BoomerGirl Diary

Dear Mi-Ling: I just purchased a home and I am geared up to decorate.

I have a paint problem. I want an accent wall that I would like to paint a dark red. I have a beige brick fireplace that I want to stand out. My ceilings are high. I want to paint the rest of the walls a beige and add multicolor red sheer curtains.

Oh, I also have an atrium in the house that's kind of sitting in the middle. I get lots of natural light. Would this be a good idea?

Tyna

Dear Tyna: I don't have a problem with the colors that you selected. But I would like to offer another suggestion. Consider a color in the shade of green. A light buttery green or celery green will work.

You can use that for your accent wall or on your main walls. The beige will blend nicely and you can use the red-orange as an accent piece in your drapes, pillows, rugs and artwork. Throw in some browns and light blue to the mix.

Paint your ceilings the same color as your walls. With the height of your ceilings you don't need to lighten them.

This will enable you to bring the outside in and take advantage of all that wonderful natural light that pours into the room from your atrium.

Consider using the atrium as a focal point in your design plan and integrate that space with the rest of your home. Not many homeowners have an atrium and if utilized properly it will make your home stand out from the rest.

If space permits, create a cozy retreat with oversized chairs, large plants and a water feature.

My neighbor has a wonderful atrium. They created a water feature in that space complete with exotic plants and an iguana.

Use your multicolored sheers as your inspiration piece.