apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Name: Bess D. & Steve A.
Location: Lakewood, Ohio

Why we use color:

"We wanted to personalize our space, but not having lots of furniture or a big budget, having exciting walls was our best choice. Each room in our one-bedroom apartment is its own world of color choices. This particular room had to function as a home office, computer station, art studio, and dining room. We didnt want technology to dominate the feel here, so we surrounded the room in vines both live, and painted. Thus, although a lot of work gets done here, it still can be a soothing place to eat breakfast or listen to music."

Color Tips:

"1) Dont be afraid to play with paint. When we started, I didnt know any fancy faux-finish techniques, but we still made our place fabulously our own. You dont need to be an artist to make a stripe or a swirl and any small simple design will have a cohesive, funky design if you repeat it.

2) Go for a balanced color palette. Too much cool color or too much warm can overwhelm a rooms feeling. Find small accessories or add fabrics that will incorporate other coordinating colors into the room.

3) Almost any object can undergo a color change if you want something new. There are paints and stains for almost every hard surface, and any fabric surface can be re-covered. When looking at the objects in your own space or looking at potential purchases, try to imagine the object in a different color. For example, a fresh coat of paint and a new slip cover can make a boring old office chair the most perfect piece of furniture you have."

Color Resources:

"1) Make your own color guide. When you purchase paints for your walls, save the free color chips from the store. Take a 3X5 index card and affix with glue or tape all of the chips to the card. Keep the card in your purse or wallet, then if you happen to see the perfect accessory, you can double check that its color will go well with your home. If you shop with your significant other, make a second card so you can split up and make shopping faster. Do the same with any swatches of fabrics you have used and you will have all your homes colors with you on the go.