Q-and-a: the gilded room
We hear a lot about what’s going to be, or is, the colour of the year. It becomes a guide to choosing a fresh decorating palette. Paint colours, popular fabric shades, even furnishings follow what’s hot on the fashion runways. Of course, the annual switch in colour and design trends drives retail. What’s new is generally exciting to think about and watch. But it isn’t possible to redecorate every time a new “best hue” arrives.
It is helpful to scrutinize some of the major trendsetters. They show off the chosen colour or colours, and demonstrate with words and photography how your rooms can look sporting the newest palette. Pantone is an industry leader and is touted as the one to follow. But other design professionals including paint companies, do their own homework. The inspired presentation of one such company caught my eye this year. Shaw Floors has called their most important, or impressive colour trend for 2018 Gold Rush. Although their specialty is flooring and carpets, they take a holistic view of interior decorating. Their Colour, Style and Design Team note that grey and cool palettes have dominated the design world for years. Now we are turning back to the warmth and exciting energy of golden hues.
There are so many ways to bring golden charm into a room. Cabinet handles, trim on draperies and upholstery fabrics, a display of gilded bowls or vases are small gestures that will uplift a space and make it feel special. For a big impact, walls layered in shades of gold are enveloping, evoking thoughts of the past, peaceful and familiar. The walls shown here have been finished with a gold metallic from Benjamin Moore Studio Finishes.
Consider what you already have in your home, and how pairing your colours with gold will enhance your style. Layered with white it’s airy and opulent. Dark, saturated navy and lush greens will stand out. Greys become balanced and feel new. Discover a hardwood or laminate floor at your nearby flooring dealer that has shades of gold to complement your home.
Dear Debbie,
I have managed to convince my partner to update his home before trying to sell it ... no easy feat. I really want to paint out the pine paneling in the basement. There is not much natural light. It’s a split entry home with Edgecomb Grey on the top floor. I'm thinking of doing a two-tone shade, darker on the paneling and lighter on the bottom, and also front of bar counter to tie it all in with the upper floor. Any advice would be so helpful! Laura
Dear Laura;
Painting over real wood paneling is always controversial. It is sacrilege for some, and it sounds like your partner is one of them. For others, pine paneling is outdated, and unappealing, especially in a windowless basement. If you do paint, choose matte or soft sheen white for the wall panels. The overall look will be clean and bright. You could then apply one of your upstairs grey shades to the front of the long bar counter. This will connect the levels for a more contemporary look. When you paint, be sure to prepare the wood surfaces with a good quality, high hide sealer/primer. Otherwise the wood’s knots and grain will leak through the paint.
Photo at left, the golden colour trend with glowing walls and touches of gold in furnishings and flooring.