There are a few bold decorating steps that take an adventurous spirit and a聽personal sense of style to execute.
One is moving to a dark palette 鈥� layering walls, floors and ceilings in deep, rich hues, and including furnishings that share the same shadowy nature.
It鈥檚 daring, but it also presents an exciting, theatrical atmosphere. Done right, it鈥檚 calm, not boring, expressive, not dismal.
I hear from readers who want to take that big step toward a den with black walls or a bedroom drenched in midnight blue. Their hesitation emanates from the negative vibes others in the home are sending. It is not for everyone. But what decorating choices are universally accepted?
I came across a book that revels in the unexpected. Extraordinary Interiors showcases rooms and homes that are bold, powerful and mostly clothed in darkness. Yet the photography, by Debi Treloar, and text, by Jane Rockett and Lucy St. George, capture how lighthearted and stylish a charcoal palette can be.
The authors travel far and wide to stock their eclectic housewares store. Their particular brand of decorating rooms that always have the wow factor is mapped out on the pages. Presented as a decorator鈥檚 101 class, their solid fundamentals are listed.
The importance of lighting: Every light should have a dimmer switch, never install a fluorescent light, and light candles every day.
Tips for arranging a space: Maximize natural light, take down heavy curtains; never arrange your seating around a TV; create a stylish spot and plan for every seat to have a view; creative storage is essential.
How to make it personal: Make a list 鈥� if you are living with a partner, do this together. Write five words that describe your personality, five words that describe the way you dress, and five things that make you happy.
Stunning examples of iconic furniture pieces, personal collections and eclectic lighting choices heighten interest in every space. The authors stress that decorating a home is always evolving as you grow, as you travel, as you experiment.
Back to the dark palettes that are so prominent in the book. Pictured here is a sitting room cloaked in charcoal grey and black. What lifts the monochrome look are the many changes in texture and shape. The imperfect plaster walls are subtly shaded in dark, chalky grey. Boxy leather chairs shine, their silky smooth black covers making a strong contrast against the walls. A traditional oval mirror framed in gold produces a shot of colour that glows.
An spray of pussy willows adds another dimension of shapes. Subtle accent lighting ensures a tranquil mood. The surprise is the white painted floor, and white objects in the bookcase. These bring balance.
Black and white can border on clinical. Again, it is the contrast that provides interest. In the kitchen pictured, the homeowner wanted to be part of the action as she prepared meals for family and guests. A black brick wall and black book shelves frame the open kitchen. The shelves hold personal items that bring the family鈥檚 personalities and passions into full view.
Written by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Email your decorating questions to [email protected].
