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Following the last post here about price of paint and Titanium White (a major ingredient in house paint products) I want to share this article with you.

From the magazine Period Homes, it’s titled “A Primer on Paint,” and offers a detailed view of trends in paint products. It’s not about ‘color trends’ but rather about the actual development of paint products.

It's the pigments that make color visible. Aren't they beautiful? Kremer Pigments manufactures pigments from natural materials to create a wide range of historically authentic paints and finishes. Photo: courtesy of Kremer Pigments.

Major paint and pigment manufacturers are featured, with comments from Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, Behr, Fine Paints of Europe, and Kremer Pigments.

If you have been wondering about Waterborne – vs. – Oil based paints, differences in paint qualities, “VOC’s,” and pigments, be sure to read the article. You will also glean a few tips from color consultants James Martin and Barbara Jacobs (Yes, I am honored to be included in this article).

I hope you enjoy reading it, and perusing the magazine, in general.

Do you have a “Period Home?’ What are the joys and challenges?  What do you love the most about it? Let us know about your experience.

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Here we go again, in Paint as many industries and products.
Yes, prices are going up—again. It used to be that paint was, well, “Cheap!” We always would say, hey, it’s the best way to get the most change for the least money spent.  Big change for small change, so to speak. Whether you’re “into paint” or just buying paint again after a long time away from your paint store, now you might be surprised at the current prices and the projected trend in this direction.

What is the story about the paint price increases? It’s not just for a few “premium” companies, but apparently all across the spectrum of brands, quality and price points.

What’s in that can of paint?
Basically, all paint colors are made up of tinted bases. In sheens from flat to high gloss, the base material is a combination of materials, but this story is about, essentially,  “titanium dioxide.” That’s what makes the the paint color white, in the can, before adding tints to make Your colors. So, when the cost of that material goes up, so goes the price of paint.

If you’re into the economy of science–or the bottom line on why paint products are continuing to get more expensive– you might enjoy this article.

But OK, I will still say it—Paint is the way to go.  All the more reason why we want to really carefully consider what colors we’re using, and paying for.  And, all the more reason to make the most of the paint we are using—and enjoying.

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A recent visit to the MFA in Boston became an extraordinary experience for me—as the work of Dale Chihuly has been for thousands of others, worldwide.

I’ve never seen so many people at an exhibit who were trying to capture their own personal experience with cameras of all types, from cell phones to professional style equipment.  Even though I tried to resist the shutterbug impulse, it did not take long for me to join the crowd. I wanted to share a few my own impressions, and provide you with a link to a fascinating video of this master’s creative process and studio activity.

Color and shape get "Primal," in primary colors

Just one piece of the endlessly fascinating experience in color, form and texture

The work of Dale Chihuly is internationally renowned, but we’re fortunate here in Boston to have a tremendous installation of his work, offering a first-hand experience of being in the midst of his world of color, light, texture…and so much more.

Like dreaming in violet - glass reeds mounted into actual birch logs!

Trying to imagine his creative process needs a lot of help. So, to spare the words…enjoy this experience of being in the Chihuly studio!

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It might seem strange to talk about this kind of color when we’re about to have a burst of sunshine and flowers, but at some point you might need some Big, Deep, Drama. I was “all set” with having developed the richly colored palette for EcoHues. But then I started thinking “…just one more color, something Really Really Dark…,” that would be great in the right place for an accent trim or even a reflective, deep colored wall.

After all, sometimes contrast is just what a space needs to emphasize shape and architectural details.

A new black with No Black! EcoHues Full Spectrum Paint: Deep and cool-toned Mysterio

TIPS
About paint finishes
The thing to remember when using deeper colors in a flat finish, in any brand of paint, is that the very very deep colors can ‘burnish’ when you brush against the surface. This means that if your elbow, for example, happens to rub against the painted surface it might make a mark that looks shiny in some lights.

So, we have three finishes: Flat, as with all EcoHues colors; SemiGloss; and Eggshell. The recommended sheen when using this kind of very deep color on a wall: Use the semi-gloss! It will be a brighter looking color and still retain the depth and mystery of, well, Mysterio!

A few ideas about trim colors

• Don’t feel obligated to paint all the trim in a room the same color.
• Think about the purpose of the trim: to accent a particular architectural element, frame a space, or create unity.
• Painting the trim the same color as your walls, but in a different finish, is a subtle way to add the illusion of a different color
• Painting crown moldings the same color as your ceiling, in a different finish, frames the ceiling and defines the space in a subtle way.
• Painting the crown moldings the same color as your walls adds height.
• Window trim in the same color as walls opens the space by bringing your focus to the outside.
• Using a very dark, contrasting trim color in a higher sheen can be a meaningful design accent To illustrate, a few images from Houzz.com that use  black.
  It’s not Mysterio, but you get the idea:

Modern kids design by DC metro interior designer Laura Manning Bendik

 

This designer’s name is a coincidence!


Eclectic bathroom design by San Francisco interior designer Jacobs Design, Inc. 




Boston-area LDa Architecture & Interiors always does stunning work.

Traditional family room design by Boston architect LDa Architecture & Interiors 

 

Contemporary dining room design by Tel Aviv photographer Yaniv Schwartz – Photographer

We have two very deep colors, and one of them is Mysterio. Another time I”ll feature CharPlum Gray.

Of course, digital color is nothing like the real thing.  Half-way down this linked page you’ll find details to order your own hand-painted color cards in various sizes from 1″x4″ to 8″x10″, with options for 9″x12″ painted on SmallWall.

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Creating a cohesive feeling throughout an entire home is what I and other color consultants are often called upon to do. Typically, the goal is to create what’s referred to as “flow.”  It’s an overused expression that is not really specific, and often results in “boring.”  But in my view, even with subtle colors it’s far from monochromatic, and certainly not monotonous. In fact, creating “flow,” means to introduce harmonious colors—often in adjacent rooms and sometimes even in the same room—that are not in the same color family at all.

An Example
The beautiful home that’s the subject of this post is a Victorian house in the Boston area. The owners, an energetic young couple, had done most of the groundwork for renovating by themselves, and it was time to select the interior paint colors. The emphasized their desire for a warm and restful palette that would emphasize and complement the lovely architecture of their historic home, without dominating the spaces.

The Story: A Whole-House, Full Spectrum Palette
The owners were excited to use colors from EcoHues and Ellen Kennon throughout the house. They loved the idea of “No Black,” and complex color formulas, even in colors that are what we’d typically call “neutral.”

As we selected the colors, I provided them with actual 8″x10″  painted color cards. I particularly enjoyed hearing their exclamations of enjoyment in seeing how the colors complemented each other.

The resulting palette is soft, harmonious, yet interesting. Because full spectrum paint colors by definition are so complex and mutable, it was possible to keep the actual number of colors to a minimum—with maximum benefit—considering the size of the house and number of rooms throughout.

Ceilings throughout were done with Ellen Kennon’s “White Opal.” The walls in the master bedroom are Ellen Kennon’s “Gustavian Gray;” the master bathroom is Ellen Kennon “Pumice,” and the nursery is Ellen’s “Dusk.”

The foyer, kitchen, stairwell, sunroom and 3rd floor walls are EcoHues “Dune.”  Ceiling in the foyer and in the mudroom is EcoHues “Spring Showers.” Living room walls are EcoHues “Fieldstone,” and the dining room is EcoHues “Blue Grotto.”  First floor powder room walls and ceiling–along with 2nd floor bathroom walls–are EcoHues “Pacific Mist.” The 2nd floor office walls are EcoHues “Perfect Taupe.” On the 3rd floor, the walls and ceiling of the small bathroom are EcoHues “Spring Showers.”

Start the Tour!

EcoHues "DUNE" - Foyer, kitchen, up the stairs into 2nd floor sunroom/hall area

EcoHues “Dune” is a versatile color for many areas!
Standing in the entry, you look up the stairs, and also see into the dining room straight ahead. At left is the kitchen, with the living room to the right of the foyer.

View 1 into kitchen. EcoHues "Dune" on walls, Ellen Kennon "White Opal" for ceilings throughout the house. Foyer is at left.

View 2 into kitchen. EcoHues "Dune" on walls, Ellen Kennon "White Opal" for ceilings throughout the house.

Dining room
I suggested using EcoHues “Blue Grotto” for a rich, sophisticated wall color that would create a bit of drama in the dining room while creating a cool focus for the more earth-toned adjacent rooms. Visible from the dining room, through the entry to the pantry, is the same granite counter top material as used in the kitchen–a beautiful, very deep blue-green with iridescent flecks.

View from dining room, EcoHues "Blue Grotto," into foyer, EcoHues "Dune."

“Blue Grotto” wall color is the perfect choice to highlight this unique oil painting.

On the other side of the dining room, this oil painting is framed by EcoHues "BLUE GROTTO."

Living room
“Fieldstone” creates a warm, earthy feeling for the living room. It’s a lovely complement to the white and gray  marble fireplace on the other side of the room (not shown here).

View into living room from foyer. Ecohues "Fieldstone" on walls. Ellen Kennon "White Opal" on ceilings.

Upstairs: 2nd Floor
Going up the stairs we enter the 2nd floor sunroom. Off the sunroom are the master bedroom, the nursery, an office, and a bathroom. The sunroom, painted in EcoHues “Dune ” as are the first floor foyer, kitchen, and stairway walls, is a warm hub for the adjacent spaces.

Sunroom, EcoHues "DUNE," view into bathroom, EcoHues "PACIFIC MIST"

The tiles were an inspiration for using “Pacific Mist” on the walls, a perfect fit.

Closeup view: EcoHues "PACIFIC MIST"

Nursery
Being right above one end of the kitchen, the large, airy nursery has the same wonderful, historic curved windows (see the kitchen closeup view). On the other side, the nursery opens into the sunroom.

Nursery: Ellen Kennon "DUSK" walls, view into sunroom, EcoHues "DUNE"

Office
What could be better than a perfect taupe wall color for this home office? We used EcoHues “Perfect Taupe,” with Ellen Kennon’s “White Opal” on the ceiling.

Office: EcoHues "PERFECT TAUPE"

Turn around, and look into the sunroom…
Through the opposite door is the master bedroom with Ellen’s “Gustavian Gray” on the walls.

View: Office, into Sunroom, where walls are EcoHues "DUNE" abd ceiling is also Ellen Kennon's "White Opal."

3rd Floor
“Dune” continues up to the 3rd floor, where there is one still-unpainted, very large room and a small bathroom. This small bath has a very luminous feeling, where  EcoHues “Spring Showers” was used on the walls and the ceiling, too. This very pale gray with lavender tones creates an airy space and is a lovely complement to the marble mosaic floor and warm wood cabinet.

Wall and ceiling are EcoHues "SPRING SHOWERS"

The Client’s Story
“My husband and I had spent the last 3 years renovating our Victorian house and were finally nearing the end.

Deciding on what colors to paint the walls felt overwhelming.  Barbara arrived with beautiful paint samples (with incredible names) and together we quickly made selections for most of the house.  From Gustavian Gray in our master bedroom to Dusk for the nursery to Spring Showers for the ceiling in the foyer, it all came together perfectly.

The paint colors are perfect for each room and we couldn’t be happier with the results.  Barbara also helped with selecting the exterior trim color to complement our new shingles as well as the incredible blueish-purple color for the ceiling of the front and back porch.

Working with  you was a great experience. Thank you Barbara!”

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Why wait for “color of the year?”
Introducing “Color of the Week,” something to keep you going throughout the year!

Just as colors do not exist in isolation, nor do they function in isolation. So, this feature will sometimes include colors in combination, not just single colors. As a color consultant I have wonderful opportunities to help create beautiful environments, both interior and exterior, using a variety of materials. Not just paint!

I look forward to offering many enjoyable and inspired pairings of colors—as paint colors with each other; paint colors and “faux finish” colors; and, paint with tiles, rugs, and other materials.

Because where I live it “almost” feels like Spring, I wanted to start this feature with the color of warmth, sun, and new energy.

Viburnum flowers offer a welcoming, golden yellow.

A friend’s garden offered the inspiration for a number of the colors of my new EcoHues full spectrum paint palette. As with all the EcoHues Full Spectrum paints, there is no black or gray in the mix and they are NoVOC, No Odor as well. The Viburnum flowers translated into the paint color “Viburnum,” a richly saturated yellow but one  that will be very enjoyable to live with.

Viburnum: digital images are always approximate, so see it in person, get a sample.

Coming up: Colors in combination, and paint colors paired with other materials!

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Believe it or not, I can actually be a bit reserved.

But now that I’ve seen other people call it “magic,” I will come out from behind my little curtain and say… “Yes!”

Actually, when clients become exuberant about “my magic paints” I’ve always replied,” Well, maybe not ‘magic.’  Maybe it’s Physics and Artistic Vision.”  OK, that’s my pragmatic side speaking.  But, however you want to describe it, Full Spectrum is a wonderfully beautiful and–dare I say it–the Most FUN and inspirational way to work with paint color!

Architect and interior designer Richard Morrison is also an enthusiastic advocate of Full Spectrum color, with Ellen Kennon Full Spectrum Paint as his stated favorite.  He describes it like this: “For many people, the difference between standard paint and full spectrum paint is like night and day.”

I could not agree more!

Get Email Notice of new ColorViews posts: Scroll down to use the short form at left.

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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

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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!

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Take a chance and make a big change!
Using Color—and Paint—is widely known as the most cost-effective way to do it.

An array of some more of the vibrant colors from Ellen Kennon Full Spectrum Paints

Whether you’re doing your own painting or hiring a professional painter, you’ll want to be using the paint that gives you the most color-per-can.

Consider
Simply put, color is reflected light. If there’s a black or gray tint in the paint-can-mixture, that means “color lost.”  Black, as ‘reflected light’ is a virtual dead space where color is concerned.

How to get the most ‘color-rich environment’ possible?
Use paint that is mixed with the full spectrum array of tints. Even in a color we’d typically call “neutral,” each can of color from Ellen Kennon Full Spectrum Paint includes the full component of spectral hues in tint form.  Most of the usual paint mixtures contain 3 (or sometimes 4) tint colors used, and normally include some black or gray even in the light colors.

But Ellen’s beautiful, high quality paint products will literally give you more actual Real Color per square foot!  Thus, not only are your living spaces more color-rich, you’ll also be surprised how much more easily you can select fabrics and accessories of many diverse colors, that look great in your new full-spectrum environment.

Find our more, and see more colors online at Ellen Kennon Full Spectrum Paint.

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