apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time


#54 - Manda's Color Statement

Name: Manda D.
Location: Savannah, Georgia
Type: Small, 5 room, rented house

Why I use color:

I use color to add character to a room. White walls have their time and place, but a room (and by extention, a home) feel so much more alive when there is color in the mix. Especially vibrant or rich colors. If I am going to take the time to paint a room, I'm not going to use some pansy pastel color- my color choice will make a statement.

10-30-sav1.jpg

2 Good color tips:

1. So decor doesn't get too chaotic, I like to choose some sort of inspiration piece to pull colors from.

2. Don't be afraid to paint a small room a dark or vibrant color. Most think it will make the room feel claustraphobic, but it can really be quite dramatic and wonderful.

2 good color resources:

1. Old portraits

2. Nature

Tags

Fall Colors 2006 - East

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Comments (11)

I wish these were better photos, but I like this a lot.

posted by Joan A. on 2006-10-30 10:53:46

Ho Jo or Motel 6?

posted by mmm on 2006-10-30 11:14:29

I was thinking, after looking at several entries, that it might be useful next year to spell out a bit more clearly what a good photo entry in this contest is.

I'd like to judge this room fairly but I know I cannot because it looks like two extremely blurry (or is that some kind of photo effect?) pictures of a messy room. Perhaps there can be a top 10 list of things to do -- clear out the clutter (like the newspaper on top of the bed,) shoot in natural light if possible, shoot using a tripod or steady the camera in some way, etc. I know this isn't technically a photography contest but basic photography skills are really useful. It doesn't take much, and then maybe I'd be able to actually see what kind of blue that is on the walls, what's going on with the decor, etc.

posted by Alicia on 2006-10-30 12:22:10

I agree the pictures are not clear but I can see the colors just fine. I love the blue color on the walls and would like to know the name of the color and who makes it? Also, although I love the colors you've chosen to compliment the blue walls; such as the pink and yellow colors on the bed and dresser and bedspread, they all seem to be competing with one another and make the room seem caved in. Maybe if you removed the blue/slate looking drape that's covering the flowered pink curtain/drape and use maybe a linen or white as well as on the bed it might help open the space up a bit and compliment the blue color on the walls. Great bedroom - Good luck!

posted by cielo on 2006-10-30 13:38:40

Wow, I love how rich the fabrics look! The bed looks super comfortable. While I really like the room, it just isn't as cohesive as some of the other entries.

posted by Samantha on 2006-10-30 21:47:29

This room is a dump. You'd think they would have at least tried to make the bed or put away the trash before photographing it.

posted by beverly on 2006-10-31 16:12:43

Sure you can see the colors, but they are obviously distorted, especially in the second photo which either has a lot of artifacts or was taken in the '60s and scanned in. It's tricky because most people are amateurs, but at the same time most cameras these days should be good enough to take better photos without too much effort.

posted by charlene on 2006-10-31 23:50:51

Well according to AT staff this was one of the better entries.
After all, it made it into the final 60 out of over a 150 entries. My entry didn't make it - but maybe it's because I didn't submit impressionist style photos?
I can imagine that there was at least one other entry in the other 90 or more entries who didn't get chosen for the contest that was probably a lot better than this pathetic attempt.
Or maybe the joke's on us?

posted by this is really horrible on 2006-11-01 13:48:37

low res pic, yeah. but i love the mood with the colors and the fabric and the hideaway by the bed. the blue and yellow lovely together, and that rich, dark wood floor. very french, southern. very savannah.

beverly, "this _is_really_horrible", honestly. what a sour pair. go sell your sorry attitude elsewhere. this contest is full.

posted by s. on 2006-11-02 13:55:02

s. - didn't realize you were into messy rooms filled with trash - sorry if i offended.

posted by still think it's horrible on 2006-11-03 14:27:47

this must be a joke

posted by annejb on 2006-11-05 21:48:15