COLOR....DO NOT FEAR!!!!

PEOPLE ARE AFRAID OF …COLOR!

Recently I have been asked to help with color choices with paint and fabric choices in some of my neighbor's homes. I am writing this Post to help with some of their questions.

To begin with, I am not a “Designer”, nor am I formally trained in design. I don't intend to instruct, teach, or preach with this blog. My purpose is to share my ideas with everyone. If at the end of the day, someone better understands the facets of design, or desires to try something new or different, my purpose has been fulfilled

Color, in my opinion, is the most important element in design. Color is everywhere. Color sets a mood. Color tells the world “Who you are”........ and Color is FUN! YES... FUN.........

Think of the colors in your home the same as you do the colors you wear. Use colors on the larger surfaces that look good on YOU. When you are surrounded by colors that compliment you …... you will feel GOOD, COMFORTABLE AND HAPPY!

The preceding thought is the reason we choose Silver Strand for all the walls in our home. I wanted a soft "effect" with light floors, and white ceilings and trim. It is a soothing blue-gray. I feel comfortable in the hue. If it were a strong color, as red, I would feel out of place! I can't wear red, or most other strong colors, and I can't live in them! If strong colors look great on you....USE THEM. You will be a happier person surrounded by the colors you love.

Believe it or not, the largest surfaces in your home are the floors and the ceilings......everyone forgets the ceilings! Then the walls! If these three are colors that make you feel good, you have mastered the puzzle! And.....they hardly ever are the same color! They contrast each other or blend ...doesn't matter. In an open floor plan it does “help” to have the colors compliment each other or be different strengths of the same color. Gives the entire space a flow!

Texture plays an important role in all of this, but that's another Post! Basically textures add interest and keep spaces alive! Again, it helps with the three important surfaces, floors, ceilings and walls, to use complimentary or similar textures. Your eye then moves smoothly through the space.

The furnishings, seating and tables, come next. This is where you can inject different colors! Mixing warm colors with cool colors, creates a good “marriage” …..keeping your home balanced. Keep in mind that the woods and metals in your home also play a part. Generally woods are warm. Metals are more flexible. Silver and chrome are cool and modern, while the golds are warm and lean towards the traditional. Again, my object in my choices were the warm of the wood tones with the hint of cool in the wall color. I have thrown in all metals......a good balance of both!!!!

IT MIGHT SOUND HARD, BUT IT ISN'T ....YOUR EYE WILL TELL YOU WHAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU!!!!

What about PATTERN ! Along with COLOR.....PATTERN is the next BIG fear! It has been my belief that it's easier to have your largest seating pieces with as little pattern as possible. You will not tire of it as quickly and you can add POPS of pattern in smaller seating pieces and with accessories! In addition, the TRENDS that come and go in the world of pattern can date your room. If you can change your upholstery every five years or so, then it doesn't matter......but not all of us live in that world!

Choosing the colors and patterns need to take one important factor into place....LIGHT! What amount of natural light is in the room? All color relates to the amount and manner in which light enters the space! Which direction is the room facing? Will you have the sun in the AM or the PM....makes a difference. When choosing your colors make sure the person helping you knows these facts.

My final thoughts:

USE the colors in your home that speak to YOU. When you wake up in the morning, the first thing you see is color. Wake up HAPPY!!!!

THE MOST IMPORTANT HINT I CAN PASS ALONG......

THERE ARE NO RULES

ABOVE IS A SMALL CHAIR WITH A "BANG" OF PATTERN. IT IS SURROUNDED BY LOTS OF TEXTURE IN THE GOLD PATTERN DRAPERY AND THE BLACK SHAG PILLOW. THE PURPLE LAMP AND MIRRORED TABLE ADD MORE POP!

NOW .....GO....HAVE FUN.....PUT SOME COLOR IN YOUR LIVES!