DESIGNING WITH COLOR

ASK THE EXPERT

By Thomas Burger

Whether your style is traditional or contemporary or whether you prefer monochromatism (yes, monochromatism is color) Color can and should play an important role in your design.

Climate and your surrounding environment should be your first thought when incorporating and choosing a color palette. When choosing color, bringing the outside in is a great idea but is a delicate balance. Don’t get me wrong, I am ALL about bringing the Outside In! One should simply be mindful which elements one chooses to integrate into one’s home and how it affects one’s sensibilities.

What do I mean by this? Drawing from surrounding nature is always a great starting point if you know what you’re doing. In a hot desert climate, such that we live here in Las Vegas, with the fiery red topography I would suggest colors that contrast the outside environment so as to create an oasis on the inside to escape the “feeling’’ of heat outside. Use colors that remind you of being cool and refreshed such as greens and blues which we see in plants, trees and water features used in your landscaping. This is not to say that every home in a desert should be green and blue, but it is ONE way to bring color into your home while being mindful of how you want to “feel” in your home.

Color can be introduced into your home by applying it directly onto walls, floors, cabinetry etc.; sprinkled throughout with art and accessories; or with the use of fabrics. Color is a great way to make your home more inviting and to further personalize it.

If your climate is extreme I encourage you to consider the “Contrast Concept” I propose here, so that your home becomes a welcome refuge from the extreme.