Use color, patterns, furnishings to create a personal style

CAROL MCGARVEY, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Originally published Saturday, February 23, 2002

Tying the eclectic components of your personal style together in a decorating scheme is tricky for some.

That's where color, pattern and furnishings become key tools.

- Color: Color can visually stretch space, raise or lower ceiling heights, and alter emotional levels. Besides, it's the most reasonably priced tool on the market. Dramatic color can transform a bland wall into the focal point of the room. Liberal use of white, such as for woodwork and trim, lightens a color-rich room.

Never underestimate the stimulating power of red, or the surprising impact of cobalt blue. Look at natural, lighter tints of old favorite colors for a fresh look when you paint. Call on yellow to infuse some sunlight into a room, and don't be shy about using a rich chocolate brown on walls for a rich, restful look.

- Pattern: Show your personality by building a room scheme based on a dominant pattern, such as in an Oriental rug. Or, showcase a faux-paint finish for a touch of drama, or pick a mix of fabric and wallpaper designs.

For supporting patterns, repeat at least one of the colors in the dominant pattern. Large rooms can accommodate a mix. Small rooms can handle a lively mix, too, if the patterns are scaled down.

- Furnishings: Focus on one or two furniture pieces, such as a sofa or a pair of love seats. The rest of the furniture plan can be based on the pattern, color, scale and size of the pieces.

Furnishings comprise more than the furniture pieces in a room. They also include artwork, rugs, lamps, mirrors, book, photographs and mementos that add character.

From "Better Homes and Gardens Decorating Basics" (Meredith Books, $19.95 softcover).

The Olympian Copyright 2002

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