Colors & Patterns :: Some Rules to Follow

I look online for a great deal of information on everything, be it written word, up and coming artists, food and wine movements and when considering design trends. When you look at what is being said in print online or by celebrity designers, the advice on what is "in" is as varied as stars burning in the sky.

This is also true in my work as a designer of interiors. There are a plethora of ideas and even more opinions on "what is hot" and "what is not." How does one deal with it?

1. Keep your wall color choices simple, clean and classic. If you wish to experiment with texture, colors or patterns, choose one wall and go for it. Adding to or changing back one wall is much easier than a whole room redo. A word of caution is in order; keep it simple, keep it subtle and, keep it timeless. Otherwise, you could end up with a overly-patterned, schizophrenia-inducing room that can only be used in the evening - with the lights down low - really, really, low.

2. Fabric is a wonderful thing. But, beware the overly floral, striped or
plaid sofa. If you wish to have pattern, stick to accessories that can be changed out frequently and easily. Replacing a sofa is an expensive process, but changing out pillows, draperies, a throw or a rug (okay, rugs aren't always cheap), is much less expensive - as long as you've paid attention to step number one; or for that matter number three (read on).

3. Beware the fad. Pink is pretty, aqua is too, but when it comes to permanence, you will cry, boo-hoo! Ever walk into one of those houses with Pepto- Bismol pink tiles and suddenly feel nauseous for no reason? How about the dark green paneling and gold carpets of the late '70s, or the lovely '80s Southwestern trend of pickled wood, mauve and mint green? (Can you hear me gagging?)

Stick to classic motifs. There are pieces in every decade from which you can pull successfully, be it modern, antique, or the smoked-glass and chrome of the '70s. Look for items and finishes that are "reinterpretations" of classic lines. "Everything old is new again..."

4. Have a balanced approach to light and dark. I admit that this one is not as simple as it looks. The best example is to compare it to rooms that feel dark, oppressive or dungeon-like when you enter them (you all know them).

I had a client whose kitchen was just that. Dark flooring, dark cabinets, dark counters and little, tiny windows, complicated even more by fluorescent lighting. She had just purchased lovely new stainless steel appliances, but, sadly, the only thing that accomplished was to make it feel faintly morgue-esque.

She couldn't afford a complete remodel, so we "gussied it up" by simply repainting and then replacing the counters and backsplash. The wood floors remained dark, but the upper and lower cabinets got a fresh coat (okay, many, if you must know the truth) of white semi-gloss enamel. (Remember, surface preparation before painting is a vital step, as is letting coats dry thoroughly between.)

We splurged on the counters by replacing them with an impressive-yet- classic Carrera marble. Finishing by using a multi-tone, multi-tile panel on the backsplash that reflected the lights, darks and mid-tones of the new color scheme.

Boring greys and whites, you say? Color came through with the accessories, the sheen of stainless steel, a shiny red toaster, classic, red dish towels, some great red storage pieces, some red cookware on the rack and even some kick- ass red glassware. End point being, with classic materials, classic tones and some paint, you can turn any dungeon into a showplace. Simply "lighten up."

5. Ask your design professional. Have at least one consultation with someone who has a strong basic knowledge about interior colors and finishes. I can't tell you how many costly mistakes I have had to rectify over the years, because a consumer just didn't comprehend those basics.

Hint: Spend some time collecting examples of things you love - magazine clippings, ideas you "pin" on your Pinterest account or other web-based op- tions speak volumes about your"likes."

Remember, "A picture is worth a thousand words" applies for this, too.