Neutral paint provides perfect base for seasonal decor

Q. Our living room needs a refresh, and I’m struggling with paint colors. We have bought a white sofa, which is OK now that we are empty nesters.

I know you get asked this a lot, but when choosing paint, do you take seasons into account? What works well in winter and summer? Thank you.

A. No one expects to paint their walls twice a year, so it is a good idea to choose a paint shade for the walls that is fairly neutral. Then you can switch up throw pillows and accessories that signify a seasonal switch in weather.

That new white sofa is a great addition, since you can go anywhere with your color scheme.

There are the usual neutral tones of white, off-white and the palest shades of blue and pink. A popular choice is one of the many light tones of gray.

Farrow & Ball’s Lamp Room Gray is shown here in a bright and breezy sitting room. The trim is Wimborne White. There’s spring in the air with the abundance of white and blue accent cushions and a cheerful floral sofa peeking out from the corner. When the weather turns cooler, a navy area rug with splashes of red, pink or green will turn the temperature up in this room.

Get inspired by browsing through Farrow & Ball’s spring and summer inspiration book at www.farrow-ball.com.

Here are some of Farrow & Ball’s tips and ideas:

• Make the most of light in your room judging by the direction the light is coming from. For example, north-facing rooms have a cooler feel with little natural light. Embrace their darkness with strong colors such as Studio Green for a feeling of intimacy.

• Bring the outdoors in with cut flowers from the garden or market. Sprigs of eucalyptus look beautiful in a simple glass vase. Green is associated with health and vigor. This hue will bring life into any room.

• Choose from one of Farrow & Ball’s six neutral color groups to make the most of your home’s light. Are you looking for warm or cool undertones?

• Enjoy your decorating project, and be daring. Why not try two tones on the walls — maybe a khaki green below and bright blue above? Stunning.

I was visiting a new neighbor’s apartment and was transfixed by her guest bathroom. The floor and walls, to and including the ceiling, are all burnt orange. When I returned home, my powder room looked positively dreary.

What are your thoughts on dark bathrooms?

Oh, absolutely — I say go for it! A powder room is so much fun to decorate. It’s small and takes little time to paint or wallpaper. It’s not open to the rest of the living area, so it won’t overwhelm your other decor.

There’s something seductive about deep, rich shades.

Midnight blue, raspberry, dark khaki, deep gold and umber hues are enveloping. They dare to be noticed. And for private time in the room, I find this entertaining.

Be sure to hang a mirror that has side lights so that hair and makeup can be adjusted. For theatrical drama, go completely monotone, including the ceiling. If that feels like too much, then paint the wall facing the mirror a dark hue and go several steps lighter on the color card for the other walls and ceiling. Add to the sizzle with a brilliant contrast in hand towels.

Debbie Travis’ House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Email questions to house2home@debbietravis.com. Follow Debbie on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ debbie_travis, or visit her website, www. debbietravis.com.