Dear Mi-Ling: I recently purchased a new home, and I had the painters paint an accent wall in my dining room. I chose gold for the main wall color and brown for the accent wall.
I really don't like the way it turned out. I think I want to paint the entire dining room in the chocolate brown.
I just don't know what to do. I plan to move in within the next two weeks.
My colors are African-inspired, brown, black and gold.
I have a lot of African artwork from my travels that I want to incorporate into the space.
Please help!
– Ms. Wilson
Dear Ms. Wilson: Selecting a paint color can be a mind-boggling decision for most novice decorators and even some seasoned design professionals.
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Normally, when you first paint a space it just shocks your system, especially when the room is empty.
Before you change anything, move your dining room table into the space and hang a few pieces of your African art work on the wall.
The furniture should absorb some of the color and you will be able to get a better feel for the room.
Afterward, wait a few days before you make a decision about repainting.
Painting the entire room chocolate might make the room too dark.
On the chocolate wall, add light-colored masks and other items that will stand out.
A colorful piece of African-inspired pottery displayed on a shelf would also be nice in that space. You might decide that you like the color just the way it is.
For more information on African art go to www.theblack market.com/WonooVentures/ index.htm.