At the Intersection of Art, Architecture & Design

Using Color to Create Boundaries

This home uses a bright, energetic palette without being overwhelming.  Let’s look at how the use of color sets the stage and creates visual boundaries. 

Color Demarking an Entry

The only place red is used is on the column dividing the kitchen from the breakfast area.  The column is necessary to hide a structural support, a waste stack and ductwork.  The deep red marks the transition between the working Kitchen and the sitting area of the breakfast room.  While providing a transition, it doesn’t block the view of or sense of openess with the eating area.  It does however create a visual boundary with the back patio door.

The ceiling over the patio door (not visiable but evident because of the light streaming in) is dropped one foot and painted a bright orange.  Again, the only place the orange is used.   [The large bright circles in the ceiling are suntunnels.]  The orange creates a welcoming entry and, along with the drop ceiling, separates the entry area from the sitting area.  The sitting area is framed with 54″ high, flat-panel wainscotting painted the same white as the rest of the trim.  The wainscotting is the same height as the top of the glass tile over the counters.  The walls are a creamy green.  The blue of the upholstered seats mirrors the indigo concrete countertops. 

In a very small space, we’ve created 3 distinct areas demarked by structure and made apparent with distinct use of color.

Read on to learn why the palette works without being overwhelming.

Photos courtesy of Braitman Design/Build

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