Weekend Color: Pantone's Color of the Year - Why It Is Important and Why It's Not

By now I'm sure you have heard about Pantone's color pick for 2011.

This is quite an energetic pink!

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Color is moving towards fresh, clean hues.

What exactly does that mean?

I discussed clean/dirty color here, if you'd like to read more about it.

I don't ever advise a client to fill their space with the latest and greatest color unless they truly LOVE it.

What happens next year?

If you are using this hue simply to be "on-trend" 

are you going to be satisfied when it no longer is the top color?

If you have created a fairly neutral shell, or you have used other clean colors that are roughly the same value, you can easily bring in vibrant pink accents.

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Domino

I think the we should look at the entire palette from Pantone

 to get a clearer sense of what is happening with color.

The silver cloud and silver peony are still holding the grey and blush front.

I wouldn't place Silver peony with any of these other colors 

because it simply is not saturated enough to hold it's own.

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Russet is signalling an influx of brown - we need something to balance out all this freshness.

In interiors that signals a return to brown woods, rather than all the grey tones we have been seeing.

Domino

The remaining seven hues are all similar in their intensity and clean tones.

You could place any of these in space together and they would work.

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Blue Curacao is a softer version of last years turquoise.

I love the regatta blue - it's time to bring blue back from the green side :) 

Honeysuckle, which looks so vibrant when examined alone, 

fits in to this group without stealing the show.

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Pantone's color choices give us a look toward the future,

they interpret our societies emotional climate and the colors reflect it.

It seems right now people are quite ready for a bit of light-hearted fun.

Honeysuckle - will you use it?

til next time..

Natures Palette: Winter Magic Comes Inside

It's a snow day - last night bought us about six inches of sparkling snow, and there is more on the way.

Admiring the gorgeous contrast of the bare trees, soft greys of the sky with all this white goodness.

The sheer beauty has me longing for the serenity of these interiors.

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These spaces have such a soft feel, it's as if you could float in and out of them..

People always expect me to push bright orange walls on them :)
Although I consult about color, I embrace white walls.
Anyone who has ever painted their home white knows how difficult choosing exactly the right one is!

If that is what you love, then place it in your home.

Color comes in many strengths, and it does not always have to shout it's presence.

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til next time..

Color Post: How You Can Create Flow With Color, part 1

Last week I had a client ask me a common question:

"How can I use color to make my house flow?"

It's something I discuss on every consultation I do, because each time you change a room in your home, you need to be mindful of what is happening in the rest of the space.

Of of the most important things to consider is the purity of your color.

Primary, secondary and tertiary colors are pure, that is, they have not been muted by adding color from other parts of the color wheel (other than those adjacent to them) or grey.



These are the "cleanest" hues.
They can be lightened by adding white, and therefore become tints.
Or they can be darkened by adding black, and therefore become shades.

If you use a pure hue in one space, then move on to a "dirty" tone in the next,
 your home will not have good flow.

Look at the difference in these Benjamin Moore yellows.

You do NOT have to use the exact same palette all through your home to create flow.
You do, however, have to choose between clean and dirty hues
 if you are using different hues throughout.
Generally clean hues pair best with cool neutrals and dirty with warm,
 as dirty hues almost always have some brown in them.

One of the best examples of how freeing this is to color in design
 is shown in Victoria Webster's home,
designed by Sloan Mauran
as seen in House and Home.

I think this house is genius!
Obviously color is just one part of this design, and everything is done to perfection.

There are other well-considered color elements here as well, like saturation -
but the clean hues, paired with cool grey, cool white and black are the main factor.

Spectacular, isn't that?
Makes you want to head straight out to the paint store for a gallon of that tangerine!

When I post part two I'll show you a home where dirty color reigns - lovelier than it sounds, promise :)

til next time..

color post: which pinks love grey

For so many years beige, or some form of warm neutral,

was the go-to backdrop for every space.

Now, with grey at the forefront of design,

many of us are trying to make the switch from warm neutrals to cool ones...

Concerned about creating a space that feels "cold", 

my clients usually want to incorporate some colorful accents when using grey on the walls.

 A question I am constantly asked is what colors work with grey.

If you read my post on clean color,

you'll know that almost any hue works with grey, 

what's important is that it is a pure hue that has been mixed only with white, black, or grey.

but one of my favourite combinations is grey mixed up with pink and it's cohorts...

and when I saw this living room, I swooned, because the color mix is exactly right.

 grey wall and sofa + with fresh garden hues - how about that lush emerald?

(and note how the pillow on the right, sconce art and side table 

pick up the the warm tones found in the wood floor and allow for a harmonious mix.)

Black adds glam to the combo, 

and although I may have chosen a slightly cooler tone for the walls,

those chairs are showstoppers, aren't they?

Turquoise plays well with fuchsia against a serene dove grey backdrop, 

because they are equal in saturation.

Just as the palest of pinks pairs perfectly with the palest of greys to create this tranquil space.

The pink is fairly dominant in these living/dining rooms at first glance,

 but it's actually only the sofa and flowers that are pink.

So much impact from one piece of furniture!

Look how differently the paint and sofa color appear in the different photos.

This is why you should never choose a paint color based solely on a photo!!!

(hmm... I smell a future post :)

and some pretty bits of high contrast...

so want that painting, top left.

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What do you think?

Would you ever use this combination?

Since they are so popular right now,

I think I'll do a few posts exploring grey based color schemes...

any particular one you'd like to see explored next?

So What Exactly Happens During a Color Consultation?

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As mentioned here,

I'm realizing that for anyone who hasn't had a Color Consultation they may need 

a better understanding of what I am providing to see the value of my services.

So let's take the mystery out of a 10 Rooms Color Consultation :)

Phase One 

 You call or email me.

Usually, my clients are people who have always done their own decorating,

 and are feeling frustrated with the results,

new home-owners who are just getting a feel for what their style is,

 or simply very busy people (who isn't, these days?) 

who do not have time evaluate which choices would suit them the best.

Often clients are about to, or have just made, some major furniture purchases

 and their home is feeling disconnected (from room-to-room).

Sometimes they have a particularly challenging space,

or they have had a life change and are looking for a fresh take.

In any case, I try to determine your motivation because that is what will drive your choices.

I ask a varied series of questions here.

Where is your home (country, city, suburb)?

What is the architecture like? Which direction does the space face?

What are your favourite colors? What style of decor do you prefer? etc..

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This allows me to prepare a collection of images -

"inspiration rooms" if you will,

that we can look through during the consultation to get a better feel for your desired result.

Phase Two

  I arrive on your doorstep, goodies in tow!

I generally like to see the space first,

then we go sit down and get a feel for what you need from the space.
I will ask you a lot of questions,
and we will look through the images I've brought along.

 This is where the four main factors come into play:

The Space Itself

Size, light, orientation, placement in the home, flow, existing finishes, furnishings, etc..

Desired Uses of the Space 

Time of day you will be using the space, relaxation vs. stimulation,
adult vs family, long-term vs short term decor, etc

Personality

Are you outgoing? Do you want an entertaining space that encourages lively conversation?

Are you looking for a retreat? A place to rejuvenate after a very busy workweek?

Do you prefer a more formal or relaxed style home? etc..


Preferences

Which colors do you prefer? How much color do you want to live with?

This sounds basic, but many times sitting down and actually defining these
 clearly gives a great base palette to work from.
Quite often, the original vision gets tweaked a little,
in the example we've added lavender.
Let's say it was existing already in the master bedroom and ensuite,
 and client loves the color.
She was suffering from overload, but adding a dash to the bedroom
allows her to keep some of her favourite color and helps the two rooms to relate better.

Phase Three

Now that I know where you need/want to go with this space,

we pull out the paint chips and get set choosing!

We will go through several different options here, for walls and trim.

I usually know we are on the right track when your face lights up!

It's that "aha" moment, where everything comes together.

I leave you with a Color Plan - 

paint chips and all the specifics (how much paint, which finish) for at least two options,

as well information regarding what preparation needs to be done to your walls prior to painting.
If you like, I will email you out some additional links to inspiration spaces
 that include your finalized color palette and suit the design direction you're taking.

Many times my clients are planning to do the work themselves,

 and simple prep ensures a proper finish.

If you have chosen to use a painter, I will be sure to offer choices in their preferred type of paint.

Phase Four

Your space is transformed :)

I charge $100.00 for the first room and $50.00 for each additional room to select paint colors.

Not bad, considering for the cost of a can of paint
 you can ensure total satisfaction the first time you paint - 

no more re-painting because that pretty sunny yellow paint chip you liked in the store

 has somehow morphed in screaming yellow lunacy on your walls!

Many times clients request advice for additional color choices, like carpet, upholstery, etc.

This is based on an hourly rate and varies depending on travel, etc.. 

 I once accompanied a client to her new home's design centre
 to help her choose all her finishes for a new build.

The sheer volume of options was overwhelming her, and in an hour

we had co-ordinated every single detail of her new home

(and convinced the builder to include a few upgrades).

Does knowing all this make the idea of a Color Consultation any more inviting?
A common worry is that your home will not reflect you, but someone else.

To be clear, I do not come over and force my choices or the trendiest colors on you.

My goal is always to find that unique solution
 that enhances your space,

reflects your personality, and makes you happy.

After several requests, I am now offering on-line color consultations as well.

If you are ready to find your perfect colors,

please email me at amezeard@10rooms.ca.