Adding freshness to your home

  We are now in our fog  and freezing rain stage  after a winter of cold and snow.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPU8bppn1fluP33GZETjVpUIiDJjIi8NXTwFsCg1q89y3hxKFayppss1MqtddNpYUYOfw8HjR0U1Ptf7rduRmMhuRE3V6dVSBJpZKBfWAGRvEFTZkeFejXUQqxi4-EgW27CuJRKpsJhvs/s1600/DSCN822366.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPU8bppn1fluP33GZETjVpUIiDJjIi8NXTwFsCg1q89y3hxKFayppss1MqtddNpYUYOfw8HjR0U1Ptf7rduRmMhuRE3V6dVSBJpZKBfWAGRvEFTZkeFejXUQqxi4-EgW27CuJRKpsJhvs/s640/DSCN822366.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div><br />Even my cheery yellow chairs which I see every day  from my kitchen window aren't  helping me feel like spring is just around the corner. I like gray, but not the gray that shrouds our island in  March.  So my thoughts go to spring which we won't get until late April or early May.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPt5og3vI2FnaekkchqjyQ7bWlz7ACWZfi37NmFYuMdjDCZrCv4hvxGLkQNh-0SG5GWfZo2nWTZHoqpoQzSfVf7kM61i7vk-WP-XI957jfT-ZS_qfccFrg_aRBvjROXpoQhbWrxsyMJ2l/s1600/DSCN824266.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPt5og3vI2FnaekkchqjyQ7bWlz7ACWZfi37NmFYuMdjDCZrCv4hvxGLkQNh-0SG5GWfZo2nWTZHoqpoQzSfVf7kM61i7vk-WP-XI957jfT-ZS_qfccFrg_aRBvjROXpoQhbWrxsyMJ2l/s400/DSCN824266.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><br />In the summer I always have flowers from my garden but in winter and early spring they are purchased.  There's nothing like flowers to bring nature and freshness into your space. Using colourful books on a table or changing pillow covers are  also  inexpensive way to perk up a room.  A throw over a chair, bed or sofa back is also an inexpensive way to add splashes of colour. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vNihhG6UauqTPAmeTwGAhr1Nxk2sVpxtcMA65784KFxP9tffSA8OwOFFPf3qyzAf1ffK5HpCWgsoSyWfZvDkM6-HeU78DrLAJ9pKmM5lpE8VyVNgwZmp7486JqVnN4UPUpKRzIIvQv3s/s1600/DSCN823966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vNihhG6UauqTPAmeTwGAhr1Nxk2sVpxtcMA65784KFxP9tffSA8OwOFFPf3qyzAf1ffK5HpCWgsoSyWfZvDkM6-HeU78DrLAJ9pKmM5lpE8VyVNgwZmp7486JqVnN4UPUpKRzIIvQv3s/s400/DSCN823966.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Choosing art works  with vibrant colours will add instant freshness and warmth to a space. </div><br /> If you want that fresh feeling in your home look to  nature for your inspiration.  You will discover all the colours that make you happy. Use these colours  to develop a complete colour scheme or pick them up as accents. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/355991/Breakers-Beach-House-contemporary-bedroom-"><img alt="Breakers Beach House contemporary bedroom" border="0" height="315" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/355991_0_8-7410-contemporary-bedroom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/san-francisco" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/hilave/viscusi-elson-interior-design-gina-viscusi-elson" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Viscusi Elson Interior Design - Gina Viscusi Elson via Houzz</a></span></small><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"> Green is the ultimate fresh colour and when you pair it with white you will always have an inviting space.  Pillows or art work with nature inspired themes like leaves or flowers add a whole other layer of freshness to the blandest decor. </span></small></div></div><br /><div style="color: #444444;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/39935/Suzanne-s-Bedroom-Makeover-Win--bedroom-philadelphia" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Suzannes Bedroom Makeover Win bedroom" border="0" height="384" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/39935_0_8-5061--bedroom.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/206508/Domicile-id---orange-county"></a><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/domicileid/domicile-interior-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Domicile Interior Design</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: left;">Poke small plants into a table top vignette and use nature inspired ceramics to create energy.  Botanical prints always work. </div><br /><small><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/51922/Sweet-as-a-Candy-eclectic-hall-other-metros"><img alt="Sweet as a Candy eclectic hall" border="0" height="750" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/51922_0_8-6681-eclectic-hall.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/media-and-blogs/other-metros" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a>  <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/federica/sweet-as-a-candy" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Sweet as a Candy</a></small><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">Topiary  and wreaths laid horizontally  can add inviting touches of nature to arrangements.Again white is the perfect backdrop for green.</span></small></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/152980/OLD-BRAND-NEW-modern-hall-other-metros" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="OLD BRAND NEW modern hall" border="0" height="714" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/152980_0_8-8804-modern-hall.jpg" width="500" /></a></div></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/media-and-blogs/los-angeles" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/oldbrandnew/dabito" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Dabito via Houzz </a></small></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><small> </small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/383583/Camilla-Molders-Design-contemporary-living-room-melbourne"><img alt="Camilla Molders Design contemporary living room" border="0" height="640" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/383583_0_8-9193-contemporary-living-room.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small> </small><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/camillamolders/camilla-molders" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Camilla Molders via Houzz</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><br /></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> If you're someone who can't keep a plant alive for longer than two weeks buy sculptural leaves and artfully add them  to your room. They have a long shelf life! </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/43612/Amoroso-Design-contemporary-family-room-san-francisco"><img alt="Amoroso Design contemporary family room" border="0" height="750" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/43612_0_8-3144-contemporary-family-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/amorosodesign/amoroso-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Amoroso Design</a></small><br /><br /><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/129132/Bath-contemporary-bathroom-san-francisco"><img alt="Bath contemporary bathroom" border="0" height="504" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/129132_0_8-8880-contemporary-bathroom.jpg" width="500" /></a><small> </small><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></small><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/gastarchitects/gast-architects" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Gast Architects via Houzz</a></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">You don't need to break the bank when buying fresh flowers .  Make up for quantity by buying the most vivid blooms you can find and group them in threes. </span> </small></div></div><div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/383583/Camilla-Molders-Design-contemporary-living-room-melbourne"><br /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><br /></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/295701/Vintage-Residence-contemporary-dining-room-chicago"><img alt="Vintage Residence contemporary dining room" border="0" height="640" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/295701_0_8-8613-contemporary-dining-room.jpg" width="484" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/chicago" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/jessicalagrangeinteriors/jessica-lagrange-interiors-llc" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Jessica Lagrange Interiors LLC</a></small><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">Use fresh fruit to add beautiful colour to your space. These green apples leap off the table in  this high contrast scheme.  Note the splashes of lavender blue too.</span></small><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/218700/Somerly-Clubroom-eclectic-living-room-atlanta"><img alt="Somerly Clubroom eclectic living room" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/218700_0_8-8350-eclectic-living-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/atlanta" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/ysdesignblog/niki-papadopoulos" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Niki Papadopoulos via houzz</a></small><br /><small><br /></small><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><small>P<span style="font-size: small;">illows and  other accessories can be quickly changed from room to room to make a space look new.  You never know where you will find objects in my house. Recycling what you already own adds freshness to your space. </span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><br /></small></div></div>

Adding freshness to your home

  We are now in our fog  and freezing rain stage  after a winter of cold and snow. Even my cheery yellow chairs which I see every day  from...

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Thoughts on mixing wood tones

<div class="viewGalleryDescription"><b></b></div><br /> Wood tones are often problematic when you  choose  a colour scheme or new furnishings.  Some  people  are willing to solve the problem by spending hours looking for furniture with the same wood tones. After all that work you may  end up with a boring room where everything looks the same and blends into each other.<br /><br />An easier and more exciting approach is to mix wood tones in your decor to provide a more layered, interesting room. You can mix tones with confidence it you stick to a few basic guidelines.<br /><br /><h4>Use your floor as the constant</h4><b> </b>When choosing furniture you have to consider your floors if they are wood.  They are the constant against which all other wood tones will be compared.  If your floor has more that one colour you can safely choose any of those colours for other wooden furniture or  accessories. <br /><br /><h4>Limit the number of tones </h4><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/97935/Bernal-Heights-Residence-contemporary-kitchen-san-francisco"><img alt="Bernal Heights Residence contemporary kitchen wood tones " border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/97935_0_8-2215-contemporary-kitchen.jpg" title="Thoughts on mixing wood tones" width="300" /></a><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professional/12908/bruce-wright" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Bruce Wright</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><span class="ArticleText">Generally, it’s best to limit the number of wood tones  to  two or three per room. In the room above only two wood tones are used. Hints of the darker tone can be found in the floor and this creates a very harmonious look. There is also good contrast between the floor and darker cabinets.That's important.</span><br /><br /><h4><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/jasonurrutia/urrutia-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"><b>Choose one tone as the "star"</b></a></h4><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/82385/Cabinetry-101-contemporary-dining-room-tampa"><img alt="mixing light and dark wood tones " border="0" height="280" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/82385_0_8-6817-contemporary-dining-room.jpg" title="Thoughts on mixing wood tones" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/tampa" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/paul-anater/paul-anater" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Paul Anater</a></small></div><br />If you have various wood tones or are buying new furniture, choose one of the wood tones as the dominant one.  Aim for uneven proportions. The room above is a very interesting balance of lights and darks.  When the rug and chairs are included in the mix  it's the cabinet that stands out the most. The  dark floor is acting as a backdrop.<br /><br /><h4>Separate problem tones with a rug </h4><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/121614/Reservoir-Dining-Room-modern-dining-room-boston"><img alt="separating wood tones with area rug" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/121614_0_8-1889-modern-dining-room.jpg" title="Thoughts on mixing wood tones" width="308" /></a><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professional/14488/gleysteen-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Gleysteen Design</a></small></div><br /> Sometimes you end up with all the same wood tones in a room and the only way to bring some variety is to separate the wood tones with an area rug so everything doesn't blend together. This also works when you have two different tones that don't work that well together. Separation breaks the comparison.  <br /><br /><br /><h4>Balance wood tones throughout a space </h4><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/206998/Urrutia-Design-contemporary-bedroom-san-francisco"><img alt="balance wood tones " border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/206998_0_8-8869-contemporary-bedroom.jpg" title="Thoughts on mixing wood tones" width="319" /></a><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/jasonurrutia/urrutia-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Urrutia Design via Houzz</a></small></div><br /> A close viewing of this room shows  light,  medium and dark wood tones which have been connected by spreading them around the room.  The dark table connects with the upholstery piece at the foot of the bed.  The armoire, legs and  mirror are mid to darkish and the floor is light providing good flow and contrast. <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/119471/William-Hefner-Architecture-Interiors---Landscape-modern-living-room-los-angeles"><img alt="William Hefner Architecture Interiors & Landscape balancing wood tones" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/119471_0_8-5964-modern-living-room.jpg" title="Thoughts on mixing wood tones" width="302" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/modern/living-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professional/15093/studio-william-hefner" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Studio William Hefner</a></small></div><br />If you choose dark tones for bookshelves banking a fireplace you need to have other dark tones around the room, preferably on the opposite side to move your eye through the room. <br /><br /><h4> Keep contrast controlled</h4><br />Deep, dark, rich wood tones such as mahogany, cherry, and walnut will often go better with medium-toned woods than lighter ones. And likewise, lighter toned woods, such as pine and oak, will also go better with medium wood tones, rather than with dark. In other words, it is okay to use varying wood tones, but aim for a lower level of contrast. The room above has medium and dark wood tones. <br /><br /><h4>Keep furniture the same tone</h4><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/453141/Classic-and-Relaxed-Beach-Condo-tropical-living-room-charleston"><img alt="furniture choice wood tones" border="0" height="267" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/453141_0_8-9022-tropical-living-room.jpg" title="Thoughts on mixing wood tones" width="400" /></a><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Houzz</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />All the wood tones in this furniture are medium but they do not match perfectly.   When you keep  your major furniture pieces in the same wood tone, you can  bring in other  tones through accessories.  Wood frames, candlesticks, trays, sculpture,  or vases  are  obvious choices.</div>  <br /><h4>Consider the colour temperature of woods</h4><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jY54S-diN00yqdg1jGoNU_jUWBQH5XMQewv10N6ouM1X6dBKJnrdwSfIgZBJMV330w8c7Ry0lw7XkAVyzkINygzXdLtRWeiVifD6CInfBS83Y7Z3ShOHs_3cvZXg9AISGPFWLP1EoppM/s1600/03+Greatroom+ricks66.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="colour temperature of wood Desinging Home Margaret Ryall" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jY54S-diN00yqdg1jGoNU_jUWBQH5XMQewv10N6ouM1X6dBKJnrdwSfIgZBJMV330w8c7Ry0lw7XkAVyzkINygzXdLtRWeiVifD6CInfBS83Y7Z3ShOHs_3cvZXg9AISGPFWLP1EoppM/s400/03+Greatroom+ricks66.jpg" title="Thoughts on mixing wood tones" width="320" /></a><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"> Photography: Brian Ricks</span></div><br /><br />Every wood has a colour temperature that needs to be considered. Natural ash, birch and maple tend to be cooler while other woods like oak and pine tend to be very warm with undertones of orange or yellow as they age.<br /><br />Some stained woods  can show warm and cool tones at the same time.  This is ideal because then you can mix and match the wood tones in the space. When I'm choosing flooring for a client I look for finishes that will allow me to mix both warm and cool tones.In the room above the floor actually has more warms than the shot displays. <br /><br /><h4>Use paint /upholstery to mimic a particular wood tone</h4><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/120682/Lorraine-Vale-traditional-dining-room-charleston"><img alt="Lorraine Vale traditional dining room paint tones matching wood" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/120682_0_8-4544-traditional-dining-room.jpg" title="Thoughts on mixing wood tones" width="346" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/dining-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professional/15889/lorraine-g-vale-allied-asid" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">LORRAINE G VALE, Allied ASID</a></small></div><br /><br />If you have one piece of furniutre that  is a different wood tone, you can use paint, window treatments or upholstery to mimic the wood tone and spread the colour around the room. The blinds and cabinet  work together.  <br /><br />Most of us have wood tones somewhere in our homes and any renovations usually bring this issue to the forefront.  I would love to hear how you have dealt with the making wood tones work in your space.

Thoughts on mixing wood tones

 Wood tones are often problematic when you  choose  a colour scheme or new furnishings.  Some  people  are willing to solve the problem by s...

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Wallpaper as an accent

<br />Having an accent wall is popular  in home decorating, but many decorators are very selective or down right negative about the idea. I wrote at length about accent walls in another post and listed <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.com/2011/01/5-reasons-to-have-accent-wall.html">5 reasons</a> to consider an accent wall. Accent walls either work well or are dismal failures. Make sure yours is in the successful category.   <br /><br />Recently a reader requested that  I write a post about using wallpaper  to create a focus wall.  Ask and you shall receive. Here are my thoughts on the topic. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The most obvious wall </b></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/125689/Golf-House-contemporary-bedroom-other-metros"><img alt="Golf House contemporary bedroom" border="0" height="300" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/125689_0_8-0261-contemporary-bedroom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/mobili/angel-mangarakov" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Angel Mangarakov via Houzz</a></small></div><br /><small> </small><span style="font-size: small;">Any recessed area works well as an accent wall because it allows you to use the  architectural features of the room to good advantage. This bedroom shows how well a recessed feature can be highlighted . In addition, the paint colour totally supports the wallpaper design.  This is one of the biggest areas where you can mess up. </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/96317/Living-Room-Chic-eclectic-bedroom-dallas"><img alt="Living Room Chic eclectic bedroom" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/96317_0_8-7519-eclectic-bedroom.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/dallas" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/studioten25/abbe-fenimore-studio-ten-25" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Abbe Fenimore Studio Ten 25</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">This is another bedroom where the pattern beautifully accentuates everything else in the room.  The colour scheme is quiet and the wall colour blends well with the tones in the paper.  </span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujh3GM9OVVJzk5uZ-ygvuviA84FbOiSIe4cOM8k5ZzThJ8JhIxcw5KdnmjX14N_gP6rQzmLPeK5BM05HK-1PcoU5yISjOsjT6EkaAdXjnoxTPO6emYdHlHv0iIltOswMFsOjcnRL90IBQ/s1600/171277592048341367_qW4GmBR8_f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujh3GM9OVVJzk5uZ-ygvuviA84FbOiSIe4cOM8k5ZzThJ8JhIxcw5KdnmjX14N_gP6rQzmLPeK5BM05HK-1PcoU5yISjOsjT6EkaAdXjnoxTPO6emYdHlHv0iIltOswMFsOjcnRL90IBQ/s400/171277592048341367_qW4GmBR8_f.jpg" width="400" /></a><small><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></small><small> </small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"></span> </small><small><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=33661">Decor Pad</a></span></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">This room has a completely different vibe with its pinkish red walls and white and black accent pattern.  It isn't a look I personally like because there is just too much colour for me. That doesn't make the design wrong. With the white furniture you really need  colour on the walls.  </span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/372521/Queensway-master-contemporary-bedroom-toronto"><img alt="Queensway master contemporary bedroom" border="0" height="267" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/372521_0_8-3620-contemporary-bedroom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/toronto" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/luxdesign/lux-design-inc" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">LUX Design Inc.</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">The wall behind a bed is the most advantageous wall to accent The furniture placement  makes it the focal point in the room and you are merely enhancing it with your wallpaper choice.  Consider the effect that large mirrors have on this design.  The mirrored doors create two accent walls and the  impact effect is diminished and for some people it would be visually confusing.. </span></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><small> </small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/380665/David-Howell-Design-contemporary-bedroom-new-york"><img alt="David Howell Design contemporary bedroom" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/380665_0_8-5230-contemporary-bedroom.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small>  <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/davidhowell/david-howell-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">David Howell Design</a></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">How do you feel about the accent wall in this room? Do you think the designer choose the best wall to highlight? Does the wall colour work well with the colour scheme in the wallpaper?  My answer would be negative on all counts.  To be fair, one could argue the use of pattern on the opposite wall as a way to  distribute visual  weight in the room. There's always more than one way to look at design. </span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><b><span style="font-size: small;"> To highlight furniture</span></b></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1735660874" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyL1vOA6mwkM2AmP4KuJfsWRdniToV361PrUtqAQcVJZ-lQQHq8KyqEi6aG97sD-KTTZtrSEiMQvv01s1RbDMK2fPQLjmgYZ5mOz5no9YQMqnJ9uXdZWM5GMTTfMXVM1Ixb6VchFvW88Ch/s400/171277592048341318_GOv56wNH_b.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1735660874"><small><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></small></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/mryall/for-your-walls/"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Pinterest </span></a></span></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Light coloured furniture always looks great with a pattern behind it.  When you add pattern that is this dark and strong remember to consider how it will look with what is happening in the next room. </span></span></span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16WyW6MLtCcyv6gpQ9w_Vd5qEMfSI4ZCqUZSINv3DmnU0fCK-5L9d-ykLlkFH9IoclNI9CWwgfkXZ0JX42XMLMRnUTS1LNREYNTthl3_mI-wbyLKBBf0dkm2wXYKzPZsVle2YYlHtUWkf/s1600/171277592048341279_VVvhwKFG_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16WyW6MLtCcyv6gpQ9w_Vd5qEMfSI4ZCqUZSINv3DmnU0fCK-5L9d-ykLlkFH9IoclNI9CWwgfkXZ0JX42XMLMRnUTS1LNREYNTthl3_mI-wbyLKBBf0dkm2wXYKzPZsVle2YYlHtUWkf/s400/171277592048341279_VVvhwKFG_b.jpg" width="392" /></a><small><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></small><small><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/mryall/for-your-walls/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Pinterest</span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Don't be afraid of large scale pattern on one wall.  There is lots of pattern in this room, but it works because the designer stuck to a tight colour scheme. When you choose bold patterns remember how much harder you have to work to find art that will hold its own on the pattern.  The two small pieces  above are lost in the pattern.  Something bolder and larger would have been a better choice. Sometimes the devil is in the smallest details.  When you look at this design what is the first thing you notice?  For me it's the sofa and not the patterned end wall.  Perhaps this is what the designer wanted to achieve and that might account for the downplay of art on the wallpaper.  Again, more than one way to look at things. </span> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> Stand alone walls </b></span><b>and dividers</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhNHn8V_cj7ab1mNCAu9vQ9dcWh-y2kChDBgOn1nig9jptVMFJz2015tKazPCxRPQinWcvDMpK-B0zMsAWz-AZB-4PC3GG8wIs5f_4BBxD-IdnxwiQBVWDVt8QGvQgvnDdtTP0dYLlU3F/s1600/171277592048341266_J45ESbWF_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhNHn8V_cj7ab1mNCAu9vQ9dcWh-y2kChDBgOn1nig9jptVMFJz2015tKazPCxRPQinWcvDMpK-B0zMsAWz-AZB-4PC3GG8wIs5f_4BBxD-IdnxwiQBVWDVt8QGvQgvnDdtTP0dYLlU3F/s400/171277592048341266_J45ESbWF_b.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/mryall/for-your-walls/"> Pinterest </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5FSCW4fdV9Ly8-Y4VT0oByP6Hwefgh2rkJpUWJwXsoKvCaKvGgZqqPmx-Eih2hxGfKC5zMIc95wsCRow9x7PX7YjGYGUfbXFBKewHRBlUZEqJXGF7Iz2nq1tlafL1wKmFhLP-0idz_zb/s1600/171277592048341312_xcIGpHmd_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5FSCW4fdV9Ly8-Y4VT0oByP6Hwefgh2rkJpUWJwXsoKvCaKvGgZqqPmx-Eih2hxGfKC5zMIc95wsCRow9x7PX7YjGYGUfbXFBKewHRBlUZEqJXGF7Iz2nq1tlafL1wKmFhLP-0idz_zb/s400/171277592048341312_xcIGpHmd_b.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/mryall/for-your-walls/">Pinterest </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Look for opportunities to wallpaper where you have stand alone walls that will work well as an accent.  Often temporary walls or stand alone walls are used as dividers in condos or basement apartments.  It is a way to divide space without closing it off.  <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">  <b>Wallpaper as art </b></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lWJ4R1vBQ1vYOYkAWbgLzaxT-GPOTxJ1uKW-FDaPQexDz4FkYnjYyTIlA5JQLIpf8A1EY5-1rpmipD8M5sisz4yxT7fzPsU_NjmXv4XRrx2wXCRZxNHBLlPADdBd25y538BwBqnVDAP3/s1600/171277592048341272_DyhwqMiv_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lWJ4R1vBQ1vYOYkAWbgLzaxT-GPOTxJ1uKW-FDaPQexDz4FkYnjYyTIlA5JQLIpf8A1EY5-1rpmipD8M5sisz4yxT7fzPsU_NjmXv4XRrx2wXCRZxNHBLlPADdBd25y538BwBqnVDAP3/s400/171277592048341272_DyhwqMiv_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-6N7-yMJCmjYMrJHe9qrOy4_eW_y9chyphenhyphendofGsqnBkrm6mBS1P44gipUv7k2NglmPzQCCASQjDEhE4gmpnyB1B4XB2kuZTdPdeDqkZN0GmymQU36ECK7TkGoWoQkotp2bOiGTfqWWbKXV/s1600/171277592048341276_vYFQw107_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-6N7-yMJCmjYMrJHe9qrOy4_eW_y9chyphenhyphendofGsqnBkrm6mBS1P44gipUv7k2NglmPzQCCASQjDEhE4gmpnyB1B4XB2kuZTdPdeDqkZN0GmymQU36ECK7TkGoWoQkotp2bOiGTfqWWbKXV/s400/171277592048341276_vYFQw107_b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/mryall/for-your-walls/"> Pinterest </a></div><br /> Think about all the ways you could use wallpaper as art . Use trim to emphasize a design and fill in with wallpaper.  The sky's the limit for this. I particularly like the grid created for the dining room wall with two colours of wallpaper.  The colour tones work very well together. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Highlight a small area </b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN29XcZwgR_ieKnp36-E0VcuhZdntwWBycR1d2wYxouCeSz3LGaB5IXSstcpPupmNaIsS2oAuhjCk8IP0HHzv2B0h77mb9BzDuonUVj-aSWR1FJXGmPvmo7MCJTNWMOLb_EvVRFVW7u9uR/s1600/171277592048341283_t2vWpv0j_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6HC5rRgxClOUTNdu9QZmttl_Mm6W5f3mQJT0gzwzJ20SBpl3_fMJLHFMedeJeSJGieqqevc038Tx_ySsStIl53XBHasNSR7kQ9xxHx3WzzOziwdWCjjp6ES13jnAIOPlac77w75CesZc/s1600/171277592048341327_vl0RYSHv_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6HC5rRgxClOUTNdu9QZmttl_Mm6W5f3mQJT0gzwzJ20SBpl3_fMJLHFMedeJeSJGieqqevc038Tx_ySsStIl53XBHasNSR7kQ9xxHx3WzzOziwdWCjjp6ES13jnAIOPlac77w75CesZc/s400/171277592048341327_vl0RYSHv_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.casacullen.com/2011/08/first-look-interior-inspiration-wallpapered-accent-wall.html">Casacullen</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.casacullen.com/2011/08/first-look-interior-inspiration-wallpapered-accent-wall.html"></a><br /> Fireplace walls  that extend beyond the  main wall offer a perfect place to add pattern.   You can be very bold because there isn't much pattern used.  Would you use these accents on the mantle or different ones?  Do they stand out or are the lost? Does the arrangement need some height.  Displaying objects against a bold pattern takes some thought . There's lots of choice in things to move around in this room. Check out lots of other images on this great <a href="http://www.casacullen.com/2011/08/first-look-interior-inspiration-wallpapered-accent-wall.html">post </a>about wallpaper accents.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLDljJSMG-rrrJ_fDebp-pJmTgFF8X8kW3GwvQLqBkWZO1g9b9bczzDSmlznOvxIJ5iSh0eRoDdqEqpNdbjZjXspjO_ZYDfG0tkHYT6JeHHbp6N9SEpM_WZL9ZsJYtcJvUe1j6KOqfpNO/s1600/179510735116698501_cWy1eaic_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLDljJSMG-rrrJ_fDebp-pJmTgFF8X8kW3GwvQLqBkWZO1g9b9bczzDSmlznOvxIJ5iSh0eRoDdqEqpNdbjZjXspjO_ZYDfG0tkHYT6JeHHbp6N9SEpM_WZL9ZsJYtcJvUe1j6KOqfpNO/s400/179510735116698501_cWy1eaic_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/living-room/picture/spring-fresh-living-room#idealhome">House to Home </a></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20SutWpXSAd1dqFd3ZZdtYR-NaIEW0svfHCvwocALyaAml1aH4uBkh6Exgu-NpF-Hnxf2gtTKWc5awE6pezLvox3vvdyQJLxh5DlWWF1UCQEuyuaAazNHeu45ygqhr_vJhaLCQD3DtjK3/s1600/171277592048341322_JnMjjGHe_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20SutWpXSAd1dqFd3ZZdtYR-NaIEW0svfHCvwocALyaAml1aH4uBkh6Exgu-NpF-Hnxf2gtTKWc5awE6pezLvox3vvdyQJLxh5DlWWF1UCQEuyuaAazNHeu45ygqhr_vJhaLCQD3DtjK3/s400/171277592048341322_JnMjjGHe_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://nestinstinct.blogspot.com/2011/01/wonders-of-wallpaper.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> From My Nest to Yours </span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6HC5rRgxClOUTNdu9QZmttl_Mm6W5f3mQJT0gzwzJ20SBpl3_fMJLHFMedeJeSJGieqqevc038Tx_ySsStIl53XBHasNSR7kQ9xxHx3WzzOziwdWCjjp6ES13jnAIOPlac77w75CesZc/s1600/171277592048341327_vl0RYSHv_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Define a  space with just a strip or two of wallpaper as a backdrop.  </div><br />And there you have it.  There are all kinds of ways to brighten your home with wallpaper accents.  This only scratches the surface.  You might want to refer to this other <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.com/2011/02/many-uses-of-wallpaper.html">post </a>I wrote on the topic last year. I also have a growing collection of ideas for your walls on <a href="http://pinterest.com/mryall/for-your-walls/">Pinterest. </a></div>

Wallpaper as an accent

Having an accent wall is popular  in home decorating, but many decorators are very selective or down right negative about the idea. I wrote ...

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