The Accent Wall

 I have had many clients recently who have complained that their rooms look boring, especially in photos.  I usually suggest to them that we first change the paint color to something bolder.  Then we can go from there.  I can't tell you how many people are afraid of color.  Beige, tan, grey and taupe seem to be every body's safety zones.  I can understand this too, but a room will never really look dramatic without the use of color.

   Color is a tricky thing.  It is actually the absorption of light within a given space.  This basically means the sage green paint you purchased in the paint store will look totally different in your home than it did in the store.  I equate picking a paint color with trying on clothes.  You can pick a beautiful outfit, but when you put on and it doesn't fit, you will hate it.  The same applies to paint color. You have to bring large color samples into your home and leave then up for several days.  This will allow you to see if the color really does something for your space.

  I often get people to commit to a color they love, but when push come to shove they revert back to safety beige.  That is when I call in the compromise I am using more and more these days, THE ACCENT WALL. You color chickens have your out now with the accent wall.  In a sea of beige or grey you can use an accent wall to make a statement without totally letting go of your inhibitions.  The accent wall is the perfect solution to the color challenged.

 There are several rules, though, when it come to the accent wall.  First, the accent wall needs to be the darkest or brightest wall in the space. Secondly, an accent wall should only be used in one room of a house.   An accent wall, in more than one room, will ruin the effect you want.  Thirdly, pick a focal wall to make the accent color.  A fireplace wall or one with special height or architecture is your best bet for this paint treatment. I must admit I too was a little afraid of a change in color.  My living room is a pretty pale yellow shade and every time a photographed the room it looked bland.  I have always wanted to make that large room with 10 foot ceilings pop, but I did not want to make the room too dark.  Today I took the plunge and created a beautiful mossy green color on my fireplace wall.  IT LOOKS FANTASTIC.  I can't believe it took almost 7 years to be color brave. Well, I guess the same color rules apply to me as everyone I work with.   I tell all my clients be brave and  just do it.  After all if you don't like it in the end it's only a little paint.