Reader Design Dilemma Part II

We continue with our first reader's letter, and talk about brown accent walls.

image by Shawn Henderson
Reader dilemma, Part II
I've seen quite a few rooms on Apartment Therapy with one wall painting in chocolate brown and I really love the look. However, I get the impression that brown on the wall is very much affected by the light that is on it. I've seen pictures where the wall looks rich and warm in one picture and a sort of lifeless brown in another. Do you have any idea if this happens in real life?
You are totally correct, the lighting is –critical- to the effectiveness of a paint color.
What looks absolutely stunning in one space could look horrible in another. You really have to take each space on a case by case basis. Here are just some of the things I have to think about when I look at a client's space:
  • What kind of light you get in the room? north facing vs. south facing window, direct sunlight vs. indirect, fluorescent lighting vs. incandescent, small dark room vs. large bright room...
  • Specific needs of each space? architectural details to highlight or camouflage, making the space appear bigger, or more cozy, ceilings high or low...
  • How does this room relate and flow into adjoining rooms?
the list goes on and on. Readers, what are your thoughts on this?