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Selecting color for stencils

12 years ago

pps7 has me thinking about stencils. I've never done stencils before but thought it might provide a solution in my 1/2 bath.

I was going for a deep, dark purple paint on the walls and selected SW Plum Brown. I love it, but everyone who sees it says, "I love the brown paint in the bathroom." Apparently I see the plum and everyone else sees the brown.

If I used a damask or trellis stencil with a more definite purple color, would that look okay? I'd really love to get some suggestions on a specific purple color that would look nice with SW Plum Brown. I don't know what the "rules" of stenciling are (do I need major contrast in the colors, or are similar colors okay?). I'd like to do something subtle --- just enough to bring out the purple.

Thanks!

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Comments (3)

chickadee2_gw
12 years ago
I wasn't familiar with the color so I pulled it up on my computer. Personally, I think it's a nice rich color with a lot of depth to it that some may be read as plum as some may read as brown. That's what makes it interesting to me. I worry that doing the stenciling may cheapen the look. Have you tried fooling around with different light bulbs to see if that makes a difference? What other colors are in the room - trim, tile, etc.? Maybe they're contributing to pulling out the brown. If you love the color and everyone else loves the color, whatever they see, I'd probably leave it alone. Perhaps doing your towels one, two or three shades lighter on the color card might help.

http://www.sherwin-williams.com/do_it_yourself/paint_colors/ideas/color/SW6272/
amj0517
Original Author
12 years ago
The trim and door are white. Cabinet and floor are dark wood. I'm sure that is where the brown impression is coming from. I really notice the purple closest to the light, otherwise I can see where one may think it is brown. Granite counter top is multi-colored (creamy base with dark streaks, and small splotches (is that a decorator's term?) of purple.

I never looked at it that way chickadee - if everyone likes the color, who cares what they see (purple or brown). I felt like I was doing something bold by going purple and then nobody noticed (queue violins please).
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pps7
12 years ago
Okay, I'm no expert by any means, but how about using a color 2-3 shades lighter on the same strip? I'm loving the SW soulmates and you could do it in a gloss finish. Maybe the lighter shade looks more purple?

Definately do a trial on cardboard first! Good luck!

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