Turning Up the Visual Temperature

What does the phrase “turn up your visual temperature” mean? It simply implies the temperature of the space perceived by your eye, not literally by the feel of the room. Color can create this temperature whether you go with hints of sunshine or the blue notes of a serene sky.
Golden accents can raise the visual temperature which in turn can create a warm spot for relaxing.

So where can you add affordable touches that will turn up or down your visual temperature?

Let’s start with simple accents that you can do yourself. Drapes are a good place to start with adding accents. You can turn ordinary drapes into one a kind look just by adding curtain trim. Select a tape trim to create a bright edge on plain curtains. No sewing is required when you use a fusible web tape, such as Stitch Witchery, that binds two fabrics together. You can add any kind of ribbon or tape to the drape’s edge that you want. You could even layer different tapes and ribbon for more visual design. It is fun and easy to do and a very affordable way to update and freshen ready made drapes to a “one of a kind” look. Follow package instructions. I don’t however recommend using the fusible tape on silk you should sew any decorative trim on silk curtains.

Lampshade highlighting is another perfect way to repeat the color from the drapes by using fabric glue. Simply take a small brush to embellish a shade with matching bias tape, ribbon, or complimentary fabric. Wrap the base of the lamp shade with the ribbon or tape and securely glue it as you go along carefully smoothing the tape to the shade. Let it dry and trim off any extra tape and secure.

Dual side pillows are a great way to budget decorate. You can infuse color without going over board. When selecting a sofa always keep in mind that it is a large piece and it may be too much if you select a fabric that is very bright or has a busy pattern. Throw pillows are perfect ways to add pattern, texture and color with out inundating the space. Make a pillow using fabrics that you love on one side select a neutral fabric while the other side could be a punch of color or pattern. The neutral you choose should make sense to the over all design scheme because you will want to take advantage of the opportunity to flipping the pillows over for a different look.

Even a simple coffee table can become a refuge of color. For glass tables you can spray paint the underside. Whether you get a piece of glass cut or you purchase a used glass top coffee table this trick will work. In a well ventilated area lay down newspaper and items to prop up the glass. Bricks with cloth or a sheet of plywood will work. Tape the edges of the glass with painter’s tape. Be sure the glass is clean of any dirt and dust. Using a spray paint made to adhere to glass or plastic, such as Krylon Fusion. Spray evenly and lightly coat the glass until it is covered. Once the paint is dried carefully remove the tape and carefully position it on top of the base with paint side down. *


For wooden tables or metal tables, have a piece of glass cut to size and paint it. This can add a wonderful incandescent glow to any living space. You can do this with end tables, desks, and dinning tables. This is a fun way to punch the “visual temperature” in any room. Glass can be cut to any size to fit the piece you are updating.

Rugs can also be embellished to add interest and color. Add a design or bold painted border around a neutral colored, natural fiber rug like jute or sisal. Put the rug on a protected work area. In a well ventilated area use medium level adhesion painter’s tape in the width or design you want. Be sure to firmly affix the tape so that it does not allow for seeping paint. With a small foam roller, lightly fill in the area inside your tape. Use only one coat and don’t push down too hard; the paint will sit on top of the weave without bleeding under the tape. Let dry over night and carefully remove tape.
You could also free hand a pattern to match fabric you have selected for drapes or throw pillows. Tie your colors together through out the space.*

Just have fun and enjoy your space, the design is what ever you love.

* General instructions provided by Martha Stuart’s Living Magazine.