Paint Colors - Old Neutrals and New Neutrals
Neutral colors are defined as colors NOT on the color wheel: black, white,
gray, and tan. According to "The Hidden Power of Neutrals," an article published
on the Behr Web site, neutral colors have been around for years. "These timeless
hues come from pigments used by the earliest artists -- such as ochre, charcoal,
umber, and sienna . . . "
The Behr Web site describes neutrals as "every color's friend." Light neutrals
can make a small room look larger. Dark neutrals will make a large room look
smaller. Variety is one of the biggest advantages of neutrals. There are
hundreds of neutral shades. Yellow neutrals, for example, vary from cream to
golden brown.
Flexibility is another plus for neutrals. A neutral wall color like taupe gives
you the freedom to add contrasting colors, patterns, and textures. Some
customers, however, are confused by television shows that describe yellow as
neutral. Yellow goes with many colors, but it is not neutral because it is on
the color wheel. What changed?
"Washington Post" writer Terri Sapienza says there are two neutrals today, "true
neutrals" and "new neutrals." She discusses this change in her article, 'Living
with Lavender." Sapienza thinks lavender is a popular "new neutral" because of
the wide spectrum of colors that are available. "It's a grounding background
color that does not call attention to itself, but allows everything around it to
stand out," she writes.
All colors are based on the primary colors of red, yellow, and blue. The "new
neutrals," according to the Behor Web site, are based on the primary colors and
are either red-toned, yellow-toned, or blue-toned. Some designers are using pale
green, even chartreuse, as a "new neutral." Other designers are using orange.
Though the definition of neutral is changing, you can still find a color that
works for you.
Tour model homes and check out the paint colors. Look at magazines, cut out
photos that have appealing colors, and file them. Keep the file for several
months and choose your top three colors. Get paint chips for these colors. Hold
the chips next to your furniture and accessories.
Finally, take a tip from interior designers and make a color board. Go to
www.dezignare.com Web site for precise instructions on "Color Board
Presentations." Buy 36" x 24" poster board or so-called gator board. Glue
magazine pictures, paint chips, fabric swatches, and texture samples to the
board. Do these elements fit together? You may have to make several boards
before you find the right color.
Whether they are true or new, neutral colors go with everything. With the right
trim colors and accessories, neutrals make a dramatic statement about who you
are, what you like, and how you live.
Copyright 2007 by Harriet Hodgson
Harriet_Hodgson
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