Guest post by local interior designer Cheryl Luckett, owner of Dwell by Cheryl interiors.
Design Dilemma: “I tend to always move toward browns. I am in desperate need of a refresh and am looking for some recommendations on color…I have no clue. How do you determine what color to select? Looking to change pillows and potentially rug – keeping couch and artwork.” – Kristina
Cheryl’s Advice: Never fear, we all tend to have a comfort zone when it comes to color. Brown just happens to be your default. It’s actually not a bad thing.
Brown is a warm hue that plays well with many other colors. It also has a way of adding a cozy feeling to a living space. Try freshening things up with lighter colors like varying shades and tints of blue.
Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/31510868/Luxe-Montclair-Home-traditional-family-room-new-york
A cream rug would immediately brighten the space, while still grounding the seating area. Pops of blue and creams can even be added in through pillows, accessories (perhaps a pair of lamps) and accent furniture.
Another option is to use your rug selection to draw out your accent colors. I accomplished this in a past project by pulling the golden yellow from the rug and incorporating it in the drapes, pillows and accessories.
Source: Dwell by Cheryl Interiors
Here are two examples that come to mind for me for your space…
A few additional tips:
- Ensure your rug size is adequate for the space. Rugs should be used to define an area. In this case, it’s a seating/living area, so be sure that at least the front legs of your seating can be placed on the rug.
- A larger cocktail table/ottoman will serve as a surface to put your feet up, rest a beverage and to add a few decorative elements to tie your new color scheme together.
- The addition of larger scale table lamps and matching end tables will add a bit of symmetry to the space. Symmetry is typically very pleasing to the eye and helps to balance out the large sofa.
Stay tuned for more advice as part of the weekly “Tell Dwell Tuesdays” series! And join us for a free “Spruce Up for Spring” decorating class taught by Cheryl on Thursday, April 27 at 6 p.m. at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus (5301 Wilkinson Blvd, Charlotte, N.C. 28208). Bring your girlfriends for a girls’ night out, or your spouse to learn new ideas to transform your shared home.
Cheryl will offer advice on what’s trending and how to find the good stuff, including identifying furniture with “good bones.” She’ll share her tips for shopping thrift stores such as Goodwill – including the best times/frequency/locations to shop – and more. A signature “mocktail” and hors d’oeuvres will be provided, plus giveaways including a coupon to our retail stores. Space is limited, so RSVP now on Eventbrite here.
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