Inspiration: Painting a color block to define a space

Leaning "ladder" type bookcases are a popular option when it comes to display and storage. They're visually less heavy than a traditional bookcase, and give a modern contemporary look. But because they are so open, sometimes a little kick is needed to give them more of a presence. We spotted this easy and really effective solution...

While perusing the HGTV "Rate my Space" section, we came across this image submitted by mviamontes2, of their small dining room area. UPDATE: Thanks to AT reader TequilaRed for pointing out this house was from last year's Smallest Coolest Contest! It's Michael and Mindy's Urban Modern from Chicago. They simply painted a large bold yellow rectangle behind the bookcase. It not only adds a fun graphic jolt of color, it visually defines their dining area within their open living area. The fact that they made the rectangle extend above the bookcase also draws your eye up and helps emphasize their beautiful high ceilings. (we love the pendant light too!) Check out the rest of their gorgeous space here. And revisit their contest entry here and here! Has anyone else done something like this in their home?

Comments (6)

I see similar methods used a lot on HGTV shows where designers paint squares on the wall and hang art in the middle, or grouped along its perimeter as well as inside it, to bring attention to it. I like a lot of the paint-on-paint ideas I've been seeing, like stenciling and painting on faux wainscoting.

posted by OneWallKitchen on February 26th 2008 at 9:41am
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Actually, this home has been in both the Smallest Coolest and Fall Colors contest, too. It's a condo here in Chicago.

posted by tequila red on February 26th 2008 at 9:55am
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I was gonna say- HGTV? that's from AT!

I've just been thinking about this place because we are going to move soon and a place I found reminded me of this apartment.

posted by K on February 26th 2008 at 11:29am
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I the last incarnation of my living room, I painted a color block on the wall and hung a kimono over it -- it was essentiallly a mat and frame for a giant textile.

posted by kimg924 on February 26th 2008 at 11:30am
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Like the concept, don't like the example.
It looks like Charlie Brown hiding behind a tree.

posted by patrick (the other one) on February 26th 2008 at 12:39pm
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On a tangent...does anyone know where I can find a lamp with dimensions similar to the one above? Under $200?

Michael & Mindy's was from Crate & Barrel, but it's no longer available. Alluminare is great, but out of my budget.

I actually bought the book, "Lampshades: Basic Wraparound Construction" from lampshop.com, but I'm afraid if I made my own it would wind up looking like my 2nd grade juice can/gold paint/macaroni Father's day project.

posted by AlmostAD on February 26th 2008 at 8:05pm
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