5 Ways to Balance Light Paint Colors: Marrying Feminine and Masculine Elements

Feminine colors for home wall colors flow into design trends when you least expect them. Some home owners steer away from the lighter and more feminine colors, because they don't want a frilly look in their living room or bedroom. Balance can be yours when you marry a pale and feminine color with some darker and more masculine items and colors. With these ideas even the most timid of homeowners can lighten up when they consider the possibilities.

Feminine Colors, Masculine Furniture

These light hues could go frilly and float away if you let them. Feminine colors call for a masculine touch. Achieve the right balance for your light paint colors and you won't feel like yo walked into Jeannie's Bottle bedroom. Of course, if you want all frilly and feminine, that's fine, too.

1. Light and Heavy

Ground the 2011 interior paint colors with bold furniture choices in solid colors. Use heavy and dark wood pieces for desks, tables, bureaus and bed headboards.

2. Show off the Wood

Let the large flat surface of a dark wood table smile back at you, by leaving it uncovered. Lamps and practical items work, but don't ruin the masculine mood with fabric coverings.

3. Floor, Too

The same is true for the floor. If the floor is dark and can work without a wall-to-wall carpet, let it balance the lighter paint colors. Area rugs should be dark, in deep brown, slate or black. If you need to venture away from solid colors, choose geometric or natural patterns.

4. Black, Brown and Gray All Over

Don't be afraid to use black or dark brown accessories and paint trim. Gray, not silver will add a masculine feel. If you add any metallics to the room, the feminine will take over again.

5. Treat the Window Right

Skip the valances and multi-layered curtains. Use a Roman shade or a cordless pleated shade. If you need to pull out window treatment hardware and fix the wood, do so. Repaint the trim and your windows will thank you.