Vivid color combinations – red, cream, blue, khaki, and ochre – put a new shine on a classic decorating scheme in the living and dining rooms. The bright red walls are framed between cream-colored wainscoting and picture rails. The cream color of the ceiling extends down the walls to the picture rails and window frames for a spacious feeling. Black picture frames form elegant silhouettes against the red.

Accentuate the positive

In the living room, the fireplace becomes the accent wall: The wood surround is stained a deep blue to match the custom tiles surrounding the opening. Hints of blue and red are repeated in fabrics and trims on furnishings and draperies.

Intersecting colors

The color palette is most visible as a decorative element in the front hall – between living room and dining room – where several hues meet on different wall planes.

The contrasting colors help define the entry. Here, as in the dining room and living room, "the bold colors reinforce the architectural details, giving added dimension to the room," says interior designer Markie Nelson.