The Color of Home

Early in the summer my intention was to surf
the networks but got caught when the hostess
offered a complete room makeover within
thirty minutes. I had discovered cable
programs available in the middle of the day.

The casts were craftsmen, artisans and decorators.
I saw dull unattractive rooms
become show places through the use of paint,
furniture placement, and custom designs
sometimes for under five hundred dollars a day.

I learned neutrals were an important element
in decorating and the many shades
of brown were reliable favorites.
Designers didn’t use mud, sand,
soil, or dirt for their earthy colors.

Instead brown and beige were called
mocha, or latte, but never plain coffee.
The artists offered Twig Basket, Oak Fawn,
or Harmonic Tan for their client’s approval.

When describing their finished product
they said things like, “The Hampton Brown
is a perfect match for a New England home."
"A Terra Cotta fireplace can provide a punch
of color." "Cinnamon Toast creates an inviting
dining room." "A Chocolate Brown rug
won’t distract from the focal point."
"This Nutmeg adds romance to any style.“

I learned that Desert Shadow would counter balance
the accent paint. While Lemon Pepper added spice
yet complimented the classic elements.
Use of defused lighting prevented
the Fedora walls from overwhelming
the small space and the Frontier Shadows
completed the color palette to create
a perfect flow from foyer to living room.

In my new favorite programs I’ve learned
that the use of color is sassy
and sometimes irreverent but never boring
and neutrals are the perfect addition
to enhance every decorating challenge.