By Dewey Sadka
(AmericasMart Market Magazine)

Comforting words and phrases such as freedom and love; even comforting foods such as mashed potatoes and hot apple pie are easily understood. More subliminal, but equally as healing, are the comforting colors with brown undertones that surround a home environment. These warm hues still dominate décor today.

Sienna, mustard and grape appear in the latest chic fashion catalogs. Yes, high-end furnishings are moving toward more black and grayish tones with dark to vibrant purple accessories. Yet a home, unlike fashion, needs the warmth that only the brown undertones deliver. Presenting the right combination to suit the psyche of
your customer is key to creating an interior he or she will love living in. Take a look at tonal combinations that evoke specific moods and reactions to help determine what works best for your clients.

There are lots of bright colors to
brighten up moods—especially in
prints. Don’t be fooled by the white, gray, brown or black neutrals. Many of them have a color base. These less vibrant, calming shades, with high or low value, make a design statement in
wall color, fabric and tile. Incorporate them into your color coordinating room design to maximize impact.