Incredible Hue

Designer Melanie Coddington divulges her secrets for souping up your space with color.

You needn’t do an expensive remodel to get a more luxe look. Instead, take the advice of Potrero Hill–based interior designer Melanie Coddington and focus on color, which can set the mood of a space—or even an entire home—without a hefty investment. “I like to use strong colors in small doses, like in hallways, which also makes it easier on the budget,” says Coddington. Here, she offers insider tips to transforming a drab space into a vibrant retreat.

DECK THOSE WALLS
“I like to use premium paint whenever possible. The colors tend to be more sophisticated and subtle, and they contain more pigment, resulting in a more saturated color with fewer coats required. My favorite is the Donald Kaufman collection [donaldkaufmancolor.com]. Although not cheap, couture paint is still one area that won’t blow your decorating budget. There is also an amazing array of great wallpapers on the market now. A bold pattern is a good option for small spaces, such as powder rooms, which also makes it easier on the budget.”

TREAT YOUR WINDOWS WELL
“Window treatments can either open up a small space or close it in. In a home with a great view, I like to match the drapes to the wall, creating a seamless envelope of color that draws your eye out the window. I have my drapes custom-made and hand-sewn by Malatesta & Company [250 Oak St., 415-558-8840, malatestainc.com]. A more affordable option is to buy ready-made drapes longer than you need, and ask your dry cleaner to hem them to the ideal length so that they brush the floor. For a recent charity event, Dining By Design, I used an ice-blue Prima Alpaca, which has the feel and elegance—and price tag—of cashmere. Using one or two yards of a similarly sumptuous fabric on sofa pillows or bedding is a great way to bring luxury into the home.”

DON'T BE AFRAID TO MIX IT UP
“Happily, we’re moving out of the beige-sofa era. A strong color on your sofa, chairs or even tables is a great idea. I recommend that clients mix finishes in their rooms, to avoid the look of a hotel suite filled with matching furniture. In a recent family-room design, I paired oak-and-parchment bookcases with a white-lacquer cabinet and added satin-nickel lighting and a recycled-plywood side table. To create interest and originality, have vintage furniture recovered and repainted. For a recent green-room/VIP-lounge project with a small budget, I re-covered a vintage chair in wetsuit material—neoprene—and added spaced chrome nail heads at the base.”

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