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There’s nothing like being in a different location for a while to stimulate a fresh view of colors and patterns.

From the wonderful LACMA museum in Los Angeles to the tiny Japanese variety store, with a home decorating furniture store in the middle of it all, I’m inspired to share a few images for your enjoyment.

I always enjoy connecting patterns and textures. One example:

Lines, shadows, and textures combine to make interesting patterns

Interesting to look at this for repetition of line and texture, in verticals both organic and built.

Then, for something really different, a quick visit to ZGallerie to see what’s up in L.A. decor! (or some of it, anyway)

You're not in New England anymore, Toto!

Do I detect a theme? Never mind, I love the darks with...Kiwi? Lime? Other name for this green?

Summer turquoise is still happening

Check out the colors above with the colors of the items in the Japanese variety store, below!
See anything similar?

Colors and visual texture remind me of an impressionist painting.

These really made me smile. A color palette resource!

The pattern of pastel colored lunchboxes combines with black-and-white graphic lettering

Love the patterns and colors! Can you guess which ones I bought to use?

The Question
What are the paint colors that these images inspire you to use? Single or as combinations, it’s all fair game and I am interested in YOUR favorites!

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Everyone does it!
That is, everyone looks at color, and feels the effects of color—one way or another. Even those with impaired vision experience and feel color internally.

So, when it comes to actually deciding what colors to use for our homes or even for our businesses, some confusion usually ensues. Typically, the ways color is decided when we need help is one of these:

Paint store defined palettes: Makes it easy, requires little imagination (ie: it’s already done for you). At the very least, this can be a good place to start, to explore testing some colors in your own home.

Ask-a-friend or family member: sometimes works, but the friend or family member is then responsible for their advice (and the relationship!)

Painter recommendations: Painters have more experience with applied color than anyone else in the field.
While some painters are happy to work with you closely to arrive at your specifically personal colors, I’ve noticed that they will typically want you to tell them what colors to use, so they can keep rolling.

However, on the side of patience and imagination,  there might be more that’s needed to achieve something really personal and interesting.

Copy the house down the street: this can be good for inspiration but might not suit your house, Or You, even if it’s the same style building.

What’s different?

• You are different! There are no two people alike, even though they might like the same kinds of colors.
• your House is different – even if it’s only the specific physical location
• Landscaping is likely to be different.
• lighting is probably not the same

Whether it’s for interior or exterior colors, in the process of determining a unique, harmonious and balanced personal color palette for your home, the four qualities in the title of this post are essential to really get it right.

They are all part of eliminating the frustration of being confronted by thousands of colors, and turning the experience into one that’s enjoyable and informative. At some point you may want to consult with a professional about any of these aspects of selecting colors:

1. Imagining – artistic
   
2. Knowing – educated, trained specially in the field
   
3. Envisioning – experience
   
4. Creating – putting it together
   

And finally: Enjoying
Something you can do without any help at all!

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