Color adds zing to basic palette

DEAR DEBBIE: I am renovating my upstairs bathroom and want it to be basic black and white, but am looking for a color to paint the walls that will give it a bit of a modern edge. Also, what’s new in bathroom storage? — Emelia.

DEAR EMELIA: A basic black-and-white palette is timeless — it is as modern as it is traditional. Any color will stand out when paired with this versatile duo. A color that is hot right now is green, a shade that has some yellow in it, a touch of acid zing. This is a fresh green that will really pop in your bathroom. A more subtle alternative would be stone gray, this year’s favorite.

Now for storage, you have many choices. I like the spacious look of the vertical storage solutions shown here. The towel ladder and cabinets raised on legs allow the space to breathe. Like the color palette, this style combines traditional wood cabinetry with contemporary lines and metal accents. Very cool.

Lighting fixtures also can update a room. These modern vanity lights are designed to shed light laterally, which is more flattering, and the glass shades are interchangeable and stylish.

DEAR DEBBIE: I’m on the board of a large condominium building, and it’s time to redecorate the outer and inner lobbies and long first-floor hallway. The dilemma is between wallpaper and paint. Which is more practical for this busy space? We are having difficulty agreeing on the best way to go, and need your expertise to settle this. Thank you. — Ann.

DEAR ANN: Decorating by committee can be quite the challenge. Let’s face it, even getting consensus from two people for the color of your living room can provoke heated battles.

There are pros and cons that are more aligned with the look of paint versus wallpaper than the practicality, because they can both be practical. I would go for a compromise. Look at the new embossed paintable wallpapers. There are both modern and traditional designs, and the raised pattern will add a beautiful dimension to the halls.

Paint the outer lobby in a semigloss or even a high-gloss sheen. The higher the sheen, the more durable and washable it is. Dress up the inner lobby with the paintable wallpaper. Paint it the same color as the outer lobby, and then mix a glaze in a darker shade (dark-brown works nicely) and rub it over the pattern, wiping it back so that the dark glaze remains in the nooks and crannies and highlights the design.

For the long hallway, split the walls, running paper along the top third, and paint the lower section. I’ve seen this application and it looks great.

DEAR DEBBIE: I am having new hardwood laid in my living and dining rooms. My furniture is dark-tone wood with warm red tones and black leather sofas, and I’m planning to paint the walls warm chocolate. Should I go light or dark hardwood? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. — Rosie.

DEAR ROSIE: Either choice is fine; dark hardwood is more modern. However, with your furniture and dark wood, the chocolate-brown walls will make the room feel heavy. Add some bright color as an accent in cushions, lamps, vases, artwork or dishes, and your monochrome scheme will become warm and inviting.

Debbie Travis is a columnist for King Features Syndicate. E-mail questions to her at house2home@debbietravis.com.