Working with color

One of the most common decisions a design consultant helps new homeowners make is which color palette to use in their new homes. The thing to remember is that good color doesn't cost any more than bad color. So it's all up to your choosing the RIGHT color. Color affects your mood, your productivity and your health.

We suggest a neutral palette for your home. Unimposing colors offer a timeless backdrop for any patterns and accent colors you want to incorporate in your furnishings.

Unless you're skilled, don't get too ambitious with textures and accents. Keep it simple, fresh and streamlined. You'll be happier in the long run.

• If you're set on having vibrant, bold colors in your home, consider using fabric panels. They can be moved and changed more easily than paint.

• Pale or cool colors can make a room appear larger than it is by creating the illusion that the walls are farther apart.

• Warm colors are alive and cheerful. They add to the impression that objects are closer together. When warm colors are used correctly, the result is an intimate, cozy atmosphere.

• Contrasting colors can draw attention to an object or an area. If you have a piece of furniture you want to highlight, consider an accent wall in a complementary color.

• Light colors reflect heat where dark colors attract heat.

What if I love one tile pattern for the floor and another for the Corian® countertop but they don't match?

Which product do you absolutely love and which one could you do without? If you love the countertop because of its color and easy maintenance, we'll find a tile to complement it. It's easy to love many items, but impossible to make them all work together. It's always difficult to make a big decorating decision in a couple of hours. We invite you to visit local suppliers anytime and as many times as you'd like to browse and identify items that you prefer. Design consultants are available to help answer your questions and help you make the best selection decisions for your lifestyle.

How do I coordinate my carpeting with my kitchen flooring selection?

In most new homes, the transitions from room to room are very noticeable. The colors, patterns and textures of adjoining floors need to agree at the threshold. The strip that covers the threshold is called a "saddle." Saddles come in a variety of materials (rubber, plastic, and wood) which smooth the transition. But stay aware of the patterns and where they meet. For example, if you choose a patterned carpet, you wouldn't want it to meet a clashing pattern in the kitchen.