Tips for lightening up
See also: "House of Whimsy"
The Earl Young and Virginia Olsen style of homes around Charlevoix can present challenges in interior designing, particularly in lighting.
Kathy Bradway, owner of Periwinkle Lane Interiors in Petoskey and an interior designer, worked with the Blossoms to bring light into their home. Here, she shares some tips for others looking to lighten up:
Paint
Dark rooms need warm colors. For instance, the color sage would not be a good choice for a dark room because it has too much gray and lacks warmth. Bright lime would need sun to give it balance so it would be overpowering in a dark room. But a soft moss green with plenty of yellow would be an ideal choice.
Contrasting with a lighter color on the ceiling to accent and complement the walls. And Bradway suggests not ending the ceiling paint at the wall-ceiling joint.
“Bring the ceiling down on the wall a bit. I think it lifts the room,” she said. “To do this, keep painting the ceiling color down approximately 6 to 12 inches onto the wall. Then add a chair rail to break the two colors.”
That ledge can be used to set rope lighting, which provides up-lighting to wash the ceiling with light.
Lamps, etc.
When it comes to lighting options, Bradway prefers to have a source of light left on at all times, such as a lighted bookcase or cabinet. Lamps of all sizes, both battery-operated and plug-ins, are suggested. Sconces and small chandeliers are appropriate in a variety of locations and simple banker’s lamps over chairs will do the trick for task lighting.
Decor
Furniture choices should include a display coffee table or curio end tables. Don’t overclutter a dark room, and don’t overneutralize either.
“These rooms need contrast to give them punch, so use fabrics that are vibrant and add energy,” she said. “Let light colors bounce off dark colors and make sure your accents are interesting and give emphasis.”