The bronze effect When applied with care, metallic paint can produce stunning results
A dark, rich palette and stunning fireplace transform a plain room into an adventurous den.
Pouncing over the colored glaze opens it up to the glow of a metallic bronze base coat.
Q. I am quite taken by the metallic look and would like to paint my walls with golden-brown metallic paint, but would it be too much? – Frank
A. When applied with care, metallic paint will produce a stunning result. It is robust and dramatic, but does not have to be overwhelming. There are a few tips to help you make the most of your decorating. In the vignette shown here, I envisioned a restful space that personified a rich and adventurous lifestyle. I painted the walls metallic bronze. When left alone it appeared garish, but by ragging dark-brown glaze over the top, the effect is softened as bronze peeks through and catches the light. To reproduce the look, apply a base coat of metallic bronze. Mix a glaze: one part brown paint to four parts glazing liquid. Roll it over the base coat and immediately pounce over the glaze with a stippling brush. Periodically remove the wet glaze from the brush. Play around with this technique until you have light and dark areas that show the bronze peeking through.
Walls this grand should be matched by trim and doors that carry the same weight as well as substantial furnishings to keep the room in balance. A simple dark-brown fireplace surround was given the royal treatment with small inlays of faux tortoiseshell. The brown and black tones come alive with several coats of high-gloss varnish. Cork floors are warm, comfortable and durable. They can be stained any color so that you can customize a design, or come already sealed. Enjoy decorating in your own personal style.
Q. I enjoy reading your column and the many helpful hints. A friend wants to paint her kitchen and family room a dark brown with white trim around windows and sliding door. What would you think about this? It’s an open kitchen with light painted cabinets and light colored floor tiles. The family room has brown carpet. – Inez
A. Personal tastes differ, and I shy away from imposing rules or trends on anyone. But if asked, I would say that chocolate brown is a bit dated now. However, a mouse grey brown is very chic and looks wonderful with white accents. This choice will complement the kitchen cabinets and floor and transform the entire open-concept space.
Q. Can you recommend a paint color for a small bedroom that faces north and gets no sunlight? When our son was young he wanted the walls white, but the white paint we used doesn’t really look white in this room. We are happy to have the walls white again but are open to new suggestions. Thanks! – Eileen
A. As you have experienced, the presence and direction of the sun’s rays have a big effect on how we perceive color. There are warm and cool shades of white, and here you want a warm shade of cream or antique white. Use a bit of sheen in the paint – eggshell or a step down from semi-gloss. This will create some depth. Or why not brighten up his room with a pale but sunny butter yellow?
Email your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.