Color schemes...

Even though I have chosen colors for my own remodel, I have noticed quite a few articles in recent magazines regarding color schemes. My last couple of posts dealt with current trends in interior design along with some color predictions. There is just too much information about color to present it in 1 post- in fact there are people who specialize in"color". They will help choose color for personal clothing selections or interior/exterior paint to help us achieve whatever it is that is we want to achieve and for whatever functions in that space.

I guess I tell clients that they need to choose colors that they like, not what is popular at the time. I do steer them to colors that fit their personalities and will enhance the intended use of the space. If a room is a bedroom, bright bold colors may not be the best choice if sleeping is the intended function. Colors such as bright red or kelly green can be stimulating and not restful or calming.

When choosing colors consider if the client is going to sell or move in the near future. If you watch HGTV at all, they have shown that neutral colors sell better than bright colors. Personal favorites may not appeal to all potential buyers. And, buyers may not want to paint right away after they move in. Gray or yellow used to be the colors that sold best on the exterior of a house. Interior colors that sell best are neutrals such as tan, greys or even light greens. Consider the color pallette found below from Benjmin Moore paints. The colors are, listed from left to right, Genesis White 2134-70, Etiquette AF-50, Gray Mirage 2142-50, Kendall Charcoal HC-166, Porcelain 2113-60, and Smoke 2122-40. (Gray mirage is actually a grey sage color, but as we all know that print colors are definately different from screen colors and.) You really should locate actual paint samples for any of these as they are quite beautiful.

Another thought to keep in mind is that a color palette should blend from room to room or have a "story". That does not mean that all walls have to be the same color, just maybe an accent in 1 room is the main color in another. It also means that the mood should be the same from room to room. It is not as pleasing to the eye if you have several bold bright rooms with others being soft(pastel or grayed) colors. Now variations of 1 color from room to room can be a color story of its own. If your home is smaller, carrying similar colors throughout can make the home seem larger or more spacious.

I have included some color pallets that have shown up in magazine articles and color cards at the paint stores. It seems they are either calming or bright...remember the color of the year? Honeysuckle? Well, it or other shades of pink or melon are appearing more frequently on the printed page. I am just not sure that I can live with pink and green room...way too preppy! But, they certainly are lively, happy and make me think of spring! Montana has had an awful long winter so far....and it is only February. If you are liking a brighter color choose more soothing colors to go along with it or just make the bright color an accent in a bookcase or 1 wall. The paints below are Martha Stewart Light Sandstone, Martha Stewart Mink's Cloth, and Benjamin Moore Kingsport Gray. The light sandstone was used in a bookcase niche to create a focal point and the tan/browns can be used to tone the overall look more casual.

Food for thought....According to Newell Turner, Editor in Chief of House Beautiful, before the 1940's pink was used for boys and blue was used for girls...now that's quite a switch...he and I do not know when they swapped.

Personally, I have used brights and subdued colors in my spaces over the years and find myself entertained by television shows where the hosts use outrageous colors and accessories. I like to see them used but have no desire to live with them in my own home. Lately the HGTV show "Candice Tells All" designed a room with an Indian inspiration. Very bright colors, bold patterns in drapery, paint, accessories, but tile, sofa and flooring were not so bright. Color Splash Miami always uses bright, splashy colors(hence the name) but it is tastefully done and much more expected in Miami where the show is taped. Montanans tend not to use such bright colors. (Unless you're a teenager...they tend to pick black or a brights as they are more stimulating...which may make it harder to sleep as I stated earlier...)

I do tell clients that if they want to experiment with a bold color, buy a sample of it first, or just use the bold colors in accessories as then you are not married to it as time goes on. (Paint is alot cheaper to replace than a sofa!) Neutral sofas or pieces of wood furniture are much easier to live with for a longer period of time. And, you can buy slipcovers or paint a piece if you are looking for something brighter.

Ispiration of the week: I was at a local flooring store/design center where they had samples of window coverings. They had recently put up new displays with a edging attached at the sides, and that made me think about putting an edge on my bay window shades. I found a natural linen that will just set off the main fabric and provide some classic design for the shades.

Design quote of the week: Pink is the most flattering color of all, especially at night, with candlelight. Everyone looks glowing. I think of it as a neutral-it works with any color scheme." - Frank De Biasi in House Beautiful March, 2011

Remodel update: Nothing new to report, I will be looking for bids on new kitchen cabinets. We are planning to finish the exterior siding before we replace the cabinets but need some pricing to planfor it! If you have driven by my house you will notice the gray cement board siding on the front, but grey vinyl siding on the other 3 sides. Not pretty, but we have decided to remodel as we can afford it.