1001 Ideas for Color & Paint
Painting a room is the "quickest and most cost-effective way to dramatically transform the look of your home," says Callery (Right First Time Decorating). For those ready to take the plunge into color, the author explains how colors are perceived, what color schemes work and how to achieve them. Using that classic elementary-school art class prop, the color wheel, Callery illustrates the differences between primary, secondary and tertiary colors, as well as harmonizing, contrasting, warm and cool colors. She then addresses various schemes, starting with naturals and neutrals, moving through "Mediterranean magic" and "exotic looks," and into "period colors" which, when used in a historic home, create a link with the past, but when used in a modern home, lend "a whole new feeling of identity." Although Callery provides plenty of instruction for overwhelmed readers, she also urges them to think creatively. For example, if you like neutrals, "think of nature when creating your schemes—try mixing sea and sand, bark and leaves, stone and moss." Later chapters focus on enhancing space; adding patterns, borders or scenes to a painted wall; and using textural finishes and faux techniques. Photos are abundant, and some sections feature numerous renderings of the same room decorated in various color schemes.(Mar.)Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.