Ask the Designer

Dear Sandy,

I love the idea of getting free advice from a pro, so I am crossing my fingers that you will choose my question to answer.

I have slowly worked my way through most of my house trying to freshen things up before the revolving doors of the holidays begin. I guess the area that I need to address is my guest room. I tend to forget about that room and I know it needs help.

In your other question-and-answer articles, you have stated that wallpaper is really popular again and I am open to using paper in my guest bath, but think I just want to paint the walls in the guest bedroom. I love big prints and drama, and I really like a hint of tropics.

Would you please give me your input on a paper and coordinating fabrics? I love color and pushing the envelope. Would it be possible for you to give me two options?

Sierra Dear Sierra,

Well, it looks like it is your lucky day. I chose your question because so many of us are thinking about the revolving door holiday traffic that is right around the corner.

Since you think big and outside the box, I have chosen a beautiful wall covering that has its roots in traditional, but is every bit today's look. Changing the scale of the pattern and the usage of vibrant, offbeat color combinations will be a huge “wow” factor.

The background of the paper is a rich lemon-lime, and the details run the gamut from aged silver to purples and corals. We have a lot to work with.

For the first option, I have chosen Sherwin Williams Heartfelt for the bedroom walls. This lively coral will play nicely with a soft white on the trim and I would carry this color onto the ceiling, as well.

The accent fabrics took the design in a contemporary tribal direction.

I suggest that in the bedroom we use the coordinating fabric to the wallpaper for the window treatments, and then bring in accents that are exciting to keep with the tribal appearance. These patterns are timeless, but today's version is a bit more abstract.

For option No. 2, I kept the same wallpaper and window fabric, but changed the entire personality of the room with the paints and accent fabrics. We will take the room in a sophisticated, slightly formal direction. Textured velvets like the rich purple would be wonderful on upholstery or lovely accent pillows and when we pair it with the colorful Ikat pattern it will bring instant style.

The paint I have chosen for the walls is Sherwin Williams Black Fox and I have chosen Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Gray for the ceiling. I have powered down the impact of color on the walls and focused on the silvery taupes and rich purples that are in the paper.

So you see how using the same key elements and changing it up with the accents of paint and fabrics can take a room in totally different directions. When a prospective client asks “Will you work with what I have?” I am happy to say “Yes!” I know we can update it and make it fabulous.

To get the full effect of our extensive library of wallpapers and fabrics call today and we will set a time to show you in person how the magic can happen.

I know your guests will want to return often not only for the gorgeous guest room but this yummy recipe you can make ahead of time.