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To get the right color for your
home, Deas says most paint stores will provide a "draw down"
which is sheet of paper, usually 8 1/2 x 11, painted with the
color you request. It's bigger than a paint chip and much easier
for judging what your room will look like. Room color changes
depending on the time of day, so before you paint, make sure
you look at your color samples in the morning, afternoon and
evening light. Other great shades of colors for spring are dusty
pastels, according to John Franke of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh.
"We'll be seeing a lot of them this spring -- shades of
shrimp and mint," he says. "Get rid of dark accents
and think Necco wafer colors."
To add inexpensive touches of
color, Franke likes to browse clearance sections of favorite
stores for home accessories with slight nicks or other damage,
and then he adds a coat or two of spray paint in a great shade
of white. "It's a fun and affordable way to add spring accents
to your home," he adds.
Don't be afraid to throw a few
summer furniture pieces into to the mix by adding a wicker table
or chair to your living room or den, says Franke. Roll up heavy
oriental rugs, take down dark draperies, and leave windows bare
or with sheers. Add a basket of citrus fruits, like lemons, in
a rough-hewn basket. "It's another wonderful and low-cost
way to add punches of color for spring," says Franke, with
the idea being to "let in as much light as possible."
In the south, Joan Faison, head
of the Interior Design department of The Art Institute of Charlotte,
says color palettes tend toward a "more traditional look."
She sees yellow as the big spring color trend, "in a whole
range of yellow shades -- brownish and golds -- with red and
green accents."
Faison thinks the trend toward
"happy colors" may have something to do with the events
of Sept. 11, as they do with a resurgence of patriotic colors.
Red, white and blue is more than just a trend, says Faison. For
home design, patriotic colors are being done "with a more
contemporary spin, which gives them a fresh approach," according
to the designer.
Faison suggest getting inspired
for spring by visiting a high-end furniture store gallery. These
stores encourage people to come in, browse and get ideas on furniture
arrangement, accessories and artwork. |