Learn Interior Redesign from a Professional

Picking color still a real challenge

Out of curiosity, I picked up a book from 1968 called The Complete Basic Book of Home Decorating, edited by William E. Hague. I thought it would be interesting to read about the styles and trends popular then, compared with current styles. I was expecting a lot of laughs and outdated advice. I did get some of that, especially in some of the color photographs (So many patterns! Remember when the drapes matched the upholstery, and the pillows and the wallpaper?)

In the chapter on color, the author explains that “it is perhaps because color has become so ubiquitous and important in our lives that it is approached by so many women with fear and trepidation… because the range of choice is so wide the amateur decorator is understandably confused and uncertain.” As we all know, this fear of making a color mistake still exists. For fun, I want to look at the author’s list of most common color mistakes. There are 50 listed in the book — we’ll just look at a few of my favorites. Some I agree with, and others I don’t. Let’s see what you think.

1. Using neutral colors to be “safe”.
My spin: Don’t be afraid of color! The right color can do wonders for a room. Many people tell me “I didn’t know what to pick, so I picked beige.” If you don’t know what to pick, enlist some help. Ask a friend with an eye for color, or call a designer or decorator.


2. Making a man suffer in a pink bedroom, or, worse, a pink living room. Think of others when you plan a scheme.
My spin: I read this to my husband and he agreed! Many husbands will go along with what their wives want, but they deserve to be heard as well. Try burgundy instead, with a vase of pink roses for you.


3. Using colored lamp shades; they throw off a bad light.
My spin: This may be true; however, I love black lamp shades. They can really add a touch of elegance to a room.


4. Using too many different colored Oriental rugs in one room.
My spin: I agree — too much color and pattern can be overwhelming and distract from the other elements in the room. In general, I use a minimum number of area rugs in any space. Pick a color from the rug as your wall color.


5. Using bizarre or offbeat colors in ceramic tile, counters, or other fixed architectural elements in a bath or kitchen.
My spin: I wonder what this author would call “bizarre?” I agree that we should stay away from “bizarre” colors anywhere! But personal preference does come into play. What would the author think of my Cobalt Blue glass tile backsplash?


6. Using plants to cover up decorating mistakes.
My spin: This one made me laugh — I can picture a hanging plant covering up a badly painted corner. I wonder what the author saw that inspired this tip.

This article first appeared in Alameda Newspaper Group papers on Sept. 29, 2007.

Go back to the list of decorating columns.

All articles copyright 2003-2008 Anna Jacoby.