ColorViews Blog 

Creating the definition
It’s always interesting to be in a conversation about matching colors. For me, the first question is “what do you mean by match? ”

I think that ultimately it’s just about feeling that the colors work together and  are harmonious in the space where they appear. Personally I believe that a more interesting space is created when “matching” colors is not even an issue.  I’d rather see it as the best way to enhance the space while referencing qualities of art work, furniture, rugs, and other important objects in view.

Dining room wall colors reference the art work and stained glass panel. Color design and photos by Barbara Jacobs

What makes a harmonious result?
It’s true that when we’re in a paint store —with literally thousands of colors at our fingertips—it’s easy to bounce from one color family to another, and even from one tiny color swatch to another. Even when we bring along fabrics, pottery, pieces of wood, or other “match-worthy” items there are seemingly infinite possibilities. As with a satisfying meal, harmony comes from combining the contrast and balance of a few key ingredients.

Warm dining room transitions into the cool kitchen. From the kitchen, we also see the blues of the painting in the dining room. Note the glowing warm and cool colors of the art-glass pendants.

Kitchen wall color refers to the tones of leaded glass and granite.

On another note, here’s a problem area resolved with color. Floor tile is harder to change than paint color!

Problem area resolved with color balance. Color design and photos by Barbara Jacobs

Stone wall is the inspiration for new paint colors in kitchen and adjacent family room. Color design by Barbara Jacobs

Context is Critical!
There’s just about no way a color that originates in a fabric or other material can be re-created to an exact match in paint. Even if you have a look-alike color in the paint store, on your walls it might be another story.

Here’s why

• We perceive color as reflected light. Space lighting has a lot to do with how we see color—considering the time of day or night, and the light source.
• Even when using the exact same paint color on different walls, color appears different when light is reflected onto surfaces at different angles.
• Color on adjacent walls intensifies in the corners.
• Ceilings are always in their own shadows, in a way– so using color on a ceiling will be deeper than using the same color on a wall.

Tip
We have a natural tendency to look at color chips on a horizontal plane. Always view paint color chips at the same angle as they will be used on the walls.

Surfaces and textures
Whether on a horizontal, vertical, or curved surface, texture makes a difference in both the source color and the destination color.

• A deeper, irregular texture creates subtle shadows and might even make a pattern.
• A smooth surface will typically be more reflective, even with a matte paint surface.
• Colors on a high gloss surface are the most reflective and will appear brighter.

Test the new colors
View the colors in actual painted large color cards, noting how they work with your furniture and fabrics. Look  from one room to the next, and back the other way.  Look at the colors in all times of day and night, with your painted samples taped onto the various surfaces. This is my most-recommended way to really test colors in your home.

You can read more on this subject in my “Perfect Palettes: Mix and Match” article on HGTV.com.

Thanks for reading ColorViews. You’re invited to write to me about your color experiences and project questions that I’ll consider for publishing!

Finally, it’s time to choose the colors. Well, maybe it’s not “Finally”—maybe that was actually your first thought!

It often happens that I’m called to help with a color palette when “the painters are coming next week!”
While crisis-mode color selection is not optimal, it’s certainly possible to do. But your color choices deserve your best attention since it’s color that sets the tone for your entire space.

If you have time to give your color selections adequate consideration, it will be to your advantage. Even if you intend to use the services of a color consultant it will be helpful to your final decision-making to really be aware of your space in some ways you might not have considered before.

1. Where to start?

• Dream in color, starting in a smaller space such as a Bathroom, Hallway, or Accent Wall.
• Begin where you are most comfortable. Select a favorite color, drawn from artwork, rug, china, accessory or furniture, as main color or accent.
  Wall color relates to the bright green design lines in LOOPY/Soft Tide: Silk Road Weaves – Tibetan Rugs
  

  Color design and photo: B.Jacobs

2.  Think mood, listen to the space
Choose your color according to the purpose of the space, for example:

• Bedroom:  restful, soothing, dramatic or intimate
• Dining area: sociable, stimulating
• Library/study: quiet, peaceful concentration

image courtesy Ellen Kennon

3.  How about a complement?
Check out a color wheel, and enhance your main color choice with contrast

image courtesy Ellen Kennon

4.  Monochromatic, maybe?  Emphasize the architecture

• Achieve bold or subtle variations within one color group.
• Use low-contrast color variations in any room.
• Contrast use of paint finishes to make an elegant statement.
  

  image courtesy Ellen Kennon

For example: use closely related colors, or even a single color in different finishes, for walls and trim—and maybe even the ceiling.  HUE consulting has some interesting trend notes about this.

5.  Make white the accent color
Even in a guest bathroom  you can create variety with elegant neutrals as the main color.

Color design and photo: B.Jacobs

6.  Looking up, tint your ceiling!

• Add drama with a stronger color, a similar-tone color in a different hue, or
• Make the ceiling the same color as the walls, for the feeling of a more expansive space.
  

  image courtesy Ellen Kennon

7.  Testing 1…2…3…Try Something Different

• Consider strong colors or soft, deep earthy hues like chocolate brown or olive green as main or accent colors.
• Be sure to test colors by rolling 2 coats on primed poster board or large areas of actual wall.
  

  Color design and photo: B.Jacobs

Color design and photo: B.Jacobs

Another idea with a little drama: Silk Road Plum in the kitchen, and note the accent color “Jaunty Jen” that makes a visual connection to the adjacent office

8.  What’s missing? Add interest and depth of color

• Flat, dull walls become interesting and personal with subtle or dramatic  ”Visual Texture” and “Broken Color.”
• “DEPTH” does not have to mean “DARK!”
• Burnished mineral/metal finishes and colored glazes add depth and interest.
• For example: Mica, Copper, Pewter, Bronze, and of course Silver and Gold
• Accent areas are the perfect place for a special finish to create focus in a space.
  

  Venetian Plaster and photo by B.Jacobs

9.  Still wondering?
Review your comfort zone and expand it, taking note of your response to your favorite colors.

10.  To avoid confusion
Try to keep others’ opinions to a minimum. REMEMBER, It’s YOUR home!

11. “bonus tip”
Check out this recent New York Times article on test results for Low V.O.C. Paints!
Thanks to Ellen Kennon for providing images for my use.

There’s more…you can read this Color Tips article in its entirety on HGTV.com

I’m so relieved to know more than one excellent painter I trust, whose presence in my home is at the very least pleasant and unobtrusive, who is orderly and respectful of my personal environment. Personally, I’m more comfortable with someone working in my own home–or in homes of my clients–who has a fairly low profile on the job site and is focused on the project at hand.

You’ll probably also want to feel comfortable with people in your  home even though you don’t know them well. There might be times when you are not there, but the project must go on!  Even though it’s temporary, their presence is a part of your life. Some of these things you can infer when you meet them, and some things you might just have to ask directly.

Apples to Oranges?

Trying to level the playing field can be tricky, because when you start to interview your painters you find that each one can have perfectly reasonable explanations for practices and processes. If you develop a way to keep track of comments and suggestions, and balance that with your own list of project requirements, you will have something to review to try to make “apples to oranges’ into “apples to apples,”  to make your best-informed decision.

Here are a few questions to start with:

How long have they been in business?
Don’t be shy–ask for references.

Do they work alone or with others?
If using a crew, will the owner be available for questions, follow-up and supervision? This will have a lot to do with your level of satisfaction and confidence.

What brand of paint do they use?
You may want to just take the painters recommendation for brand, but you should also feel comfortable discussing this, and specifying the brand you want.

Painters often suggest substituting brands with “we can mix any color in any brand.” However, paint companies have base materials that differ and this can affect the outcome. For example, it’s simply not possible to replicate a “Full-Spectrum “paint color in a non-full-spectrum method, no matter how it looks on a small piece.

Three questions about preparation

• How would the painter treat mildew areas?
• Will the painter plan to fill all holes and caulk seams?
• Will the painter be sanding the walls for a smooth finish?

What is the painter’s typical procedure?
General painting practice specifies two topcoats and often a primer/sealer coat. Does the painter plan to prime the walls under the color coat? Some topcoat colors require a tinted primer.

How many coats of finish color do they recommend?
What kind of paint for ceilings and walls? In most cases, flat finish paint is best for ceilings. However, the paint that is used for walls is often a higher quality than “ceiling white” especially if a tint or stronger color is used.

Contracts are essential
The purpose of a written contract is to make sure all parties understand the scope of work, with clear explanation and details about surfaces to be painted, preparation, methods of working, time schedules and payment procedures for the project. Once you have met the painting contractors in person, this is the best way for you to evaluate the different proposals you receive. Equally important, it protects both you—the client—and the contractor. Reputable contractors will encourage the use of a written contract.

Last but not least: remember these important documents
Do they carry commercial liability insurance?  You can request a certificate of insurance from the painter’s insurance company.

As with most home repairs and other big projects, aligning the details in advance will set the stage for a better experience.

Do you have a question you would like to see addressed here?
From time to time my blog will include a specially selected Q & A item. I’d love to hear about your projects.
email: info@integralcolor.com

It’s pretty standard knowledge at this point that using paint is the most cost-effective way to achieve the most change in your home.

This is part 1 of a 3-part series on planning your paint jobs and working with paint professionals.

Are you a do-it-yourself-er, or will you hire a professional? Here are  some tips to get you started.

(see the full post of Part 1, first appearing in this Boston Design Guide blog.)

Not for me!

Help is on the way!

Most homeowners have tried their hand at painting a room. Some are more successful than others, but most people think it is “easy.” But, of all the work you could do or have done in your home…(see the full post of Part 1, first appearing in this Boston Design Guide blog.)

Stay tuned for future installments on this subject.

Two special offers on paint and color consultation, through February, 2010

Paint: 10% discount on your entire paint order.

LM2010 is the code you need when you  place your order for any Full Spectrum color from Ellen Kennon Full Spectrum Paint mixed in the Flat finish of Lifemaster ® “certified green” interior line. (All the same beautiful, healthful colors are also available in Eggshell or SemiGloss finishes, but are not discounted at this time)

No VOC-No Odor Flat paint 100% acrylic washable

VOC-Free Lifemaster® Flat is a Premium paint

• Certified green by the US Building Council
• ICI Paints’ premium quality water based 100% acrylic finish
• Specially formulated for exceptional washability
• Super adhering
• Oil and stain resistant
• Virtually odor free and has no VOC’s (volatile organic compounds)
• A true low-odor paint
• Ideal for hospitals, schools, hotels/motels and office environments
• Perfect for families with allergies

What color to order? Select from your own set of hand painted color cards
It’s easy to get your own actual painted color cards from ellen@ellenkennon.com.

A selection of the Full Spectrum painted color cards. TWO SIZES YOU CAN ORDER: 1"x4"s for $5, and the full set of 90 - 3"x4" cards for $24.

The cost will be credited to your order of at least 3 gallons of paint.

And, a  Companion Offer to help you select your colors, through February, 2010
To help you make those important color selections and create that perfect feeling you seek for your home, or even for your workplace, I’m offering special rates on color consultation to accompany your discount on these beautiful Full Spectrum Paints.

It’s easy to receive an estimate for your project.
I will be happy to provide an estimate for consultation services once I know a bit about your project needs. Because your home is unique, fees are based for the most part on the number of rooms, amount of detail, and other factors.

Contact Barbara Jacobs with a description of your needs.
Photos are helpful.

IMPORTANT: In your email be sure to mention this offer code: LM2010

I look forward to helping you use color to create the beautiful spaces you want to return to!