How to choose drapery hardware

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The devil is in the details and simple decisions can lead to big impact both good and bad.  Since there aren't any  absolutes in decorating, things often  come down to personal preferences.  One of the the things I'm fussy about is what colour rods to use to hang drapes. <br /><br /><br />There's lots to choose from. <br /><br />Metal hardware is available in a variety of finishes : wrought iron,  aluminum, chrome, brass, and oil rubbed bronze. Wood hardware is available in almost any finish, from natural blond to dark espresso.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9HFGO6OLQOrEZAnt4lGUoblItgAZoSgRgWN7oyO9kEAuB13NBpQcLj9pA9Kl7lfgZ_pDSBgDQ1qIi61_ZP793KKV3MaSpJaKEO4hGycAJTYZHErjlv8cYuEa6A4x9LVwp0_NbW3YEde-/s1600/curtain-rods.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="types of drapery rods " border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9HFGO6OLQOrEZAnt4lGUoblItgAZoSgRgWN7oyO9kEAuB13NBpQcLj9pA9Kl7lfgZ_pDSBgDQ1qIi61_ZP793KKV3MaSpJaKEO4hGycAJTYZHErjlv8cYuEa6A4x9LVwp0_NbW3YEde-/s400/curtain-rods.jpg" title="How to choose drapery hardware" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Styles of drapery hardware</td></tr></tbody></table></div> There's two ways you can go when choosing a colour for your rod. Choose a color that matches:<br /><ul><li> other items in the room</li><li>  the colour of the drapery    </li></ul>  When you choose to match  other items in the room it is often a good idea, but it doesn't always work as you can see in the photos below.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOHsSDWmz4Sn0EjqW_CUkhh-3Dmawe7L_adizLra1NMJI36paraepiGMTyMtr6dEF349YgLd58PqNijB7ZXNGOkekQY7HKeawSjXWGKB-dZSYB4Ya3C9DesZ8hkelrbeyK6XbwCvTiRhD/s1600/171277592048991277_XTv7gDKb_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="black drapery rods bedroom " border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOHsSDWmz4Sn0EjqW_CUkhh-3Dmawe7L_adizLra1NMJI36paraepiGMTyMtr6dEF349YgLd58PqNijB7ZXNGOkekQY7HKeawSjXWGKB-dZSYB4Ya3C9DesZ8hkelrbeyK6XbwCvTiRhD/s640/171277592048991277_XTv7gDKb_f.jpg" title="How to choose drapery hardware" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://pinterest.com/mryall/window-wow/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Pinterest </span></a></div><br />It is obvious that the rod colour decision was based on matching to the dark woods in the room, but why would you want to break the lofty look that is going on here with horizontal dark lines?  When I look at this room, my eye automatically goes to the ceiling.  Contrast always draws the eye.  You probably don't want a focal point near the ceiling!  <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2E2fJznavoQdXxPW1qFrw3N4-wvf7GRf5DnT62xNISgN0u2m8cfJWnuNcEuPIl6T_rEeSxyh331UV0oq9hE0k65kG4DbvXlNtX-vQ1V_-j8Y9I_vpoHF2B_yt9QvtbEj77IN7_UB-Dhe3/s1600/171277592048562232_vRu7VrzO_f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="black drapery rods printed drapes living room" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2E2fJznavoQdXxPW1qFrw3N4-wvf7GRf5DnT62xNISgN0u2m8cfJWnuNcEuPIl6T_rEeSxyh331UV0oq9hE0k65kG4DbvXlNtX-vQ1V_-j8Y9I_vpoHF2B_yt9QvtbEj77IN7_UB-Dhe3/s640/171277592048562232_vRu7VrzO_f.jpg" title="How to choose drapery hardware" width="464" /></a></div><br />This rod is also dark, but the same thing isn't happening because the drapes are highly coloured and patterned.  I still would not use black.  In fact I probably would rarely use black because it is too harsh unless you have black drapes or it is a very modern decor. In this room I would look for something lighter that blended with the wooden blind too and make the whole thing more of a unit. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UUUv14Qc95JAScOD0NsC-GSEY9l1XPO1mv25Nh8NP59ws0BpqAJcND5VaW4jp2LIegY3CJ7Osa-Bq6saRC1VAE3U_ThfUmvEUNZZ6a5GSJfCtEfFr4VIhdcsnHIMaJrE5f26sO2-vZdr/s1600/decorative-poles.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UUUv14Qc95JAScOD0NsC-GSEY9l1XPO1mv25Nh8NP59ws0BpqAJcND5VaW4jp2LIegY3CJ7Osa-Bq6saRC1VAE3U_ThfUmvEUNZZ6a5GSJfCtEfFr4VIhdcsnHIMaJrE5f26sO2-vZdr/s400/decorative-poles.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UUUv14Qc95JAScOD0NsC-GSEY9l1XPO1mv25Nh8NP59ws0BpqAJcND5VaW4jp2LIegY3CJ7Osa-Bq6saRC1VAE3U_ThfUmvEUNZZ6a5GSJfCtEfFr4VIhdcsnHIMaJrE5f26sO2-vZdr/s1600/decorative-poles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a good neutral colour when you have golden tones in a room. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You also have to watch where you use wooden blinds. The combination below really works.    </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fHn_i3jAoHWwjUcDrBiK9LKz1DmF44BokdXn7IQo7DTZvIFEQyc3YWJ7spxIPTxubDt3YcI0tYRx3LFdAEH8Yn4dt8Ns_UMR3GUqDiThcxRKRVU5OfW_Uounz8GY2Sc71j3Hm_T5cFi6/s1600/68719499625_O3jMxPSF_f.jpg"><img alt="bamboo roll up bamboo drapery rod " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fHn_i3jAoHWwjUcDrBiK9LKz1DmF44BokdXn7IQo7DTZvIFEQyc3YWJ7spxIPTxubDt3YcI0tYRx3LFdAEH8Yn4dt8Ns_UMR3GUqDiThcxRKRVU5OfW_Uounz8GY2Sc71j3Hm_T5cFi6/s400/68719499625_O3jMxPSF_f.jpg" title="How to choose drapery hardware" width="300" /></a> </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://pinterest.com/mryall/window-wow/">Pinterest</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> This is a very cohesive look.  When you add wood blinds you automatically introduce a more casual element to the space and usually the colour is lighter. Choose your rod accordingly. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGOjcPTfrPJso0aSkuHiDFT-jWfxqvkgXYDYvCHsKVEJwiNAZAZsB8yzmF4vda7NS5q0sSzcPeM2JjDLDomkOgm54mus7TQmLYrjEuJKiQ7bU3gomjS-4PhLUjRdrIiEgNQ2u4nsR5Z87C/s1600/171277592048051408_wuX3F7tU_f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="back pleated drapes light gold rod " border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGOjcPTfrPJso0aSkuHiDFT-jWfxqvkgXYDYvCHsKVEJwiNAZAZsB8yzmF4vda7NS5q0sSzcPeM2JjDLDomkOgm54mus7TQmLYrjEuJKiQ7bU3gomjS-4PhLUjRdrIiEgNQ2u4nsR5Z87C/s640/171277592048051408_wuX3F7tU_f.jpg" title="How to choose drapery hardware" width="496" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://pinterest.com/mryall/window-wow/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> Pinterest </span></a></div><br /> This rod has enough colour to be noticed and it allows the drapes to have center stage. Imagine what a different room it would be if the rod  were black. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtsraSzDbnphj-b7RJrKAgInnjHFVkBxXiuF_jBw7CC9x9dotQEV71hBEpsoUllfcHAAJAGVg1oIIJd_gNHX6cFc8uCcIFwAkDCHCGfVmJm6xkl1uIAtlJtAqiid6pnwKQxMiSFc1GHQ6/s1600/229754018459837211_MS7n1MoF_f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="black drapery rod with banded drapes " border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtsraSzDbnphj-b7RJrKAgInnjHFVkBxXiuF_jBw7CC9x9dotQEV71hBEpsoUllfcHAAJAGVg1oIIJd_gNHX6cFc8uCcIFwAkDCHCGfVmJm6xkl1uIAtlJtAqiid6pnwKQxMiSFc1GHQ6/s640/229754018459837211_MS7n1MoF_f.jpg" title="How to choose drapery hardware" width="428" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/mryall/window-wow/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> Pinterest</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">How do you feel about this rod choice with these drapes?  Certainly  the black isn't as harsh as in some of the other examples, but it does compete a little too much with the horizontal banding for my taste. Personally I would choose something more neutral  to  match the top of the drapes. </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhumMjWtlpj7qiYo2kH0UkXExuaaCrv4jNdpfB_PUbc2RBuuJHb0-EOWwYtP_D9Fp69x1XH19U5RsoxmiJRdpzxB5e3529rVUNQmSEMeggzoPQxZRupAHOOCK1wpHZjTX69TSfKOU7TTG/s1600/135459901262382116_OySUgygn_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="light drapery rod cohesive look " border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhumMjWtlpj7qiYo2kH0UkXExuaaCrv4jNdpfB_PUbc2RBuuJHb0-EOWwYtP_D9Fp69x1XH19U5RsoxmiJRdpzxB5e3529rVUNQmSEMeggzoPQxZRupAHOOCK1wpHZjTX69TSfKOU7TTG/s640/135459901262382116_OySUgygn_f.jpg" title="How to choose drapery hardware" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/mryall/window-wow/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Pinterest </span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A pulled together look.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGOjcPTfrPJso0aSkuHiDFT-jWfxqvkgXYDYvCHsKVEJwiNAZAZsB8yzmF4vda7NS5q0sSzcPeM2JjDLDomkOgm54mus7TQmLYrjEuJKiQ7bU3gomjS-4PhLUjRdrIiEgNQ2u4nsR5Z87C/s1600/171277592048051408_wuX3F7tU_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br />What are your thoughts on choosing an appropriate drapery rod for your space. Do  you have an aversion to black rods in light spaces? <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

How to choose drapery hardware

The devil is in the details and simple decisions can lead to big impact both good and bad.  Since there aren't any  absolutes in decor...

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Not your average colour scheme

Some colour schemes are a dime a dozen and others are just daring and interesting. Today I'm looking at salmon/coral/melon and pink/rose/magenta.<br /><br />Now I'm not saying I would use these colours in my own home. You can appreciate from afar without committing!  These rooms have just too much colour for my personal style.  I'm attracted to them because they are so vibrant and fresh.  Isn't it a good thing we don't all like the same colours?<br /><br /> How do you feel about these rooms?  If you could transport any of them into your own home would you?<br /><br />This colour scheme seems to be most popular in bedrooms.  <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/65181/Tineke-triggs-contemporary-bedroom-san-francisco"><img border="0" height="334" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/65181_0_8-1000-contemporary-bedroom.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/san-francisco" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"> Interior Designer</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/tineke/artistic-designs-for-living-tineke-triggs" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs</a></small><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">The white bedding  and accessories work well to balance the hot colours.  White has many uses in decor and acting as a backdrop is just one of them. </span></small></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4OrkGWuxSgeOzwwtVsYQPMJxgFq_A5pxW9CBsY-zbOiLOAnLJpLg1-Ed1gVTF3ISKGpuckNHdux0UvibHqGArLpESEJOKnVFoIaNfnsleNUbMEtz11lMjQGp3Mgn1XRVoJDDh2G_hlMr/s1600/kids-room-girls-bed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4OrkGWuxSgeOzwwtVsYQPMJxgFq_A5pxW9CBsY-zbOiLOAnLJpLg1-Ed1gVTF3ISKGpuckNHdux0UvibHqGArLpESEJOKnVFoIaNfnsleNUbMEtz11lMjQGp3Mgn1XRVoJDDh2G_hlMr/s640/kids-room-girls-bed.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4OrkGWuxSgeOzwwtVsYQPMJxgFq_A5pxW9CBsY-zbOiLOAnLJpLg1-Ed1gVTF3ISKGpuckNHdux0UvibHqGArLpESEJOKnVFoIaNfnsleNUbMEtz11lMjQGp3Mgn1XRVoJDDh2G_hlMr/s1600/kids-room-girls-bed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">You can't deny that these colours are great for a kid's room.  I'm really liking the hit of lime green as an accent.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4OrkGWuxSgeOzwwtVsYQPMJxgFq_A5pxW9CBsY-zbOiLOAnLJpLg1-Ed1gVTF3ISKGpuckNHdux0UvibHqGArLpESEJOKnVFoIaNfnsleNUbMEtz11lMjQGp3Mgn1XRVoJDDh2G_hlMr/s1600/kids-room-girls-bed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMI-Qw8dFvP1_c44lJRWDCYMybiM45r6ybFUE40i90P9rI9ZJ3Dtyaor-A08agjXDDDuyM1CLBhoyRNaVrbgGrvpEyt2HUzT0WARb3dh5CinkZcRHwyrWoahg9GZKXbc120G3YquMtSLNL/s1600/171277592048510441_qgBbWGky_f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMI-Qw8dFvP1_c44lJRWDCYMybiM45r6ybFUE40i90P9rI9ZJ3Dtyaor-A08agjXDDDuyM1CLBhoyRNaVrbgGrvpEyt2HUzT0WARb3dh5CinkZcRHwyrWoahg9GZKXbc120G3YquMtSLNL/s640/171277592048510441_qgBbWGky_f.jpg" width="480" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bhg.com/decorating/color/schemes/cozy-color-schemes-for-every-room/?sssdmh=dm17.587724&esrc=nwdc032112&email=3204547199#page=11">Better Homes and Gardens</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is the subtle version of this scheme.  Just a hint of melon with a deeper pink. Both are tempered with lots of off white.  That seems to be a common thread through most of these rooms. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgObLyvc2o4GyeINrU8cteP0VvQXcFnTz55iGvrlER9eEhnPtFYQx9HHIKGEFRChgUzFcX7CLWmGkEEdW0eecFEp_qLB0YS4wb-fQooPGDAuE3j04pinGuOA1w6E-nmpVWgHj-0o0vPjtU2/s1600/174021973071576520_W8SMICDD_f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgObLyvc2o4GyeINrU8cteP0VvQXcFnTz55iGvrlER9eEhnPtFYQx9HHIKGEFRChgUzFcX7CLWmGkEEdW0eecFEp_qLB0YS4wb-fQooPGDAuE3j04pinGuOA1w6E-nmpVWgHj-0o0vPjtU2/s640/174021973071576520_W8SMICDD_f.jpg" width="510" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.phoebehoward.net/recent-projects/Island_Beauty/19.aspx">Phoebe Howard</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">More vibrant colours against light walls and furniture. The pink is leaning toward purple and there isn't that much of it. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/172718/City-Retreat---Girl-s-Bedroom-2A-contemporary-bedroom-chicago"><img border="0" height="576" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/172718_0_8-7923-contemporary-bedroom.jpg" width="384" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4OrkGWuxSgeOzwwtVsYQPMJxgFq_A5pxW9CBsY-zbOiLOAnLJpLg1-Ed1gVTF3ISKGpuckNHdux0UvibHqGArLpESEJOKnVFoIaNfnsleNUbMEtz11lMjQGp3Mgn1XRVoJDDh2G_hlMr/s1600/kids-room-girls-bed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><small></small></a><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/jessicalagrange/jessica-lagrange" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Jessica Lagrange</a></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> This room turns it around and focuses on a rich magenta with smaller pops of orange. Do you think the headboard is dramatic enough or would you like to see a big piece of art over it?<br /><br /><b></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3_WXzohO-y0cyClV3XMWNBS84nza8oQs6JVGuUI20xit6XMIekMpZx_LyzpskG7hDqupGv0ZaWm-_bHL1U-jTI_Zx5Kb6gD5wEjy-DRTC0uzWqonUlLG6XZo5G_hwvuYnBctecDQI9At/s1600/114415_286x200.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/AVvXsEjP3_WXzohO-y0cyClV3XMWNBS84nza8oQs6JVGuUI20xit6XMIekMpZx_LyzpskG7hDqupGv0ZaWm-_bHL1U-jTI_Zx5Kb6gD5wEjy-DRTC0uzWqonUlLG6XZo5G_hwvuYnBctecDQI9At/s1600/114415_286x200.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3_WXzohO-y0cyClV3XMWNBS84nza8oQs6JVGuUI20xit6XMIekMpZx_LyzpskG7hDqupGv0ZaWm-_bHL1U-jTI_Zx5Kb6gD5wEjy-DRTC0uzWqonUlLG6XZo5G_hwvuYnBctecDQI9At/s400/114415_286x200.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Do you fancy one of these?<b><br /></b></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Living rooms </b></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4OrkGWuxSgeOzwwtVsYQPMJxgFq_A5pxW9CBsY-zbOiLOAnLJpLg1-Ed1gVTF3ISKGpuckNHdux0UvibHqGArLpESEJOKnVFoIaNfnsleNUbMEtz11lMjQGp3Mgn1XRVoJDDh2G_hlMr/s1600/kids-room-girls-bed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/49338/1---other-metros"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/49338_0_8-1000--.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOy0nQW0NQGYQ1N9QLlISdKlXfXtBDn7pMsgrFU4hrm1bXIFWKpAb8DNByJ3FwduAOh8Gydy3lCbhGBy8Zd5i5P1myisn2Q78qRSAzQ4UzTKsQGqxIm11bEiO-Vx-NXZO4g00yCQaqOUqG/s1600/114391_286x200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bhg.com/decorating/color/colors/add-color-through-pattern/#page=7&socsrc=bhgpin033112pinkandorange"> Better Homes and Gardens</a></div><br /><small> <span style="font-size: small;">Lots of white to play with these two vibrant colours. I'm longing for a little more pattern, perhaps a stripe with a third colour thrown in to replace the pink cushions. </span></small><br /><br /><small><span style="font-size: small;">Here are some choice.... </span></small><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOy0nQW0NQGYQ1N9QLlISdKlXfXtBDn7pMsgrFU4hrm1bXIFWKpAb8DNByJ3FwduAOh8Gydy3lCbhGBy8Zd5i5P1myisn2Q78qRSAzQ4UzTKsQGqxIm11bEiO-Vx-NXZO4g00yCQaqOUqG/s1600/114391_286x200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOy0nQW0NQGYQ1N9QLlISdKlXfXtBDn7pMsgrFU4hrm1bXIFWKpAb8DNByJ3FwduAOh8Gydy3lCbhGBy8Zd5i5P1myisn2Q78qRSAzQ4UzTKsQGqxIm11bEiO-Vx-NXZO4g00yCQaqOUqG/s1600/114391_286x200.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">I would go for the purple one. How about you?</span></small></div><small><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></small><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"> While we're at it what let's think about the white vase... Hummm...</span></small></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbBowJSlr_kfCzM7yqE4lw9XKcExEmnas94RlBVTP03IyYHyqp4e85hGETsMR0JolqMdqm-102hI3bF8slHQjD9K6rNyXZ6984cjIIbKQ2fQx5IDmRW1slajHRzNUiOqFK5-9JIVMVfnP/s1600/114400_286x200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbBowJSlr_kfCzM7yqE4lw9XKcExEmnas94RlBVTP03IyYHyqp4e85hGETsMR0JolqMdqm-102hI3bF8slHQjD9K6rNyXZ6984cjIIbKQ2fQx5IDmRW1slajHRzNUiOqFK5-9JIVMVfnP/s400/114400_286x200.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Choose one</span>.  No matter what pillows you choose there's a vase that works. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">  Can a room be over matched?  YES!</span></small></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/AVvXsEgXs-uhHLRHpGF38nMPHs0B5K_IRzbcgdeZOO-0BcL2PuJJXDs8GmKE7nuAjmZjBXiPukLqWZuZmZaDgEOK_4Kj5A9kfmD038jq1yzzqPZkr7HBv9lpA36-rTYx88iB-8t2_Y14NPtwOxha/s1600/beige-and-red-living-room-with-coral-red-curtains-and-armchairs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXs-uhHLRHpGF38nMPHs0B5K_IRzbcgdeZOO-0BcL2PuJJXDs8GmKE7nuAjmZjBXiPukLqWZuZmZaDgEOK_4Kj5A9kfmD038jq1yzzqPZkr7HBv9lpA36-rTYx88iB-8t2_Y14NPtwOxha/s640/beige-and-red-living-room-with-coral-red-curtains-and-armchairs.jpg" width="640" /></a><small><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></small><a href="http://www.curtain-designs.info/tag/red-curtain-pictures">source</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Deeper pink leaning toward red with just hints of orange give a totally different look.  In this room a neutral tan  in varying values serves as a backdrop to the vibrant colour. I like the fact that this room is not too over matched.  Lots of pattern in the pillows. <br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/172718/City-Retreat---Girl-s-Bedroom-2A-contemporary-bedroom-chicago"><br /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/chicago" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> </small></div><div style="position: relative;"><div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/simplified_bee_sweet_modern_pink/thing.outbound?.embedder=0&.svc=copypaste&id=30720113"><img alt="Simplified Bee®: Sweet, Modern Pink &amp; Orange Nursery Room for Baby..." border="0" height="600" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/y/tid/30720113.jpg" title="Simplified Bee®: Sweet, Modern Pink &amp; Orange Nursery Room for Baby..." width="600" /></a></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/simplified_bee_sweet_modern_pink/thing.outbound?.embedder=0&.svc=copypaste&id=30720113">Simplified Bee®: Sweet, Modern Pink & Orange Nursery Room for Baby...</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">Go for it ! </span></div>

Not your average colour scheme

Some colour schemes are a dime a dozen and others are just daring and interesting. Today I'm looking at salmon/coral/melon and pink/rose...

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Hot seats

<br />Dining rooms have a tendency to be formal affairs with matching table and chairs. but that doesn't mean they have to be. You can shake it up with unique styles and colours.    Here are some of my favourite <b>Wow</b> dining "sets" from my <a href="http://pinterest.com/mryall/dining-rooms/">Pinterest collection.  </a><br /><br /><b>Make it  patterned </b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMrea3evl_Laot-rc_8gkbkC3Cr7-SmPs7D_CzX6-HOt1Vn4_U5NEkOQtZEqM7Tu4-ZEcqW3kp5jbkfTgNL-5ctNL3p07BVyL1fXncJr0cgsnEMfLhIKevD9oH2ud0njLiCZf215NeKhD/s1600/171277592048041248_3HKoICh5_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMrea3evl_Laot-rc_8gkbkC3Cr7-SmPs7D_CzX6-HOt1Vn4_U5NEkOQtZEqM7Tu4-ZEcqW3kp5jbkfTgNL-5ctNL3p07BVyL1fXncJr0cgsnEMfLhIKevD9oH2ud0njLiCZf215NeKhD/s640/171277592048041248_3HKoICh5_f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />These luxurious chairs invite you to cozy up to the table. I'm a sucker for texture, and I would totally enjoy having a meal at this table.  Think of how soft the fabric would be!   I like the fact that the chairs  are patterned on the back and  plain on the opposite side.  The tufting supports the more traditional design and the high back chairs at the ends work well with the size of the space and the curves of the other chairs. The  hobbled roman shade is is a soft but clean window treatment in this room.  Lots of ideas to steal in this set up.<br /><br /><b>Repeated curves</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-g3LaMH_Y6SyhyphenhyphenoDnY3W9PCqO8AvQqt20c6bajOBB6TNt9iOKfWG9_wmVXtYeR7wUPgyqw5u2HyayEiPvZIOQ-jFEDiYG9sy8J29XUd3jXubtJ_bZWAPO6vAksBWXabO8T-9VVpH0cb2s/s1600/125960120797782645_4q8JpmwF_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-g3LaMH_Y6SyhyphenhyphenoDnY3W9PCqO8AvQqt20c6bajOBB6TNt9iOKfWG9_wmVXtYeR7wUPgyqw5u2HyayEiPvZIOQ-jFEDiYG9sy8J29XUd3jXubtJ_bZWAPO6vAksBWXabO8T-9VVpH0cb2s/s640/125960120797782645_4q8JpmwF_f.jpg" width="478" /></a></div> Lately I'm very attracted to everything aqua. Doesn't this colour look great with dark wood?  Curves abound in this room - in the draperies, the stairs, the chair arms, the vines in the carpet and in the light fixture. A soothing room all around with an unconventional chair colour. <br /><br /><b> Popping yellow</b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIpnF3jxNrthIY3T-XtgI7Y9RcTZOjcWvWWEd8UBe2yP2J5UPBXvUUPqw2Eoi0A1tLqZgJ9wuzdiSeF27_kC2G4IfH6ITqqto1s0AGDyHNUHfFYK4LXaSAIb9F9iZuktZMMdvgQF64OzM/s1600/214413632229812813_E0yuNJnU_f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIpnF3jxNrthIY3T-XtgI7Y9RcTZOjcWvWWEd8UBe2yP2J5UPBXvUUPqw2Eoi0A1tLqZgJ9wuzdiSeF27_kC2G4IfH6ITqqto1s0AGDyHNUHfFYK4LXaSAIb9F9iZuktZMMdvgQF64OzM/s640/214413632229812813_E0yuNJnU_f.jpg" width="492" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Who could ignore these canary yellow chairs? I love the way everything else in the room plays second fiddle to the chairs and allows them to be the star. I want to whisk those red flowers away though. Don't we all have our opinions about what looks best.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Serene colour scheme</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKv_SanDwaMgri2PpBbiwSh2LWh4t1Dgk22U78naM1U7woJA9bkrxlLkhjK9qJC9jsZpfOH6i8ZXXoDLSjz9I4_0DmV-TEy2jMD4Ji-fLbsn4bVkcXvy9flQ7lTmz8EGgfcs3cLnusAM6M/s1600/171277592048041247_zLBCoE1L_f.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/AVvXsEhKv_SanDwaMgri2PpBbiwSh2LWh4t1Dgk22U78naM1U7woJA9bkrxlLkhjK9qJC9jsZpfOH6i8ZXXoDLSjz9I4_0DmV-TEy2jMD4Ji-fLbsn4bVkcXvy9flQ7lTmz8EGgfcs3cLnusAM6M/s1600/171277592048041247_zLBCoE1L_f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKv_SanDwaMgri2PpBbiwSh2LWh4t1Dgk22U78naM1U7woJA9bkrxlLkhjK9qJC9jsZpfOH6i8ZXXoDLSjz9I4_0DmV-TEy2jMD4Ji-fLbsn4bVkcXvy9flQ7lTmz8EGgfcs3cLnusAM6M/s640/171277592048041247_zLBCoE1L_f.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This room is different in every way from the one above. I love the clean lines of the benches and chairs . Remember that you need a central leg or an X leg if you want to move easily to and from a bench style seat. Armless banquettes are the most versatile.   The texture on the front of the buffet;  the circular ceramic vases with  twigs, and the rounded edges of the table add interesting lines and some complexity to the room. The colour and lines of the light fixture work well with everything else.  Doesn't this room look serene? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b> Repetition of curves </b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLOxj9GHZt5klLYO96qm4ZkqL2VKcz2Jm81OwmH74XuIbmRVIwLfiiaslgbxn2fsVZeOQek5f_yxgDyXIVLXuo8QYdKtIAYYuDEXL2Oz1xa_WMjnFHj67SjXoS8Pu241NtoB1DGPRuyWb/s1600/177962622744890857_TOy4d5VO_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLOxj9GHZt5klLYO96qm4ZkqL2VKcz2Jm81OwmH74XuIbmRVIwLfiiaslgbxn2fsVZeOQek5f_yxgDyXIVLXuo8QYdKtIAYYuDEXL2Oz1xa_WMjnFHj67SjXoS8Pu241NtoB1DGPRuyWb/s640/177962622744890857_TOy4d5VO_f.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><br />More  banquettes, but this time paired with patterned chairs and a curvy table. The four leg table design will make getting into the banquette a little more difficult.The arms will add to the problem.    The chair  shape is repeated in the  mirror and the doors of the buffet.   An interesting mix. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIpnF3jxNrthIY3T-XtgI7Y9RcTZOjcWvWWEd8UBe2yP2J5UPBXvUUPqw2Eoi0A1tLqZgJ9wuzdiSeF27_kC2G4IfH6ITqqto1s0AGDyHNUHfFYK4LXaSAIb9F9iZuktZMMdvgQF64OzM/s1600/214413632229812813_E0yuNJnU_f.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/AVvXsEgbAVKnrm30CR6MOwJFqf4duStGlhUeqDHTtJBtE0OUx-XaAky-YUCQl0lZDWx9I3hk3fPw75jZtnV5QhjCcEF9gJ9ahm6uVdpdI96APx_cgNHijBQpGqtEqRi90nysryR8lZuqhYMMD8di/s1600/285415695104110842_eiBop4m2_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbAVKnrm30CR6MOwJFqf4duStGlhUeqDHTtJBtE0OUx-XaAky-YUCQl0lZDWx9I3hk3fPw75jZtnV5QhjCcEF9gJ9ahm6uVdpdI96APx_cgNHijBQpGqtEqRi90nysryR8lZuqhYMMD8di/s640/285415695104110842_eiBop4m2_f.jpg" width="416" /></a></div><br />There's nothing formal about this room! It will definitely appeal to the colour and texture lovers out there. I want to see a more substantial table with all this colour, but that's just me. <br /><br />How do you feel about chairs and tables not matching?

Hot seats

Dining rooms have a tendency to be formal affairs with matching table and chairs. but that doesn't mean they have to be. You can shake i...

Read more »