Conscious Color

Flower Power, Freedom Trail, Cheetah, Enchanted, Mystical Powers, Abracadabra... there are so many color choices, it can be overwhelming and the names are no help. The process of selecting colors for your home can be fun and rewarding. Now is the perfect time to cover your walls with fresh new colors.

Where does one begin? I suggest a stress free, organic approach to choosing colors. First, pay attention to what is around you. Take a look at your home surroundings, the clothes you wear and notice the things that you really love. Perhaps, you have a favorite piece of artwork, furniture, rug or quilt. Use these as a jumping off point to find colors that speak to you. I have worked with clients who find the entire color palette for their homes in a single painting. Most paint stores will match colors for you or you can take the item or picture of it into the paint store and browse through the racks to find the exact color or a complement.

A wise husband who shall go unnamed once said, "Paint covers a multitude of sins." Not only does paint cover up unsightly blemishes and drab walls, it is an inexpensive way to dramatically change the look of a room. Recently, I painted my kitchen, it was a medium yellow and it had gotten kind of dreary looking. The color I chose is a deep red with orange undertones and the cabinets and green tiles are so happy to have something to show them off. It feels very warm and inviting and looks very rich. Most of all we LOVE it! (See before and after pictures.)

Hints for choosing color:

1. Always...always try the color on a wall or make a sample board you can move around the room(s). Look at the sample in daytime and evening light. Most paint stores sell quarts and Benjamin Moore and a couple of other vendors now have small sample pots of their most popular colors. C2 paint (from Dalys) has large color chips for purchase so you don't have to mess around with painting boards and samples. Remember most color chips are printed in ink and the color in paint will most likely look a little different.

2. Select colors that reflect your personal style. You are the one that will be living with the color. Trends come and go, what you love remains.

3. Choose colors that fit with the use of the room. For instance, if you really like blue and would like to put it in your office, choose a more energetic blue then one you might put in a bedroom. Or consider choosing the color complement of blue, which is orange and bring in blue accents for a harmonious and energizing combination.

There are no rules about color, no rights or wrongs, only personal preferences. The color police are not going to show up at your door and arrest you if you make a mistake!

Consider an InteriorVisions color consultation to help you discover the colors you love and make color choices with confidence. For more information about color consultations with Roberta, visit Services color

I would love to know about your experiences using color in your home. Please send e-mail or call: 206.523.2252.