbie on Twitter at twitter.com/debbie_travis and visit Debbie鈥檚 website at debbietravis.com
