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Inspired by Color and Design
August 25th, 2010
After years of color consulting I believe that paint color is the main factor determining how you will feel about your home. It’s the most important element when creating a beautiful environment. Why?
- Because it’s the biggest. Covering all walls and the ceiling in any room, paint color has more influence than any other medium including flooring, fabrics, counter-tops and artwork. Paint color can make a home feel really good or bad, boring or exciting, comforting or stimulating.
- Because it has a purpose. It’s purpose is to make every other color in your home, whether it be floors, pillows, or fabrics, look more beautiful. It can also neutralize unattractive colors or help coordinate out-dated fabrics and colors with new and improved fabrics and colors.
- Because it groups everything together. How do you pull together the recliner that you bought 5 years before the sectional group? Or how about the 10-year old oak flooring that doesn’t quite seem to work with the more contemporary granite counter-tops? The one thing that can make everything work is the perfect paint color. It’s the least expensive decorating technique and will provide the biggest impact so grab that brush and prepare for the challenge!
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August 17th, 2010
In addition to your collectibles and framed photos, books give your guests a glimpse of who you are…your talents, hobbies and interests. Your bookcases can be a focus on interest in your room by a simple re-arrangement. Shelves filled with just books become boring while shelves with an assortment of odds and ends look cluttered.
The key is to creatively arrange your collection of selected books, artwork, greenery and collectibles. You need to consider those same key elements as in room decor: balance, color, texture and height. Here are a few tips to start you on your way to a beautiful display:
- First step: remove everything from your shelves and selectively determine which books are worthy of your display.
- Remove jackets from hard cover books but leave covers on visual or ‘coffee table’ books.
- Vary height and depth: stack books on their side and add small accessories on top of or in front of the stack.
- Look around your home for other items that can be used: memorabilia, art objects, candles, photos and plants.
- Put larger books and accessories on lower shelves and smaller items on upper shelves.
- Allow for some pockets of empty space to allow the eye a chance to rest.
- Be sure to carefully select artwork that will be hung above the bookshelf.
When the job is complete you should be looking at an artful composition of meaningful items that will give friends and guests a look into what is important in your life!
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August 8th, 2010
If your office is in your home or you entertain business guests in your home, you might want to add a more contemporary feel to your decor. One way to do this is to introduce or add extra elements of black, whether it be in your kitchen; your dining room; or your entertainment area. Just as in evening attire, black and sophistication go together. Here are some tips to add just the right amount of black for a new and contemporary look:
* Add large plants using black ceramic plant containers.
* Consider an area rug that is trimmed in black or has black in the design.
* Black granite in your countertops if you are going through a kitchen renovation.
* Big candles nestled in chunky black candle holders.
* Black picture frames can be used in your photo collage.
* Even small pieces of black furniture can be used when added judiciously.
A tired decor can suddenly take on a whole new look with the addition of a few elements in this surprisingly sophisticated color.
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June 24th, 2010
Adding accessories to your decor is like the icing on the cake. Once you have the room laid out you can begin to add the personal touches that will make your home unique. The accessories should reflect the personality and character of the family that lives in the home.
However, as fun as it can be to add accessories it can also be challenging. Not only must you choose the correct accessories but you must also display them in such a manner as to get them noticed. Accessories should enhance the decor not detract from it.
As a first step you should remove all the accessories in the room and group them together according to theme, style and color. Check the rest of your home to see if there are items that are placed in other rooms that should become a part of your “collection.” By keeping like objects together you strengthen their common features and make them more noticeable.
The focal point in your room is a good place to start when accessorizing. People will notice this area first so use your accessories to make this area stand out. When displaying your accessories on a shelf or cabinet make sure to display your items to their best advantage without becoming cluttered or messy.
Lastly, use the principles of scale and balance by placing items of “visual weight” on each end of your shelf while adding height and color to make your arrangement more interesting. And don’t forget to use odd numbers when you can, just like Mother Nature does when she displays her best work!
Happy designing!
Tags: Accessories
Posted in Color Selection, home staging | No Comments »
June 14th, 2010
Homeowners can do a lot on their own to prepare their home and show it in it’s best light when placing the home on the real estate market. They can clean, repaint and get rid of clutter. So why would you hire a home stager?
According to internationally recognized home staging expert Debra Gould, The Staging Diva, “The process of selling a home can be completely overwhelming. Homeowners often lack knowledge about their local real estate markets and how homes in their price range should look.”
A home stager can look at your home with fresh eyes. They view the home as a highly critical buyer would see it. Here is how home staging can benefit you:
1. A stager knows what is needed to quickly create the best sales environment at the lowest cost.
2. A stager will give homeowners suggestions that their real estate agent may be afraid to offer because the agent does not want to “offend” the client.
3. A stager is not emotionally attached to the contents in the home. Using their fresh vision, they can recommend the optimal way to rearrange existing furniture, art and accessories.
4. A stager can recommend the appropriate paint colors and finishes to update your home.
5. A stager can provide resources for painters, cleaners and handymen to help with needed repairs. Other resources may be needed for vacant homes like furniture, accessories and art.
Home staging can have a dramatic effect on the selling price and the number of days spent on the market. The amount you invest in a professional home staging consultation will be small compared to the advantage your home will have in showing to its best advantage…and SELLING.
Are you ready to see your home?
Tags: Choosing paint colors, paint color palette, paint color sheen, selection
Posted in Color Selection, Update Colors, home stager, home staging, sell home | No Comments »
May 16th, 2010
Remember when you received your first box of Crayola crayons? Maybe it was a box of the basic eight colors. If you were lucky you received the 16 or 24 pack. And then you graduated to the deluxe 64 pack with the built in sharpener.
Well, color is still an important part of our every day life. Our clothes, our cars and our homes communicate who we are through color.
Because we regard color so highly, it is important that we choose the right color when painting our homes. But, oh, how do we know which is the right color? There are thousands of colors from which to choose. Be inspired by fabric, a piece of art or your outdoor landscape. Then design your color palette and create the room that reflects your style and personality.
And if you are still unsure let The Color Coach of the Central Valley help you with the color selection that will bring out YOUR masterpiece.
Inspired by color and design
Pamela
Tags: Choosing paint colors, paint color palette
Posted in Color Selection | No Comments »
May 5th, 2010
Finding the right painting contractor is just as important as selecting the perfect colors. Why should you hire an experienced painting contractor? A licensed professional is going to have knowledge of the best products and practices so the crew will complete the job in a neat, timely and professional manner.
Make sure you consider the following:
1. Meet with each contractor and check their credentials. After the initial meeting, call the Better Business Bureau to make sure the contractor is reputable. You might also contact the local painting contractors association to see if they are a member, as this may be an indication of dependability.
2. Require proof of licensing and insurance. Make sure your contractor is licensed. Ask to see the license and check with the state licensing board to verify the status. Don’t hire a painter who doesn’t carry insurance as you could be liable if a painter is injured while working on the job.
3. Get references. Former clients are a great source of information. Request three references and ask to speak with them. Call these individuals to find out if they were pleased with the contractor’s work.
4. Get a written estimate. Be sure to inform the contractors that there are other bids on the table. To get the most equitable estimates, ask the contractor to submit their bid based on the same materials and level of work, including the exact work to be done; the details of the products they will be using and the completion date, cost and payment terms.
5. Insist on a written contract. You and your contractor should both sign a written contract that spells out the details so there is no confusion.
An open dialogue with your contractor will ensure that you are up to date on the project. It also allows your contractor to make project or product recommendations and helps you meet your time frame.
Tags: bbb, better business bureau, contractor license, paint contractor, references, selection
Posted in Paint Contractors | No Comments »
April 27th, 2010
Why is choosing and coordinating paint colors so difficult?
One common misconception is that you should decorate around your paint color. But paint is a relatively inexpensive and alterable decorating service. “Pull your whole project together by choosing paint colors last” says Paula DeMars of The Color Coach located in Orange County. Install cabinets, counter tops, and flooring first. Coordinate warm tones with warm tones and cool with cool. That will give you direction in choosing fabrics, artwork, bed linens and finally paint color.
Will the bold colors you see on TV work for you?
Possibly. The sets and homes you see on TV (and in magazines) have been professionally decorated and have controlled lighting. Seeing something on TV provides delightful inspiration but the look may not translate into your home.
Avoid costly mistakes and save time by calling The Color Coach Central Valley if you are facing a paint color challenge!
Tags: Choosing paint colors, paint color
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April 20th, 2010
You can relax because you have chosen your new paint colors, right? Well, the job is not quite complete. Another consideration is selecting the paint sheen which can have quite an impact on the look of your room. There are five basic sheens but the names and gloss levels may change with each paint manufacturer.
FLAT: can also be called matte finish. Has virtually no shine and its ability to absorb light can often make the paint appear darker. Good choice for ceilings and in low traffic areas like adult bedrooms. Doesn’t hold up well to repeated scrubbing.
EGGSHELL: A bit smoother than flat. It’s subtle sheen hides imperfections but more washable than flat. A good choice for lightly used rooms such as a home office or formal living rooms providing the warmth of flat paint while adding just a touch of sheen for protection.
SATIN: Falls in the middle of the paint sheen scale; slightly more reflective than eggshell but less than semi-gloss. Also resists dirt and stains better. The most versatile of the sheens; adding warmth and depth to surfaces but better wash-ability. Works well in almost all rooms.
SEMI-GLOSS: Has a slightly glossy appearance but not wet looking. Well suited for surfaces that get lots of dirt or handprints such as trim, woodwork and doors. A good choice for homes with young children.
GLOSS: Can harden to such a shiny finish that it produces a plastic-coated look. The most stain resistant and easiest to clean. Effective for cabinets, banisters, door frames, windowsills and rooms with a lot of moisture (i.e. bathroom, laundry rooms).
Having a clear understanding of the area you are painting and the appearance you desire you will be able to easily determine which sheen is best for your project. Selecting the proper sheen will ensure that your finished project is one with which you are happy.
Tags: eggshell, flat finish, gloss, paint color sheen, Paint Sheen, satin, semi gloss
Posted in Paint Sheen | No Comments »
April 11th, 2010
Just where do you begin in selecting a color palette for your property? Whether you are under construction, remodeling or giving your home or office a fresh look with paint colors, here are some important fundamental steps to ensure that your surroundings will reflect an inviting and gracious style says Paula DeMars of The Color Coach.
First, be aware that all color has either a warm or cool undertone. Examples of warm tones are camel, olive, cranberry, butter and denim. Their cool tone counterparts are taupe, teal, raspberry, lemon and royal blue. Decide which palette you will be working with, either by personal choice or necessity (based on the existing permanent hard surfaces). Since each palette consists of millions of tones, avoid mixing spectrums to achieve balance and harmony in any space. When selecting exterior colors, it is equally important to take into consideration the color of your roof and any hardscape you will be using.
Once you have chosen which palette suits your home, you can begin looking at paint colors. Be sure to isolate each color on a background of white. Doing this will help you to see the undertones. For example, if you see pink in the beige it is probably a cool beige as opposed to a warm beige.
Any color can be matched by a reputable paint dealer; just make sure you have the tint specialist “eye match” the color for you. Also remember that paint on a textured wall will be slightly different than the ink you have on your paint chip, so don’t drive yourself crazy trying to get them to look exactly the same, they are different mediums.
Lastly, never get stuck in the boring one-color doldrums just because it’s safe. Likewise, don’t be influenced by current trends. Instead, surround yourself with colors that make you feel the most comfortable and reflect your personal style.
Tags: paint color, paint color matching, paint color palette
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