Flat Lining

You are probably wondering what flat lining in decorating could possibly mean!

It is a very common problem and easy to solve. Flat lining is when a person sets out to decorate their home, and they buy everything in one color; for example light brown or deeper brown. They might tell themselves they were going for a monochromatic look, but the truth is they are deep in their safe zone and the safe zone is usually flat lined. You can’t go wrong if you buy a brown lamp for brown table, Right?  This happens more often than not and it will sneak up on you! One day you will turn around and say, “Why is everything the same color in my house?” You usually have to introduce a second or third color to give the space light and contrast! Let’s take a peek into the living room of a Gardenia model that was stuck in a safe zone and flat lining but has now come to life and light somewhere in the heart of The Villages.

• Paint
The homeowners were ready for a new color on the walls for the makeover. We chose Biscuit SW 6211 which is a light peachy tan that adds lots of light to the space. The warm tones of the paint complimented all the dark furniture and worked well with the cabinetry in the kitchen. Remember, if you need to see which paint color works best before committing, it is best to buy sample cans and paint large pieces of poster board. The poster board can be moved around the space to see how the color works with the light in the space. There will be a clear winner each time!

• Crown molding
We installed seven inch crown molding and it looks amazing! All the trim in the house was painted white as well as the new molding. We chose the seven inch crown because it shows better when the ceilings are nine feet and above.

• Shutters
You may not be able to tell that the windows had shutters already because in the before picture the curtain is low over the top of the shutter. We removed the brown curtains and installed a crown molding header on the top of the shutter. This draws the eye up, makes the shutters look larger, and visually connects the windows to the sliding glass door treatment.

• Slider
The homeowners did not need a privacy treatment on the slider so we removed it. We added four inch casement molding to the sides of the slider and a large header at the top. All of the molding and the interior wall from the molding to the slider was painted white so the window is completely cased in white and the slider looks highlighted and finished. Also, the slider and the windows look visually cohesive.

• Furniture placement
The room was very dark because everything was brown. However, we did not need new furniture, we needed better furniture placement. We removed the table from the wall between the windows and opened up the room by moving one sofa to the wall between the two windows. Since this model is an open floor plan, it is nice to keep it open and the flow of traffic from dining room, to lanai, to living room becomes very inviting.

• Rug
We added a splash of color with an 8×11 rug. This rug also covers the electrical outlet in the floor. This rug has bluish greens, browns and crème colors that visually tie the space together.

• Art
We added a large painting over the sofa that looks like a great beach in Florida. As well as two birds that are seen on a daily basis all over the golf courses and landscapes of The Villages. The large bright art ties visually to the rug and we purchase pillows from a local retailer that pop off the couch and work with the art and the rug.

• New lamps
We purchased new lamps in a green see-through glass with white shades. These lamps tie into all the colors in the room. I like that the light moves through the lamps since they are in front of windows. It adds a bit of shimmer to the room.

• New Chair
There is always room for an occasional chair when the room is opened up. We purchased a crème wing back from a local retailer and a small side table. This chair is lightweight, comfortable, and easy to move.

P.S. –Attention all club presidents! We give free decorating seminars. It is lots of fun and very informative. Call and schedule your club today. Also, we are on-line check out our web-site at www.ruthdyer.com and you can always e-mail us at ruth@finishingtouchfl.com or Call Ruth your full service decorator at 352-804-2056.

Before and After Pics Below