Take a look at model homes for bold, brave use of color

When I need design inspiration, one of the things I like to do is visit model homes. There is something about the careful placement of accessories and perfectly coordinated furnishings that appeal to most of us, even though we know intellectually that it would be impossible to live in such an environment. (In models there is no junk mail or laundry.) I visit models to see how other designers have used color, pattern and texture throughout a home. Model home designers use color very effectively. Next time you go, notice how the designers select three or four colors and use them throughout the house in varying shades and quantities. This strategy gives the entire house a very cohesive, pulled together look. I hope this column inspires you to try some interesting new techniques with color.

In one model, the color scheme for the whole house was red, black and white, with accents of chrome and silver. The most striking room was one of the bedrooms — molding had been installed on the walls about a foot down from the ceiling; below the molding, all four walls were painted an incredible dark charcoal gray, almost black. The molding itself, along with the wall above the molding and the ceiling were painted bright white. I can only imagine how apprehensive they must have been when they began painting the walls that graphite color. Like many of us, they must have wondered, “Will this make the room look like a cave? Will people think we were crazy for picking this color?” However, the completed room, with white furniture, black, red, and white bedding and silver lamps, looked absolutely fabulous. I immediately started thinking of a room in my own house I might be able to paint like this. I actually might try it in one of my bathrooms. The unexpected color worked for a couple of reasons: the bright white of the furniture, ceiling, doors and trim broke up the darkness of the walls, and the room received a good deal of natural light. Using red as an accent color in pillows and accessories really added a punch.

In the same house, the downstairs powder room was equally gorgeous. It had bright, glossy white bead board wainscoting, a white pedestal sink, white tiled floor, and a large silver framed mirror. Above the wainscoting, the designers had chosen a rich ruby red color and painted alternating wide stripes of flat and semi-gloss. This gave the already spectacular red walls even more interest. The overall look reminded me of the inside of a velvet-lined jewelry box. With a black and red art print and black towels, this bathroom was a showstopper.

The main wall color throughout the house was a neutral taupe, which set off beautifully the dark wood furniture and black, red and white accents. Touches of silver and polished chrome in the frames, lamps and fixtures were just what the rooms needed. Are any of you willing to try something so daring and stunning?

This article first appeared in Alameda Newspaper Group papers on August 18, 2007.

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All articles copyright 2003-2008 Anna Jacoby.