Color Buzz

Design Dilemma - Upgrade the Look of a Home

Milestone 6007-1B	Smoked Oyster 6005-1C	Churchill Hotel Olive 5008-E2

Dear Color Buzz,
I am considering buying this home and don't normally like blond brick, although this house has some contrast in it. The picture is not the best, but I would like an elegant look and would like your ideas on exterior paint color combinations.

Thank you,
Tom C., Littleton, CO 

Design Dilemma - What to Paint Your Home Theater

Lyndhurst Stone 3007-10A	Oregon Coast 6007-1C	Fairmont Penthouse Stone 6008-1C

Hello,
I wanted to get some ideas of what colors would work best for a Home Theater room? Some people say it should be as dark as possibly, almost, black, but I don't want the room to feel like a dungeon. Maybe a red or a neutral color might work. What are some colors you might suggest.

Thanks!
Matt W., Williard, OH

Design Dilemma - Neutralizing Carpet with Color

Sahara Sands 2007-8B	Churchill Maple 2008-8B	Rodeo Dust 1008-10B

Dear Beehive,
I just bought a house where there will be lots of rooms to paint (they removed the wallpaper thank goodness!)  The master room has salmon carpeting.  What color will downplay the carpeting?

Thank you!
Lisa A., Green Bay, WI

Design Dilemma - What to Paint Your Basement Gym

Fresh Pear 6007-7C	Aquatic Mist 5008-9B	Tangy Lemon 3006-2A	Cantaloupe Smile 2007-2A

Dear Color Buzz,
Do you have any color ideas for a basement exercise room?

Best,
Christina M., Leesburg, VA

Design Dilemma - Exterior Blues

Lake Breeze 5007-7B	Simply Seafoam 5008-7C	Aqua Glow 5007-9B

Dear Beehive,
I want...NEED...to paint the exterior of my house. It has not been painted since it was built 8 years ago (with very cheap paint that has turned to chalk.) Almost my entire neighborhood it tan or beige, but I would like to go more tropical to fit the style of the home. I'm thinking a turquoise or aqua. Any suggestions?

Best,
Irene S., Tarpon Springs, FL

Design Dilemma - Balancing Warm and Cool Shades

Sandy Cove 3005-10A	Caraway Seed 3005-9C	Pelican 4007-1A	Lighthouse Shadows 4008-3B

Hi Beehive!
We just bought our first home and it is painted brown. We want it to remain light brown or sand in the main rooms (Florida open floor plan) and paint the dining room a cool, lighter blue. My dilemma is that I have no idea what a good choice is without going too dark or too light. Do you have any ideas on a sand/brown warm for the entry way and family room/kitchen and a blue that will complement the dining room? I'd be grateful for any suggestions.
Best wishes,
Liz P., Valrico, FL

Design Dilemma - Exterior Paint Trim With Red Brick Home

Jekyll Club Cherokee Tan 6008-2A	Shoreline Haze 6008-1B	Sandalwood 6008-2B

Dear Beehive,
Can you suggest paint trim and paint for a red brick home with black/gray roof?  I was thinking of black trim with a beige for the outer walls.  What are your thoughts or suggestions to make our home look great?

Thank you,
Paula A., Burleson, TX

Design Dilemma - Separating Spaces with Color

Milestone 6007-1B	Oregon Coast 6007-1C	Fennel Splash 6007-3B

Dear Ann,

We just purchased a foreclosed home that needs lots of work. Although we can't afford to add walls at this time, we are planning on installing new hardwood flooring.

The problem: we have a huge living room/dining room and I can't think of a way to separate the spaces. Can I do this with paint? When you walk into the room you can see the kitchen so I need to figure out how to make all of the colors coordinate.

My living room furniture is a rusty orange color and dark wood in the room (end tables, coffee table, and dining room table). I also have brown and beige sheer living room curtains, which I would like to re-use if possible.

The kitchen has dark wood cabinets which we are going to clean up and keep. I'm putting in new stainless steel appliances and adding new nickel-plated hardware to the cabinets.

Do you have any suggestions on colors to paint the rooms that will coordinate with my existing furniture? Also, any suggestion you have on separating the large living room/dining room space would be great!

Best,
Barbara S., Atlanta, GA

Design Dilemma - Bathroom/Bedroom Complementing Colors

Desert Fortress 2008-10B	Baked Scone 3007-8B	April Morning 4001-5A

Q: Dear Ann,
My master bath is a lilac mist, almost a looks like pale blue depending on the light.  My master bedroom is painted in a deep burgundy, almost brown shade and I would like to lighten it up with a color that will blend or complement the bathroom.  What are my best choices?
Best,
Kim E., Medina, OH

Design Dilemma - Tuscan Kitchen

Belle Grove Light Amber 3006-8B	Fragrant Coriander 3002-6A

Q: I am confused about the color I picked out for my kitchen. I picked Fragrant Coriander by Valspar, but it looks very different on the walls than the swatch. I like it, but I feel like it's too orange-ish. We are doing a texture, so I bought the lime wash and gold glaze so I know it will look differenT after and I'm hoping it will tone down the orange and I'll like it. I am going after the earth tones and tuscan look. Should I get the same paint with a hint of red? Will the texture give this color a tuscan feel to the kitchen?

A: You're off to a good start. Adding the texture will reduce the "orange" feel that you were talking about. Try the color wash on a small area like the space next to the door to see the end result.  Adding texture will definitely put you in a Tuscan mode. You may want to have a small quart of a warm yellow-off-white like Belle Grove Light Amber on hand to add here and there to add subtle highlights. Good luck and let us know how it goes. Happy Painting!