VOCs and Me

Recently, there's been a lot of talk about going green, especially in design. In 1978, lead-based paint was banned in the US. Lead had been used because it improved the performance of the paint. Unfortunately, dangerous health hazards resulted. Now, the latest chatter is about VOCs, volatile organic compounds. Put simply, VOCs produce an inhalable gas when applied. This is especially true of paint. The scent of fresh paint is probably as recognizable as the scent of freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies. The physical effects of VOCs are still being investigated, but there is no doubt that the VOCs in paint affect air quality.

It's not as exciting as choosing color, but it's helpful to know the current research to make an educated decision about paint. According to the EPA, the levels of organic pollutants is 2-5 times higher indoors than outdoors. Here is what the EPA has to say about the health effect of VOCs:

The ability of organic chemicals to cause health effects varies greatly from those that are highly toxic, to those with no known health effect. As with other pollutants, the extent and nature of the health effect will depend on many factors including level of exposure and length of time exposed. Eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and memory impairment are among the immediate symptoms that some people have experienced soon after exposure to some organics. At present, not much is known about what health effects occur from the levels of organics usually found in homes. Many organic compounds are known to cause cancer in animals; some are suspected of causing, or are known to cause, cancer in humans.

No matter what type of paint you choose, make sure you the affected area is well-ventilated. Also make sure that any leftover paint is not stored in the home.

What does this mean to you when you're planning a paint project? You should definitely consider low-VOC or no-VOC paint if anyone in your family or workplace suffers from chemical sensitivities or respiratory illness. Low-VOC has significantly less off-gassing than traditional paint. You can also choose no-VOC paint that is VOC free and odor free. I strongly recommend this choice if you are painting a school, office, children's room, or playroom.

Ultimately, you have a choice. Feel free to get in touch if you'd like to know more. Paint reps are more than happy to help you get the information you need.

Colors That Work - Retail Space

I started off by complaining about the monotony of building exteriors in suburban Las Vegas. While grocery shopping this morning, I noticed a retail shopping center that did color just right. The key to color harmony is mixing the right shades of warm and cool. Notice that they didn't use tan, but contrasting warm and pale orange tones. For cool accents, they used teals, greens, and white. In addition, they architectural features are highlighted beautifully. It's visually interesting, and each storefront is differentiated from one another. A job well done by Crossroads Common Center at Charleston & Fort Apache.

Welcome to Colorful Las Vegas?

I'm a Color Designer living in Las Vegas. Why on earth would someone need help selecting paint colors when there are so many neutrals to choose from? It's the desert--use desert colors. I don't have a problem with neutrals, I swear. I'm all for structures blending with the surrounding environment. That makes sense. But, there's something happening here that must be stopped. Look at the picture above. The landscape is a picture of harmony. Thousands upon thousands undifferentiated homes sprawling across the Las Vegas valley. Visually, it's impossible to tell where you are in Las Vegas without a GPS. Virtually all of the homes built during the construction boom here look the same--not only the exterior colors, but the interior as well.

I'm not proposing a revolution, just a break from the monotony. A home doesn't have to look like a circus tent or boutique hotel to be interesting. All I'm saying is that color is life. With the right shades of color, your home can become your haven. Your home can be a reflection of you and how you want to feel in your space. There may be restrictions by your homeowner's association about how you can express yourself. Don't let that limit you in the space where you live. Armed with the principles of color harmony, you no longer have to be afraid.