Home Decorating Hints

Make a large room more intimate

Q: What paint colour should we use in a large room where one full wall is window: Our intention is to make it a bit more intimate, especially in the evenings.

A: This is a perfect situation or dark, and beautiful, earth-tone colours. Dark green or crimson red walls will give the impression that the walls are a little closer, making the room more intimate, and yet, there will be ample light from your window during the day. Be sure to plan for effective lighting in the evening however. The wall shade can change in relation of light, so consider just the right lighting for both practicality, as well as for beauty and atmosphere.

Colours For Infants

Q: Decorating the nursery for our newborn has become confusing. Should the room have a calming or a stimulating atmosphere, and what does that mean in terms of colour?

A: Most experts suggest gentle, harmonious colours for infants; reserving the sharp, contrasting colours, for pre-school children. Give preference to colours that will make your baby feel safe and secure, but that doesn't necessarily mean traditional pink or powder blue. New colour trends for example are fusing pink with orange, or blue with turquoise. You can, however, increase your baby's awareness by painting geometric forms like circles and squares on the ceiling, painted with contrasting shades to catch the little one's eye.