Colour Masterclass series from Abode magazine
We look at why selecting the right product for the right use is so important.
When it comes to building or renovating you want to ensure you are getting it right the first time! So it’s important to remember that while one paint or flooring material might be suitable in the living space, it doesn’t always mean it is suitable throughout the home.
Each area of the home has different requirements when it comes to seeking a product that is not only aesthetically pleasing but functional and durable.
While not suitable in wet-areas, bamboo flooring can be used in any other room of the home. More and more people are choosing it for bedrooms and living spaces as it is great for those who have dust mite allergies. This has seen it become a popular solution throughout the home. “Having fewer flooring changes in the house also tends to open up the flow and reduce ‘busyness’,” comments Claudia Page from Bamboo Flooring Systems. “By running your flooring through the full kitchen, living and dining area, rather than compartmentalising rooms with changes of floor coverings, creates a seamless flow and allows you to easily re-arrange furniture.”
For Nikki Morris, colour consultant from Resene, it is all about practicality. “Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen is a great option for high contact areas due to its tough nature and ease of cleaning, while Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel is perfect for architraves, doors and skirting boards, which often get marked and scuffed from vacuuming, pets, children and general wear and tear.”
The higher the gloss level, the cleaner and brighter the colour will seem,” shares Nikki. “While the flatter the finish, the duller and deeper the colour.”
Consider this when thinking about bathrooms and living rooms. In the bathroom you want your surfaces to appear clean and crisp at all times – a higher gloss level will assist with this. While in the living areas of the home, it is often the accessories and furnishings you want to pop and not the walls, so a flatter finish will ensure you are creating a soft canvas onto which to display items.
Like the impact different finishes will make, colours will interact and respond differently depending on the unique aspects of the room, such as natural light and room orientation. “Lighter flooring colours like Latte or Natural, make rooms look large,” comments Claudia. “And are especially good on the south side of the house, or where there are surrounding trees which reduce light. While, mid-tones, like Natural and Coffee Compressed, Antico and Grano, will give warmth to prevalent neutral wall tones.”
“Try to have some tonal contrast between the floors and walls,” continues Claudia. “A tone and colour either a few shades darker or lighter will work best. Bamboo floors are natural earthy tones so will work with a host of colours – allowing you to be as bold or as neutral on the walls as you like.”
October/November 2013
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Colour Masterclass series from Abode magazine
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