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Dear Jessica,
I have a kitchen that opens into a great room. I love the open feeling of the two spaces and want to make both areas complement each other. Can you offer me some tips for making over these two rooms? — Molly, Greensboro

Dear Molly,
The easiest way to achieve a cohesive design statement within a space is through the use of color. I recommend deciding on a color palette that can be integrated into both your kitchen and great room. Whether you opt to use the same colors in both areas, or mix it up a bit and coordinate the colors, your space will benefit from a cohesive design flow.

To create a design statement that flows, your spaces need not match exactly. Instead, select a group of colors and mix things up a bit by varying the intensity of the colors. For example, you might use a gold paint on the walls in the kitchen and use a darker gold fabric in your great room.

Paint also may be used to create a cohesive look. A green wall color in the great room, for instance, can be brought into the kitchen by painting your kitchen island the same color or a similar one.

If you prefer a simpler, more uniform look, design both areas as if they are one room, using the same paint color, finishes and fabrics in both areas. Fabrics are useful for transitioning and creating unity within spaces. Window treatments, seat cushions and upholstery are great for infusing color in your designs.

My personal preference is to mix things up a bit, but we all have individual comfort levels when it comes to color and pattern. When designing a suite or creating an open design plan, I like to incorporate at least three fabrics and two paint colors in the space. Whether the project is traditional, or more contemporary, this concept is a good starting point.

For your project, you might select two paint colors that work well together — such as blue and brown — and alternate how they are used in the individual spaces. Try the blue in one area as a primary color and the brown as an accent color. Your colors can be used on walls, ceilings, trim or cabinetry.

You also can use different color hues within the same paint color family. Varying the intensity of your colors is also a nice way to add interest.

By mixing it up within the individual spaces, but keeping the color palette the same in both areas, you create a unified flow in the area. Your fabrics can be mixed and matched within the spaces to further support your design plan. Your great room sofa fabric, for example, can be used as a decorative contrast banding on a Roman shade in the kitchen.

Subtle uses of color and fabric go a long way toward creating a design statement. Every project is different and requires a unique design plan, but these basic concepts can get you on your way to developing a solid deign direction.

Jessica Dauray is owner of Elements of Style Interiors, a full-service interior design firm with offices in Greensboro and Wilmington. Visit her Web site at www.elementsofstyleinteriors.com. Have questions for Jessica? E-mail her at jessicaofeos@bellsouth.net.