Mad about saffron
Color trends are always fun to follow in the news, and then to watch them appear in all their glory as the year’s specific shades in the fashion and furniture markets. Suite NY’s online newsletter reported that “Color was the name of the game at this year’s Milan Furniture Fair, with rich saturated hues paired up with neutral materials such as marble, raw oak and metal to enliven and excite. One of the standout colors was a fresh, warm, deep shade of saffron.”
We recognize that yellow is full of energy, a happy color, youthful and full of spirit. But the mood or atmosphere does fluctuate depending on how dense the yellow is. Saffron has a golden richness to it that softens the dazzle without losing the energy. It’s sophisticated, a bit dressy and even seductive. And, straight out of the ’60s, saffron is a mellow yellow. The Divanitas Armchair and Footstool, seen here in a bedroom/sitting room vignette, demonstrate its comfort and allure. Suite NY (www.suiteny.com) also features Vernor Panton Flowerpot pendants and table lamps, whose spherical shapes glow in a range of luxurious shades of burgundy, teal blue, pink and saffron.
Q. My parents are moving into an older apartment that has dark paneling, and the landlord will not allow us to paint it. What can we do to lighten the space without painting? Their sofa is hunter green and the dining set is a medium blond oak. Please help. Thank you. – Carolyn
A. Your best bet is going to be adding some good lighting. However, you probably won’t be able to put up wall sconces or new track lighting. Look for interesting lamps, including up-lighting, that will bathe the walls in soft light. Then choose some large-scale artwork or a tapestry that is full of light, bright colors to hang on the walls. Trompe l’oeil images, such as a window that opens onto a streetscape or a path that meanders along a river, are a clever way to draw the eye into the outside world and away from the dark wood. Lighten up the dark sofa fabric with a row of cushions; most colors will complement the hunter green, including lime green, pink, blue and yellow.
Q. We have a typical ’80s staircase, “orange” oak banister and spindles, and carpet-covered risers and treads. I’d like to replace the old carpet with a Berber runner. I’ve checked under the carpet, and it is plywood. Can the plywood tread be smoothed with filler and painted? I would also like the banister and spindles refinished to complement our new dark hardwood flooring. Thanks. – Barb
A. It’s difficult to “fill in” plywood to make it smooth, as the filler really stands out. Why not rethink the new look of your staircase and paint the plywood risers and treads with a distressed or colorwash paint technique? Seal the plywood before you paint with a good quality wood sealer/primer and let dry. Brush on one or two coats of creamy white paint and let dry. Then using a dry brush or soft cloth, rub on a brown glaze that matches your floors. Brush in one direction, then remove some of the glaze, leaving a soft, streaky look. You could distress the banister and spindles too, or simply paint them with the creamy white basecoat used on the stairs. A Berber runner will suit both the new stair finish and your floors.
Email your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.