Name: Mike H.
Location: Sacramento
Type: Rented 1 Bedroom Apartment in a 1930’s Deco apartment. 660 sq ft.
Why I use color:
Living in a rental I was not allowed to paint so I had show color through my furniture and art. In the living room I used hues of brown because they represent warmth and still show masculinity with a touch of sophistication. I kept art minimal in the living room because of the size of my space and also, because I felt that the browns added enough texture to create visual interest. Being a young bachelor, there is a stereotypical connotation that comes along with décor, so naturally I wanted to dispel that. . .
. . .In the kitchen I went a little nuts. I think of a sterile environment. So the majority of the accents are stainless steel and white. Since the ceilings are very high in my apartment I felt the kitchen looked too stark and I wanted to add visual interest where it wouldn’t be very expected. So I arranged a colorful and eclectic mix of art I had on one wall. I found it contrasted the minimal look in the living room well. Still today, when I walk in there it’s a nice surprise; it makes my apartment not feel so “rented."
2 good color tips:
1. People often shy away of too much of one color, but by using a variety of textures (in the same color) it creates enough visual interest, that is almost the same as using different colors.
2. Whether it is art, furniture, or paint, use colors that you have an emotional bond with and translate well. Seriously. You’re going to be living with them. You want your space to be inviting and comfortable to you.
2 good color resources:
1. I have found a few good interior design and art companies/ resources online. A nice modern design firm in San Francisco called Arkitektura In-Situ; they offer a very clean and sophisticated look, with some unexpected color use. Even CB2, no lie, I found that they offer an innovated use of color that is young and fresh, but still manages to keep it sophisticated.
2. With fear of sounding corny, I would have to say nature. The color palette that it offers can be very inspiring. It is as broad as any paint swatch selection. Who doesn’t want to be as moved in their own home, with the colors they have selected, as they are while looking at a dramatic sunset, for instance. The idea is just not “use of color,” but how it translates in our lives with and how we interact with it, essentially what how color can be used as therapy.
er... what color?
I love the "wall of art" in the kitchen. Very nice.
I'm more excited by the art than by the color per se. Fun way to deal with the itsy-bitsy teeny-weeny kitchen.
I agree - what color? I cant tell if the kitchen is pale yellow-green, or if that is color cast on the photo.
Love the credenza in the living room. But seriously, paint the wall behind it - a bold olive green, a warm rust, a dove blue. Pull in a little extra with the curtains and you've got a sweet pad.
ok.. foot-in-mouth. Just saw the "no painting" part. Rentals suck like that. I would suggest two small, colorful pieces of art for the living room walls. Keep it as butch and manly as you want - as long as they have bright colors - just enough to give it a little zing. Browns are good and warm, but can be boring if there is nothing to contrast with. Dont be afraid of throw pillows either.
i'm going to have to agree with those above & question this alleged use of "color".
the brightest thing in either pictures are those kitschy green tiles in the kitchen - very cool.
The textures of your neturals - the browns, the woods - are a nice foundation, but that's all they are. they're not color.
at least ONE accent color would be good. Just one? Please?
I'm chiming in, too, about your kitchen pictures and green tile. Very cool.
An accent wall would do wonders. Paint it back when you move. It's only one wall!
I do like the way you arranged the art in the kitchen.
I don't think I'd call your living room colorful, but I do like it, especially the credenza. Maybe some colored sofa pillows should be a consideration.
Mike,
No comments on your color (my monitor isn't that great, anway) but PLEASE tell me about that kitchen. I want to restore a 1930s kitchen: is yours original? If so, what's the floor plan like? The proportions? For various reasons I haven't had much luck with 1930s home magazines. Finding the real thing would be incredibly helpful!
hi, I know you can't paint the kitchen, but the color just seems kind of flat. Its nice, and seems high end, and creative, but not super colorful.
Groovy art!
In regards to the living room, you can't see it entirely but there is a nice wood secretary/ bookcase and a black barcelona chair. through out the room there are accents of cream, white and black as well. Unfortunately I was only able to submit 2 pics. The layout of the living room is a bit awkward.
You are a highly skilled arranger of art.
ironically, i think a Mike H. would put a the cb2 gift card to good use in adding color elements to his kitchen...
You can always paint. And should. The thing is there is a "change colour" fee when you move out. If colour is important enough to you to enter the contest, isn't it important enough to pay the change fee? You've definitely made the most of the no painting approach.
I really like the second photo. The kitchen looks cluttered, but the living room looks pretty spacious and very clean.
Also, even though I typically am not a fan of dark rooms, I could definetly imagine someone being very comfortable here when evening comes around.
Don't listen to all the "what color?" naysayers!
As a fellow renter who envies painted walls, I think you've done a great job with what you have available, while still sticking to colors that you like.