Color gives condo pizzazz

DEAR DEBBIE: We just moved into the tiniest one-bedroom condo imaginable, just over 500 square feet. Not much of a budget left for decorating, but I was wondering about color. Would you put bold colors in such a small place? I love funky, modern artsy stuff, but my partner thinks we should stick with more monotone. Help. — Jasmine.

DEAR JASMINE: You do have to be particularly creative when you are planning a small space. Not only does every square foot count, but there should be an overall sense of cohesive design. But this does not mean that you can’t include your love of funky stuff. In fact, in a small, monochromatic space, it’s that splash of the unusual that will bring it to life.

I suggest you choose a basic neutral tone that you both like. It does not have to be white, but keep to the light end of the spectrum. Then rev up the lounge area with your personal pizzazz. Floors are usually the same color and material throughout a condo. In new buildings, it’s wall-to-wall carpeting laid down over concrete, which is the least expensive way to prefinish the area. If you have the opportunity to choose, there are other options, including laminates, cork, linoleum and tiles, that all work well.

White and black is a timeless pairing that is equally successful in traditional, contemporary and arty design styles. In the tiny condo shown here, white walls and the wide-plank, white wood floor create a light, open background, black furniture grounds each area, and then, wow! There is no doubt about the youthful spirit of the owners when you see the flashes of orange in the dining and sitting areas. The bold-pattern area carpet and witty candelabras, the storage shelves that sit askew on the wall, and the grainy wood block tables add dimension as well as humor to the setting. This area would not look any larger if it were all white. In fact, the introduction of an accent color and playful shapes captures your line of vision and opens up the space.

DEAR DEBBIE: I am considering putting a ceiling medallion above a crystal chandelier in my dining room. My questions are: Are medallions even in style now? And if so, what color should it be? The smooth ceiling is white and the walls are a light gold. Thanks for your help. — Richard.

DEAR RICHARD: Ceiling ornamentation is a classic feature that never goes out of style. It adds architectural interest to any room and works well unless you are going for a minimalist look.

Ceiling medallions are available in decorating stores, and are made of wood, plaster or Styrofoam. They are meant to be painted. The medallion is usually painted the same color as the ceiling, but you can also make it special. It depends on how ornate you’d like to go.

To create an authentic antique effect, you will need bronze and a bit of black latex paint and water-based glazing liquid. Base-coat with the bronze paint and let dry.

Mix a colored glaze with equal parts bronze paint and glazing liquid and add a bit of black paint to darken it. Apply this glaze over the bronze base coat, being sure to get into all the crevices in the medallion’s pattern. While the glaze is still damp, rub over the surface with a soft rag, removing most of the glaze but leaving the dark glaze behind in the crevices to accentuate the pattern.

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