The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California
Theory Of Decoration
The reason for this is perfectly obvious. The fabrics and the colors used in them are limited and fixed; they cannot be altered, while paint may be mixed by any experienced painter to an infinite number of colors by merely adding white or a few pigments to the paint pot. The error in reversing this process is a common one among inexperienced decorators.
It is customary in using multicolored fabrics to use some of the same colors in other portions of the room. If chintz curtains are to be employed, for instance, it is often advisable to select the most neutral tone in the chintz pattern as a paint color for the walls of the room, using possibly a slightly lighter or darker tone for the trim.
Other colors may be used either in plain or striped material for the upholstered Furniture pieces, while the Hour covering may be an oriental rug of similar tones or a plain color of one of the tones in the draperies.
As filial advice, we repeat herewith the most important points to remember in developing the color element in any room.
1. Never select any color without a reason.
2. Consider first the general character and purpose of the room, and when and how often it is to be used.
3. Consider size and orientation and texture of surfaces.
4. Select the more neutral tones for the large background areas of the room, keeping the darkest on the floor and the lightest on the ceiling.
5. Select a secondary key color for draperies and upholstery materials which will be prominent regardless of pattern.
6. Select color accents for the small objects in complementary colors to the background.
7. Study the balance between plain surfaces and figured surfaces. Use both if necessary and contrast them against each other.
8. See that the scale and type of patterns of figured surfaces are in harmony with the furnishings.
9. Select textiles before paint colors.
10. Try large size samples of all colors in place under final lighting conditions before making final decisions.
