Defining Two Toned Rooms

The other day, a friend asked me what my definition of a two toned room is. There are a few different versions out there. Different ways to create, using two colors, using trims or chair rails, adding cutouts etc. Unique styles range from formal and elegant such as in a dedicated dining room or office to adding a bright and fun secondary accent color.

A very simple way to create a two tone room is to divide the walls by using a decorative trim, using two materials for above and below. Usually, the trim is positioned at 1/3 or 2/3 of the room's height and creates a border. The base can be painted, paneled, dimensioned with picture moldings or even wall papered if so desired. Often times, the trim and base is painted in a bright white, however natural and stained woods can also be used. The function and style of the room will determine the color scheme.

Many clients will choose a neutral color pallet and will pull colors in that same family, working within the different shade levels. To ground rooms while using a chair rail, a mid tone to dark rich color is chosen for the base. The upper color is one to three shades lighter than the base, essentially moving up the color card. In one of the images below, you can see in this room, there are two shades difference between base and upper walls.

Moldings can be added to the base in many different styles. They can be painted white, accented picture framed, paneled and even use wainscoting. Natural room divides can also be used for creating depth. Sometimes, builders will create cutouts or recesses in the walls that can become perfect opportunities to two tone. Alcoves, tv or fireplace recess can be different color paint or can be enclosed by cabinetry giving off two tone looks.

Believe it or not, wall paper is making a comeback. There are a variety of styles from full floor to ceiling prints, half wall murals and accent images, some can even be custom printed. Advancements with wallpaper include less surface prep as adhesives are better, they are easier to work with for the everyday home owner, and some are peelable and removable if a client is in a temporary living situation such as in an apartment. Below are some examples.

Two toned in its most basic form is creating a divide with the use of color. It is not limited to dividing horizontally as you can also vertically divide a space, I personally am a fan of contrast and bright, intense colors. You can see below these images how a simple clean line of paint transforms a room.

I know that there are more ways out there to create a unique two toned design. I do hope however that this brief post will help get your ideas going. Change up the look of your room or your hallway, add in that divider or wallpaper. I hope that as I continue to help customers color their walls I will have examples of my work posted here for you to enjoy. In the mean time, don't be afraid to experiment, Distracted Damsel signing off.