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MAKE A STATEMENT WITH BOLD COLORS

Sometimes a little deviation from the norm can make a big difference. And it’s the differences – however small – between things that add spice to life, especially in home design.

One surefireway to makeadistinction in a room is to juxtaposecontrasting colors,which can instantlydrawthe eyeand create visual interest. Leigh Spicher,national director of studios for Ashton Woods in Atlanta, notes an increasing trend in high-contrastdesign.

“Weare definitelyexperiencing the push/ pull of contrastinalmostall areasofresidential design –including color,textures,shape, and even scale,”said Spicher.“Homeowners areusing bold contrastasafocal point in their spaces, which Ifind reallyinteresting in our current environment.”

Lee Crowder,senior manager for Taylor Morrison Design GalleryinDallas,said monochromatic contrasting, or mixing black and white shades,has been popular for several years.

“We’ve hadanicelong run with that trend.

While monochromatic is still apopular choice, we’reseeing arealsurgeofadding bold color choices that addgreat contrast to an interior or exterior space,” Crowder notes.

Want to dip atoe in this trend? Experiment by making acontrasting statement in the kitchen or bathroom –the approach can really pop in autilitarian space.

Crowder said other ways to employa contrasting effect include pairing adark floor or deep-toned draperies with alighter-colored wall. Trypainting abrick fireplace white opposite adark mantle.

“If youhave awhite countertop or table, simplyadd avaseofred roses, which instantly achievescontrastand layers in harmony,” recommended Spicher.“Want to go big?Implement color contrastinahome office, which can makeworking from home abit morefun.”

The bottom line?Don’tgotoo wild.

“Chooseone or twoelements in the room for the bold color –such as the windows,trim, furniturepiece, or fireplace.Then, letall of the other elements balance it with neutral color,” Spicher said.

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Contact us with comments or questions at hotproperty@latimes.com

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