cover image Your Colors at Home

Your Colors at Home

Lauren Smith, Rose B. Gilbert, Marty Nemko. Acropolis Books (NY), $18.95 (221pp) ISBN 978-0-87491-748-2

Based on the seasonal color theories that are currently in vogue for selecting wardrobes (see review of Always in Style with Color Me Beautiful, in this issue), Smith and Gilbert present ideas for home decor that, according to them, will complement one's looks. The decorating palette depends on one's skin tonewhich designates a so-called Winter, Spring, Summer or Autumn person. Certain furniture styles also correspond to color types, maintain the authors: vivid Winter people glow in elegant settings with bold geometric designs; romantic Autumns look their best in country interiors with lace curtains and flowers. The authors address the problem of households whose inhabitants belong to multiple season categories by suggesting season-spanning colors that purportedly flatter everyone (aqua, periwinkle, coral pink and off-white). They also recommend choosing a spouse of one's like season to make decorating easier. While there are helpful discussions of color coordination and furniture arrangement, some readers will be put off by the gimmickiness of this guide. November