"Changing Rooms" : Colour : Book

Changing Rooms Colour is aimed at the TV interiors- makeover fan who is "fed up with mundane magnolia and bursting for a colourful change". The author, Linda Barker, is a professional interior designer who is probably better known for her appearances on BBC's Changing Rooms and the book follows the same cheery TV formula. Barker divides the colour spectrum, and correspondingly the book, into four sections: natural colour, pastels, vivid colours and deep colours. She gives each colour scheme a foody reference, for example "Bread and Butter" for naturals, "Summer Pudding" for vivid colours and "Wine Gums" for deep tones. The metaphor is extended to the individual shades, some of which, like Café au Lait, are a delicate evocation of colour. Others, such as Tutti-Frutti ice-cream are anything but subtle. As the book states: "the excitement of the Summer Pudding palette suggests a room that vibrates before your eyes." The book gives practical advice on how to work with colour, how to break traditional colour rules (some might wish it didn't) and the manipulation of light. It also considers more than just painting, demonstrating techniques for fabric-lined walls, stencilling, including a vibrant pink stencilled rug and calligraphy. Barker also looks at how different colour families can be mixed and how texture affects a colour scheme. Changing Rooms Colour justifies its title with striking photography that makes the most of every shade and effect. This book will appeal most to those who love vibrant colours and are not afraid to use them, although sunglasses could be recommended for some of the more exciting ideas! --Karen HomerRead More