Wallpaper as an accent

<br />Having an accent wall is popular  in home decorating, but many decorators are very selective or down right negative about the idea. I wrote at length about accent walls in another post and listed <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.com/2011/01/5-reasons-to-have-accent-wall.html">5 reasons</a> to consider an accent wall. Accent walls either work well or are dismal failures. Make sure yours is in the successful category.   <br /><br />Recently a reader requested that  I write a post about using wallpaper  to create a focus wall.  Ask and you shall receive. Here are my thoughts on the topic. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The most obvious wall </b></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/125689/Golf-House-contemporary-bedroom-other-metros"><img alt="Golf House contemporary bedroom" border="0" height="300" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/125689_0_8-0261-contemporary-bedroom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/mobili/angel-mangarakov" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Angel Mangarakov via Houzz</a></small></div><br /><small> </small><span style="font-size: small;">Any recessed area works well as an accent wall because it allows you to use the  architectural features of the room to good advantage. This bedroom shows how well a recessed feature can be highlighted . In addition, the paint colour totally supports the wallpaper design.  This is one of the biggest areas where you can mess up. </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/96317/Living-Room-Chic-eclectic-bedroom-dallas"><img alt="Living Room Chic eclectic bedroom" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/96317_0_8-7519-eclectic-bedroom.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/dallas" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/studioten25/abbe-fenimore-studio-ten-25" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Abbe Fenimore Studio Ten 25</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">This is another bedroom where the pattern beautifully accentuates everything else in the room.  The colour scheme is quiet and the wall colour blends well with the tones in the paper.  </span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28dCXSDoR3EM3JzMkcEY4mhZic6w51EXCJqBnKwNqsME4X7YcpBnyh3XDtuXFu8rlJpgPdprhN36ZrIDRmg3Wlh2r0nO9gEH9QSk5drYMzw-IHCm-aItec1Iw5I8yIEQGpogUPtrdRLRe/s1600/171277592048341367_qW4GmBR8_f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28dCXSDoR3EM3JzMkcEY4mhZic6w51EXCJqBnKwNqsME4X7YcpBnyh3XDtuXFu8rlJpgPdprhN36ZrIDRmg3Wlh2r0nO9gEH9QSk5drYMzw-IHCm-aItec1Iw5I8yIEQGpogUPtrdRLRe/s400/171277592048341367_qW4GmBR8_f.jpg" width="400" /></a><small><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></small><small> </small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"></span> </small><small><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=33661">Decor Pad</a></span></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">This room has a completely different vibe with its pinkish red walls and white and black accent pattern.  It isn't a look I personally like because there is just too much colour for me. That doesn't make the design wrong. With the white furniture you really need  colour on the walls.  </span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/372521/Queensway-master-contemporary-bedroom-toronto"><img alt="Queensway master contemporary bedroom" border="0" height="267" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/372521_0_8-3620-contemporary-bedroom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/toronto" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/luxdesign/lux-design-inc" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">LUX Design Inc.</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">The wall behind a bed is the most advantageous wall to accent The furniture placement  makes it the focal point in the room and you are merely enhancing it with your wallpaper choice.  Consider the effect that large mirrors have on this design.  The mirrored doors create two accent walls and the  impact effect is diminished and for some people it would be visually confusing.. </span></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><small> </small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/380665/David-Howell-Design-contemporary-bedroom-new-york"><img alt="David Howell Design contemporary bedroom" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/380665_0_8-5230-contemporary-bedroom.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small>  <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/davidhowell/david-howell-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">David Howell Design</a></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">How do you feel about the accent wall in this room? Do you think the designer choose the best wall to highlight? Does the wall colour work well with the colour scheme in the wallpaper?  My answer would be negative on all counts.  To be fair, one could argue the use of pattern on the opposite wall as a way to  distribute visual  weight in the room. There's always more than one way to look at design. </span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><b><span style="font-size: small;"> To highlight furniture</span></b></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1735660874" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha47GOuYAk797Eb7__hTBFFEQK7weYFk5TYRDs13ShHGYeL94DVM3XRAS94aaNOg98UQ5A_SAtaWzVmZ9gDqqyX1ndKMEUlRk_HeCB7GV_uIHF3PYS_00Z7zq0pxLsG-YikqnzEC-jaWie/s400/171277592048341318_GOv56wNH_b.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1735660874"><small><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></small></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/mryall/for-your-walls/"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Pinterest </span></a></span></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Light coloured furniture always looks great with a pattern behind it.  When you add pattern that is this dark and strong remember to consider how it will look with what is happening in the next room. </span></span></span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwbk02EdatNTCJ2g5Sq0c4LM-nqvNjai5FMqbu4AK_2SNMCrea5tliq1xYdcVQyoeciZK9Nbq-ey4RTeRhsmHSlOtCsqYVF_Zw_OnAA57GyWgviM-Wt1L-FY10P4zmX1rYyWkdDQTSrMg/s1600/171277592048341279_VVvhwKFG_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwbk02EdatNTCJ2g5Sq0c4LM-nqvNjai5FMqbu4AK_2SNMCrea5tliq1xYdcVQyoeciZK9Nbq-ey4RTeRhsmHSlOtCsqYVF_Zw_OnAA57GyWgviM-Wt1L-FY10P4zmX1rYyWkdDQTSrMg/s400/171277592048341279_VVvhwKFG_b.jpg" width="392" /></a><small><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></small><small><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/mryall/for-your-walls/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Pinterest</span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Don't be afraid of large scale pattern on one wall.  There is lots of pattern in this room, but it works because the designer stuck to a tight colour scheme. When you choose bold patterns remember how much harder you have to work to find art that will hold its own on the pattern.  The two small pieces  above are lost in the pattern.  Something bolder and larger would have been a better choice. Sometimes the devil is in the smallest details.  When you look at this design what is the first thing you notice?  For me it's the sofa and not the patterned end wall.  Perhaps this is what the designer wanted to achieve and that might account for the downplay of art on the wallpaper.  Again, more than one way to look at things. </span> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> Stand alone walls </b></span><b>and dividers</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tcYvje7dgJt7aE8DgyC9cOED205IkZSI6RUvC8DoWYyn6a9yfa1zEm3bhDVGmft3Tn6einTDAKLZZdPTKl-ihGq8O-WuJRWCmYNdWjExq7Etd26pI5SP2XyRJyfLJ-OMbVwt7o6H74Fm/s1600/171277592048341266_J45ESbWF_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tcYvje7dgJt7aE8DgyC9cOED205IkZSI6RUvC8DoWYyn6a9yfa1zEm3bhDVGmft3Tn6einTDAKLZZdPTKl-ihGq8O-WuJRWCmYNdWjExq7Etd26pI5SP2XyRJyfLJ-OMbVwt7o6H74Fm/s400/171277592048341266_J45ESbWF_b.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/mryall/for-your-walls/"> Pinterest </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrbOPVxjjshWDbMLPjSzBnD4_p7dlT88VYhZ6EocPCC3sJsRmPe1crAB7p2gIwk4WkFeqQn8ihi0HFLWp8WK2_WFsdlIv6Hs6sxlw-Jw3BP6pgievEoBf9n0eB7kQZ3F38aO_l5AjNFFX/s1600/171277592048341312_xcIGpHmd_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrbOPVxjjshWDbMLPjSzBnD4_p7dlT88VYhZ6EocPCC3sJsRmPe1crAB7p2gIwk4WkFeqQn8ihi0HFLWp8WK2_WFsdlIv6Hs6sxlw-Jw3BP6pgievEoBf9n0eB7kQZ3F38aO_l5AjNFFX/s400/171277592048341312_xcIGpHmd_b.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/mryall/for-your-walls/">Pinterest </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Look for opportunities to wallpaper where you have stand alone walls that will work well as an accent.  Often temporary walls or stand alone walls are used as dividers in condos or basement apartments.  It is a way to divide space without closing it off.  <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">  <b>Wallpaper as art </b></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyt71NMk8qnFlYiHQUtR0A3rM27G0mbiWR-714TQriMn_bfSmRV84HlTcfFIimnBfWcCrj16GgtIHKo6hbaYzeV_CkQ4Gc6JctN_byZ4JW4JGSjDW0zB6a84AkaOzlzUecG-mOyc34wHdB/s1600/171277592048341272_DyhwqMiv_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyt71NMk8qnFlYiHQUtR0A3rM27G0mbiWR-714TQriMn_bfSmRV84HlTcfFIimnBfWcCrj16GgtIHKo6hbaYzeV_CkQ4Gc6JctN_byZ4JW4JGSjDW0zB6a84AkaOzlzUecG-mOyc34wHdB/s400/171277592048341272_DyhwqMiv_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhVnFb9h0l1wRqdQHHBLCUvr9UF8LWVHOBZE9DcYMOQ__dJZFjXh_U8G4HJIQB-FyeTJBcFCQJtpjnaGpensRsJR340b3pHSGjf98C1-tTiskqP0ap4MPMedcPNRLWUeIm7QIDNd6dErP/s1600/171277592048341276_vYFQw107_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhVnFb9h0l1wRqdQHHBLCUvr9UF8LWVHOBZE9DcYMOQ__dJZFjXh_U8G4HJIQB-FyeTJBcFCQJtpjnaGpensRsJR340b3pHSGjf98C1-tTiskqP0ap4MPMedcPNRLWUeIm7QIDNd6dErP/s400/171277592048341276_vYFQw107_b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/mryall/for-your-walls/"> Pinterest </a></div><br /> Think about all the ways you could use wallpaper as art . Use trim to emphasize a design and fill in with wallpaper.  The sky's the limit for this. I particularly like the grid created for the dining room wall with two colours of wallpaper.  The colour tones work very well together. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Highlight a small area </b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDMDnQgzfHGotwFeuHEJBI0RrPiabdCs-bfhyphenhyphenoApkqVC5cmECMrct_ESQ9TeG5ZxSI1K-SRs0wyQKXpHKFUdEvmPZhL5uWvtXgFwCi334IT_AN6_OlruK98ZbFlE_DqUUYqre6zFTcYGX/s1600/171277592048341283_t2vWpv0j_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivY6EiYaRbYbKVZ3hG5qzn3vH1e0QbL3wrZwFOVEP1yGpb5vYlgDqfUITZspG8YGLR4jhS_VyHRvhyphenhyphenBSjYzDxH7PE1c047zPqp2tdYa7IPoKFIYVSvpgQENDx26-UwtEz7VkbC7ZrE_Jq_/s1600/171277592048341327_vl0RYSHv_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivY6EiYaRbYbKVZ3hG5qzn3vH1e0QbL3wrZwFOVEP1yGpb5vYlgDqfUITZspG8YGLR4jhS_VyHRvhyphenhyphenBSjYzDxH7PE1c047zPqp2tdYa7IPoKFIYVSvpgQENDx26-UwtEz7VkbC7ZrE_Jq_/s400/171277592048341327_vl0RYSHv_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.casacullen.com/2011/08/first-look-interior-inspiration-wallpapered-accent-wall.html">Casacullen</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.casacullen.com/2011/08/first-look-interior-inspiration-wallpapered-accent-wall.html"></a><br /> Fireplace walls  that extend beyond the  main wall offer a perfect place to add pattern.   You can be very bold because there isn't much pattern used.  Would you use these accents on the mantle or different ones?  Do they stand out or are the lost? Does the arrangement need some height.  Displaying objects against a bold pattern takes some thought . There's lots of choice in things to move around in this room. Check out lots of other images on this great <a href="http://www.casacullen.com/2011/08/first-look-interior-inspiration-wallpapered-accent-wall.html">post </a>about wallpaper accents.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnF6yq9CfFJJRA1HH2WCl7frbZ_htBgTnNcI68vLAiMqAUaqLFWRY6HLMjy2MPIsNYfxV3gDcso5iPSh9dOBODKbQkCzIFVt-wYwtlWAkwKlIdDjAIEJv6PCG2pEm-U8xVz46nBAgTU52/s1600/179510735116698501_cWy1eaic_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnF6yq9CfFJJRA1HH2WCl7frbZ_htBgTnNcI68vLAiMqAUaqLFWRY6HLMjy2MPIsNYfxV3gDcso5iPSh9dOBODKbQkCzIFVt-wYwtlWAkwKlIdDjAIEJv6PCG2pEm-U8xVz46nBAgTU52/s400/179510735116698501_cWy1eaic_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/living-room/picture/spring-fresh-living-room#idealhome">House to Home </a></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-WGMKKtaprHNNNKOHrcNMYIXVdOOLx5eC4LqSdKPktttYxUm7GTOvRJ8Xmni5D3nz8FbsCC4z9m1whYoRUUVP2tcOEtvoCe4Lknvlz1MQ8rkGK43351mVfpADLUlAf3YTCne-dc3JRkI/s1600/171277592048341322_JnMjjGHe_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-WGMKKtaprHNNNKOHrcNMYIXVdOOLx5eC4LqSdKPktttYxUm7GTOvRJ8Xmni5D3nz8FbsCC4z9m1whYoRUUVP2tcOEtvoCe4Lknvlz1MQ8rkGK43351mVfpADLUlAf3YTCne-dc3JRkI/s400/171277592048341322_JnMjjGHe_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://nestinstinct.blogspot.com/2011/01/wonders-of-wallpaper.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> From My Nest to Yours </span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivY6EiYaRbYbKVZ3hG5qzn3vH1e0QbL3wrZwFOVEP1yGpb5vYlgDqfUITZspG8YGLR4jhS_VyHRvhyphenhyphenBSjYzDxH7PE1c047zPqp2tdYa7IPoKFIYVSvpgQENDx26-UwtEz7VkbC7ZrE_Jq_/s1600/171277592048341327_vl0RYSHv_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Define a  space with just a strip or two of wallpaper as a backdrop.  </div><br />And there you have it.  There are all kinds of ways to brighten your home with wallpaper accents.  This only scratches the surface.  You might want to refer to this other <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.com/2011/02/many-uses-of-wallpaper.html">post </a>I wrote on the topic last year. I also have a growing collection of ideas for your walls on <a href="http://pinterest.com/mryall/for-your-walls/">Pinterest. </a></div>

Wallpaper as an accent

Having an accent wall is popular  in home decorating, but many decorators are very selective or down right negative about the idea. I wrote ...

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No one will ever know

 You can never have too many vases or luminaries. Creating your own  from materials on hand is both fun and cost effective.  You also get to have the pleasure of looking at it every day and knowing that you upcycled something.  Of course, accolades from your friends and family don't go astray either.<br /><br />  Here are some of my personal favourite ideas collected from  Pinterest.    Happy creating.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgFlClOE6Bl_51nJSpsASm_KBXyMtyf0__ND_DXKUFpCP-cfBQ1DGlJqhY2LAI2Bk0Zk1AzcI4ErTlbkNOEWjw1hmP3OecY3YxlOpcCCzssjbALUrKQvkhg8LF56Ia5DLKh4-HQaNwlyr/s1600/30610472436843218_mfPIf8Yb_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgFlClOE6Bl_51nJSpsASm_KBXyMtyf0__ND_DXKUFpCP-cfBQ1DGlJqhY2LAI2Bk0Zk1AzcI4ErTlbkNOEWjw1hmP3OecY3YxlOpcCCzssjbALUrKQvkhg8LF56Ia5DLKh4-HQaNwlyr/s400/30610472436843218_mfPIf8Yb_b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /> I would use these for their sculptural value and forget the greenery which looks forced.  Get various shapes and sizes of clear wine bottles.  Tape off or use adhesive stickers to create design.  Spray paint white and there you have it.  So easy and they would look very interesting massed together on a table top or mantle. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7XRJeEXAp24ffbGvsuAsi3l5HCYcJl1rZy1nfhso3Y0XIrG99MnrJoKg2GUBTDf4eR8US_ymaKtHE5uw4GLAh5w3rmoGKXRv0aeZoXF57L98Au_CWzMAY8eRpEKBwkre_xa7TVnPF4CC/s1600/162481499025721041_aevHsMtm_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyEPJp2hiTJiNpCVJIOBKKjRfqD6WKzluld7H040n9HCBI7q0DOLdMqfvua-s5LFPoJCoqIUGVixJ-4gBcUWqUzIDXKrRAPNRB1uYQJBkqvGClgbkd1QET6uq5vZTaGnxFvTBCdgwpL3Sx/s1600/171277592048034512_GDXTfPOf_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyEPJp2hiTJiNpCVJIOBKKjRfqD6WKzluld7H040n9HCBI7q0DOLdMqfvua-s5LFPoJCoqIUGVixJ-4gBcUWqUzIDXKrRAPNRB1uYQJBkqvGClgbkd1QET6uq5vZTaGnxFvTBCdgwpL3Sx/s400/171277592048034512_GDXTfPOf_b.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rachelmahan.tumblr.com/page/3"> 52 Projects</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, so easy!  Use elastic bands  to stretch around  around the clear cylinder vase .  Vary the position of the bands and make sure you have some overlapping, then spray paint. When the candles are lit the design is greatly enhanced. You can now buy battery powered candles which would work best in something this tall. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AKZ4Rt5vrcNJ52zmdbe9V_LEb0GmP1nMJVrXR4MYnZl143E0STMc20zSCtfXniD_lHz1-YGqH9eo_-jGL1z9piCUG86DxI7T0gzHksZTpjhi0GW5GoXLmJU5qbzG2aWaB3Ch6b9yD43L/s1600/35465915785270184_P9phSE3q_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AKZ4Rt5vrcNJ52zmdbe9V_LEb0GmP1nMJVrXR4MYnZl143E0STMc20zSCtfXniD_lHz1-YGqH9eo_-jGL1z9piCUG86DxI7T0gzHksZTpjhi0GW5GoXLmJU5qbzG2aWaB3Ch6b9yD43L/s400/35465915785270184_P9phSE3q_b.jpg" width="266" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.heygorg.com/2011/10/diy-tissue-covered-luminaries.html">Hey Gorgeous </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Check out the very detailed instructions for creating this tissue paper collaged vase. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7XRJeEXAp24ffbGvsuAsi3l5HCYcJl1rZy1nfhso3Y0XIrG99MnrJoKg2GUBTDf4eR8US_ymaKtHE5uw4GLAh5w3rmoGKXRv0aeZoXF57L98Au_CWzMAY8eRpEKBwkre_xa7TVnPF4CC/s1600/162481499025721041_aevHsMtm_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7XRJeEXAp24ffbGvsuAsi3l5HCYcJl1rZy1nfhso3Y0XIrG99MnrJoKg2GUBTDf4eR8US_ymaKtHE5uw4GLAh5w3rmoGKXRv0aeZoXF57L98Au_CWzMAY8eRpEKBwkre_xa7TVnPF4CC/s400/162481499025721041_aevHsMtm_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://poppytalk.blogspot.com/2010/03/weekend-project-bottle-painting.html">Poppytalk </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> You may have seen this idea in<a href="http://www.houseandhome.com/" target="_blank"> Canadian House & Home</a>.   Wait for a nice day where you can take your spray paint outside. Clean (remove any labels and adhesive)  and dry the bottles and then by pouring a dollop of paint into the bottle, gradually rotate/swirl the paint inside until the paint coats the entire interior. Some may need two coats. Dry on a damp or plastic dropsheet.  I think the colour you use will make or break this look.  I'm particularly fond of the sea glass green blues. </div>Update: Watch a video how-to by Stephanie White on <a href="http://www.houseandhome.com/tv/episode/project-runway-canada-winner-sunny-fongs-apartment-tour" target="_blank">House and Home's TV</a>.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyTRohWs0caDsXbvTtvUyqEvPL8j8FDX82wrNO-r7Aj-lnK7tYqTlGp1ftbRu0lkPKGIJ7en6bLoLu8lbwJ72L92QhjhdsSVzBHGytB8sJRFYm8xPDsHkNyMP_0QIZx0DQVGJS20viMVr/s1600/171277592048033822_Z29wDHoC_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioc3jNpEvDABTiPkQFFQnmk8U1z1lkdnIQyCBxUL5hyphenhyphenRdFKgSUVBUrBb4Njf0R__Oi6ovcnfou5EigwHJyLpi6eflA636cKDTyOPU6TavXWovPfvUQ5rG5BbqQNbXNQAFacXzx8qxsl1ZL/s1600/30751209925374030_6W9gdch4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioc3jNpEvDABTiPkQFFQnmk8U1z1lkdnIQyCBxUL5hyphenhyphenRdFKgSUVBUrBb4Njf0R__Oi6ovcnfou5EigwHJyLpi6eflA636cKDTyOPU6TavXWovPfvUQ5rG5BbqQNbXNQAFacXzx8qxsl1ZL/s400/30751209925374030_6W9gdch4_b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bhg.com/decorating/do-it-yourself/fabric-paper-projects/nature-inspired-paper-projects/?sssdmh=dm17.561137&esrc=nwdc111611&email=1379405462#page=2">  BHG</a></div><br /> Print your photo on Lazertran paper, making sure the image prints on the chalky eggshell side. Let dry for 30 minutes. Cut the image to size. Soak the printout facedown in a pan of water for about a minute. Peel off the backing and place the filmy printout onto a ceramic vase, smoothing out any air bubbles.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AKZ4Rt5vrcNJ52zmdbe9V_LEb0GmP1nMJVrXR4MYnZl143E0STMc20zSCtfXniD_lHz1-YGqH9eo_-jGL1z9piCUG86DxI7T0gzHksZTpjhi0GW5GoXLmJU5qbzG2aWaB3Ch6b9yD43L/s1600/35465915785270184_P9phSE3q_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskY8RH0W_OPSgQV3I0DWTWZOr6D4qRutYhp_Rm1E0xddkvQDyEUSalxTPvxsAi6fWHUuUy3Yi-8zKuMB2K3_dx-E2AXXw3JxPSfozcz-9PE9QOEf88SOXGpl35Zt_ynB4Wp_XppUbsZpM/s1600/171277592048033822_Z29wDHoC_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskY8RH0W_OPSgQV3I0DWTWZOr6D4qRutYhp_Rm1E0xddkvQDyEUSalxTPvxsAi6fWHUuUy3Yi-8zKuMB2K3_dx-E2AXXw3JxPSfozcz-9PE9QOEf88SOXGpl35Zt_ynB4Wp_XppUbsZpM/s400/171277592048033822_Z29wDHoC_b.jpg" width="358" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://deliciouslyorganized.blogspot.com/2009/12/diy-mercury-glass.html"> Deliciously Organized </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">These look stunning and they are so, so easy to make using Krylon  Looking Glass Mirrorlike  Spray Paint. Clean out the vases/votive,  spray the interiors lightly with water and then with mirror paint. Turn upside down and let dry overnight.  Repeat the process if the first application looks too sheer. If you want to use them for flowers you have to inert a small glass inside to hold the water. Imagine the beautiful table centerpiece these would create using some with flowers and some with candles. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyTRohWs0caDsXbvTtvUyqEvPL8j8FDX82wrNO-r7Aj-lnK7tYqTlGp1ftbRu0lkPKGIJ7en6bLoLu8lbwJ72L92QhjhdsSVzBHGytB8sJRFYm8xPDsHkNyMP_0QIZx0DQVGJS20viMVr/s1600/171277592048033822_Z29wDHoC_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>

No one will ever know

 You can never have too many vases or luminaries. Creating your own  from materials on hand is both fun and cost effective.  You also get to...

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5 +1 Design Solutions

Every home has challenges- not enough  storage space, oddly shaped rooms, nowhere to put the TV etc.  There is always a good design solution for every problem. All it takes is patience to look for the solution or some thought to figure it out yourself.  Sometimes the solution is a mixture of the two.     Do any of these ideas help solve a design problem in your house? <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>No  space  for a desk</b></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/171277592048084882/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/104568022567615403_8jjyJY6s_c.jpg" width="340" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Pinterest </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>So you think you have no room for a small desk in a room.  I love this idea of a fold up desk that turns into a framed art work.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Space too open</b></div><br /><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/171277592048237716/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="395" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/171277592048237716_oX2GU5xz_c.jpg" width="600" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/171277592048237716/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pinterest </span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A floating wall of this type serves to partially separate a space while adding a place  to locate furniture. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><b>  </b><br /><b>No wall for a TV</b></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/171277592048272038/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="334" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/171277592048272038_FV8GPMBn_c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/171277592048272038/" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>                                                                    <span style="font-size: x-small;">Pinterest </span><br /><br />What about no wall space for a TV?  This happens in many open area homes, but there are solutions as you can see.  <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><b>No space for a buffet</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/83989/Gloucester-Road-Apartment-modern-dining-room-london" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gloucester Road Apartment modern dining room" border="0" height="376" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/83989_0_8-0005-modern-dining-room.jpg" width="500" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/83989/Gloucester-Road-Apartment-modern-dining-room-london">Houzz </a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sometimes taking space from another room or a hallway is an option.  This buffet fits perfectly into a small space.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Small foyer</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/171277592048128209/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="600" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/52143308155357182_HfqZ6LYj_c.jpg" width="457" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/171277592048128209/">Pinterest </a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>When you have a small entrance space consider fooling the eye by using a large mirror and layering furniture in front of it.  This sleek table accepts a bench below it very nicely.  It looks good but the bench is also functional.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Looking for a home office</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/171277592048196716/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/102597697730658443_MNItWWXf_c.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br />This is such a great solution for a small space.  The trunk can do double duty as a coffee table and a space to lay your laptop when the lid is closed <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/83989/Gloucester-Road-Apartment-modern-dining-room-london" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">t</div></div>

5 +1 Design Solutions

Every home has challenges- not enough  storage space, oddly shaped rooms, nowhere to put the TV etc.  There is always a good design solution...

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Does a ceiling have to be white?

<br />That's an easy one.  Of course the answer is no, but very few people veer away from this standard. If you're feeling adventurous and want to break away from the pack  here are some suggestions.<br /><br /><b>Consider practicalities </b><br />When you decide to paint your ceiling a colour you need to think about  how that colour will flow into other rooms both physically and visually.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Is there a place (e.g., molding or beam) where you can stop the colour? </i></div><ul></ul><ul></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/59364/Minimalist-kitchen-design-modern-kitchen-new-york"><img alt="Minimalist kitchen design modern kitchen" border="0" height="374" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/59364_0_8-1463-modern-kitchen.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath/new-york" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/urbanhome/urban-homes" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Urban Homes</a></small></div><small> <span style="font-size: small;">The ceiling in the kitchen is on a different plane than the living room, thus providing an easy break for painting.</span></small><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>How will the colour look when viewed from the next room or rooms?</i></div><ul style="text-align: center;"></ul>In the room above the ceiling is acting as an "accent wall" and flows nicely into the living room.  The same blue is used in hints around the room creating a visual flow.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Will you have to  change the colour again when you paint your walls? </i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chances are you will.  Are you up to painting several coats to cover a colour? <i></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Is your ceiling in good condition?  </i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Flaws will show up more with darker colours. <b><br /></b></div><ul></ul><br /></div><b>Consider ceiling height</b><br />How high is your ceiling?  Nine feet or above will provide lots of height for darker or warmer colours.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/56312/Beverly-Bradshaw-Interiors--Seattle--WA-eclectic-dining-room-seattle"><img alt="Beverly Bradshaw Interiors, Seattle, WA eclectic dining room" border="0" height="425" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/56312_0_8-5976-eclectic-dining-room.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professional/7147/Beverly-Bradshaw-Interiors" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Beverly Bradshaw Interiors</a></small></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/80339/Luxurious-Gold-and-Silver-Painted-Dining-Room-Ceiling-traditional-dining-room-san-francisco"><img alt="Luxurious Gold and Silver Painted Dining Room Ceiling traditional dining room" border="0" height="640" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/80339_0_8-2611-traditional-dining-room.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/allisoncosmos/allison-cosmos" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Allison Cosmos</a></small></div><br /><small> </small>However, if you have standard ceilings (8 feet) and your rooms are smallish you might consider lighter, cooler colours to help the ceiling recede and give the feeling of greater distance.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqogMpyGrFdnWDXafy5H0gd19nQQIyE910wir64yu7LFdeoB2rpz-Prrs9xVizNh-gHtx0oTwPCYvYk3AwyNPZBlL2aRnuzgVB8WLA9qPLh9VehJBtPQepBqN363GXZqhPfQ84X6fU5sQ/s1600/painted+ceiling.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqogMpyGrFdnWDXafy5H0gd19nQQIyE910wir64yu7LFdeoB2rpz-Prrs9xVizNh-gHtx0oTwPCYvYk3AwyNPZBlL2aRnuzgVB8WLA9qPLh9VehJBtPQepBqN363GXZqhPfQ84X6fU5sQ/s640/painted+ceiling.jpg" width="448" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://www.gusandlula.com/2011/01/things-are-looking-up-very-loosely.html">Gus and Lulu</a></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXbi5WMW_zvYuEDYrOr3KjauFeh-DFXz9GSzeZMzkw0ZB4SsaJd3q6Fir-jaqsl8fpvaUVgNT7mZANSBW177B4FzpXazy8aSrhPPeYoOmYo-Hpa3ubbE02YIgTrlJuvxQuJqraOTRL2Pd/s1600/blue-ceiling-traditional-home.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXbi5WMW_zvYuEDYrOr3KjauFeh-DFXz9GSzeZMzkw0ZB4SsaJd3q6Fir-jaqsl8fpvaUVgNT7mZANSBW177B4FzpXazy8aSrhPPeYoOmYo-Hpa3ubbE02YIgTrlJuvxQuJqraOTRL2Pd/s640/blue-ceiling-traditional-home.jpg" width="459" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Traditional Home</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Blue seems to be a popular ceiling colour. </div><br /><br /><b>Consider your  wall colour</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxQPQTxB98HCNz86mV4SbA2uJ63hmRPut_Vnv21WFOIlVS7DAHuBjflFO7wW_RSL7VD0_PzzHaZXVxxRUS0proezICF87bv7DfytFgThmj9GHwCwY-nHHYsrQMIuZnr7Tu28CAqm3WXJD/s1600/171277592048259532_IUih3kLR_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxQPQTxB98HCNz86mV4SbA2uJ63hmRPut_Vnv21WFOIlVS7DAHuBjflFO7wW_RSL7VD0_PzzHaZXVxxRUS0proezICF87bv7DfytFgThmj9GHwCwY-nHHYsrQMIuZnr7Tu28CAqm3WXJD/s640/171277592048259532_IUih3kLR_b.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=88283&index=4&currentPage=1&searchQuery=painted%20ceiling&searchType=photos">DecorPad</a></span></div>If you really want to paint your ceiling and aren't sure which colour to choose, take the cue from your wall colour and simply go several values lighter. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WpgOQoXRgXLfHS1Un-BNpsSPnE_DELlnLgmbV8QGYKGs2XaxsFTCLnZlj4pIXjI7L05XuU4KZw2c4Ra34-ddchS9Kw96DO73AeP8fMyvfwbrHIy8a-_h1caQ4iKAfi9rP6T7JOuTZLB4/s1600/Tobi-Fairley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WpgOQoXRgXLfHS1Un-BNpsSPnE_DELlnLgmbV8QGYKGs2XaxsFTCLnZlj4pIXjI7L05XuU4KZw2c4Ra34-ddchS9Kw96DO73AeP8fMyvfwbrHIy8a-_h1caQ4iKAfi9rP6T7JOuTZLB4/s640/Tobi-Fairley.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Toby Fairley </span><br /><br />Or keep the ceiling and walls the same colour and break it up with crown moulding.....<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gOyz08peb4wlqVrGggJrNhtpc4KCe-neLGvMNgJiYHOHUTSPBK7P7mDEuqR-L0L37ZExdKhKBR-CmlrElK_it4S_Awo9TUqE25IrzonAqvYA7pWjJAphCbiB2u3R5EEFDjSoeRrqQtEi/s1600/Untitled-11+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gOyz08peb4wlqVrGggJrNhtpc4KCe-neLGvMNgJiYHOHUTSPBK7P7mDEuqR-L0L37ZExdKhKBR-CmlrElK_it4S_Awo9TUqE25IrzonAqvYA7pWjJAphCbiB2u3R5EEFDjSoeRrqQtEi/s640/Untitled-11+copy.jpg" width="586" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> or go a value or two darker for the ceiling.</div><b></b><br /><br /><b>Consider your trim colour</b><br /> If you have a trim colour other than white/cream, look to it for ideas for your ceiling.<span style="font-size: small;">These room</span> have a very pulled together look by using the trim  colour  as a branching off point. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vGgs5Tc9jG1bUv2NNSVgK8XFrlF_4UGAyODLW8n0HqqEkuXwR4vEjmT8GRVxvyICmaSzz383QR0WGzIVrQeFKInhTfD7YVqa3PKp5yNj7UgkOmxNJVQFPfF7RIi1rlT3UGbrJ_AVvvKT/s1600/171277592048256752_IoeVNhAM_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vGgs5Tc9jG1bUv2NNSVgK8XFrlF_4UGAyODLW8n0HqqEkuXwR4vEjmT8GRVxvyICmaSzz383QR0WGzIVrQeFKInhTfD7YVqa3PKp5yNj7UgkOmxNJVQFPfF7RIi1rlT3UGbrJ_AVvvKT/s640/171277592048256752_IoeVNhAM_b.jpg" width="536" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Real Simple</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> The ceiling is darker than the trim colour</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/242371/Residences-in-DeBordieu-Colony--Georgetown--SC-traditional-living-room-charleston"><img alt="Residences in DeBordieu Colony, Georgetown, SC traditional living room" border="0" height="512" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/242371_0_8-2171-traditional-living-room.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/wayne-rogers/catalyst-architects-llc" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Catalyst Architects, LLC</a></small></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"> The ceiling is the same colour as the trim. </span></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><b><span style="font-size: small;">Consider your accessories </span></b></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">This is where things could get exciting... </span></small></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/139013/tineke-triggs-contemporary-bedroom-san-francisco"><img alt="tineke triggs contemporary bedroom" border="0" height="480" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/139013_0_8-7385-contemporary-bedroom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/tineke/artistic-designs-for-living-tineke-triggs" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"> Tineke Triggs</a></small></div><br /><small><span style="font-size: small;">Can you imagine this room with a red ceiling?</span></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/110029/Hollywood-Residence-eclectic-dining-room-los-angeles"><img alt="Hollywood Residence eclectic dining room" border="0" height="427" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/110029_0_8-9166-eclectic-dining-room.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/elizgordon/elizabeth-gordon" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Elizabeth Gordon</a></small></div>

Does a ceiling have to be white?

That's an easy one.  Of course the answer is no, but very few people veer away from this standard. If you're feeling adventurous and...

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