Decorating
The Power of Paint
Choosing the right color can make a room dramatic, serene or even give it multiple personalities. Local designers, Barbara Westbrook, Barbara Howard and Joy McLean take us into their rooms from the Alliance Children's Theatre Guild Christmas Show House to show us how.
BY
Clinton Ross Smith
PHOTOGRAPHY
Erica George Dines

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designer barbara westbrook

GO FOR DRAMA

For an odd, L-shaped powder bath with tall ceilings, designer Barbara Westbrook chose to cover the walls in Sherwin Williams' daring "Lamp Black" paint, making the space more intimate. "Powder rooms should be dramatic," says Westbrook. A focal point of the space is the assortment of framed oils that line one of the walls, their gold frames seemingly glowing against the black background. Working with such disparate elements takes experimentation--even for a professional. "We held up contemporary artwork," says Westbrook, "but the oils looked better in the space. You have to have artwork that creates a little life."

Westbrook says that lighting is also critical when working with dark colors. Overlighting a space is a common offense. If it's a dark, moody room, go with it; don't force it into something it's not. "The lighting is there to enhance the mood," she adds.

In lieu of a mirrored wall above the vanity, the designer chose an overscale hanging mirror to keep the space from feeling overdone. And to continue to offset the dark color, balance was key. Cream-colored, half-inch mosaics lighten the floor, while a sexy vanity--an Italian walnut console--keeps the room from being cramped, which could have been the case with a built-in piece. "By keeping the piece leggy, you have the illusion of more open space," says the designer.

Paintings from Avery Fine Art, (404) 266-8880, and Madison Gallery, ADAC,  (404) 816-4033. Sink, Waterworks, (404) 266-1080. Mirror, Regalo Antiques, (404) 237-4899.

Barbara Westbrook, Westbrook Interiors, (404) 355-9430.