We've seen it done in magazines, online and in real life: there's a beautiful room decked out in neutral whites, creams or grays. Except for that one vase of bright pink flowers. Or that one red pillow. Or that blue brushstroke in the painting. Adding bright pops of color to an otherwise neutral space is not a new idea, but how well does it work? More after the jump...
Survey: Bright Pops of Color, Gorgeous or Distracting?
Austin
We have a feeling whether bright pops of color work in a space depends on two very important aspects: how good the designer is and the tastes of the homeowner. We want to know what you think:
[Photo credit: By Casey Dunn for Tribeza Magazine.]
Comments (7)
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A neutral-colored environment is the best way to showcase a particular color.
What's missing from this article is the effect that PROPORTION has on the impact of color. A small splash of color like the flowers in the picture can look beautiful without overshadowing the elegance of the neutral design. An entire wall or large sofa in an intense color instead becomes a focal point that upstages the neutrals.
It's all about balance and proportion, folks!
view nashdp's profile
Gorgeous.
Like lipstick on an already beautiful woman.
view patrick (the other one)'s profile
showcasing a bright spot of colour that way is beautiful. it is also easy to change the colour and the way you introduce it. and like nashdp says, it is about balance and proportion.
view maike's profile
I know I am swimming against the trend tide here, but I find nothing more beautiful than a room done in whisper quiet coordinated "neutrals." If well executed, your impression of the room isn't gray or beige - it's a room filled with soft colors you would never be able to appreciate under other circumstances. Your eyes become more sensitive to the colors that comprise the beiges, creams, and grays.
I don't have anything against color - most "neutrals" are color. I just happen to like my color at a whisper not a pitched scream. I understand that the red flower makes a great styling choice for a photograph but for a real living space, it seems to be a bit of an insecure selection. It's overkill. Why not a flower in a soft gray lavender? It would add a contrasting visual and serve the overall intent of the room better.
I know all the merchandisers and photo stylists are telling the world to cram every last inch with knick knacks and an indiscriminate hodgepodge of color, pattern, and texture. That is all well and good for catalogs, showrooms, and hotel lobbies. I don't have to live in any of those. Living spaces should be tranquil.
view RichardinLA's profile
I think I'm sick of the phrase "pops of color." Overused.
view Cheerio1021's profile
That red is more of plop than a pop.
view m_j_s's profile
pops of color look nice in photos, but i think they would be hard to live with.
view kiljoywashere's profile