Adding white or black to a tone to reflect or absorb more light allows us to fine tune the effect: pink (derived from red plus white) will warm a dark room and greyed beige (a variation of orange plus black) will tone down a south-facing sitting room. Neutral tones of grey, sand, ivory, and taupe provide tranquility and act as a frame for more vivid colors.
As a soothing background used on walls to offset paintings, or on flooring to highlight rugs and furniture, they have an invaluable role to play.
ABOVE The carefully balanced color scheme of taupe with cool smoke blue and touches of coral gives this Normal drawing room its sense oj sophistication.
STRUCTURE & STYLE TEXTURE The grain of a timber door or window frame, the sheen of paintwork and the sparkle of glass are a few examples of the textures which contribute to the look of every room. By modifying color and reinforcing pattern, texture adds an extra dimension to the home. Without this variety, a setting may seem dull, however carefully co-ordinated it may be.
A soft touch
The contrast between marble and wool shows how texture can vary the effect even where the color is constant. Matt textures absorb light and convey an impression of warmth, particularly welcome when using cool colors in a temperate climate. Blue takes on a warm tinge when rubbed into the wood to reveal the grain while silvery scoured floorboards look softer than polished oak. The warmth is more than just apparent.
While the mellow brick walls of Britain absorb sunlight and retain much-needed warmth, the white painted surfaces of many continental homes reflect the sun and dispel unwanted heat. Raised textures emphasize warmth (though remember that they may also reduce the sense of space) and have an informal effect which suits contemporary or cottage interiors. Loop or long pile carpet, rattan or wood furniture, tweed upholstery and slug weave curtains give an instant impression of warmth and comfort.
Sheen finish
There is an inherent formality in smooth textures like marble, chintz and ceramic tiles which makes them the perfect choice for many traditional homes. Mirror and glass are important because they add brilliance to a room, whether in the form of over mantel mirrors and pier glasses which reflect the light or cut-glass goblets and chandeliers which refract it. It is not always necessary to choose materials with a natural sheen, for even matt textures can be treated so that they become smooth and reflective.
Wooden floors can be polished to a high shine which rivals that of ceramic tiles, and cotton can be glazed to create chintz or calendared to produce a soft sheen. Close woven fabrics and velvet pile carpets have a smoothness which complements reflective materials and there are a wealth of oil-based paint finishes which add distinction to walls, ranging from the soft sheen of eggshell to the translucence of stumble glaze.
