Orange Walls in My Living Room? It May Be the Perfect Color for You!

When choosing colors for their living rooms, many of my clients think neutral. Bold colors are for dining rooms, kitchens, kids rooms, accent walls and bathrooms, right? When the furniture is neutral, warmer and more vibrant colors are perfect for living rooms. Look what happens to the fireplace and door when orange is used together with white. Features that would have disappeared with white walls are now special elements in the room. Orange is the universal color for happiness. What a great way to counter the gloominess of cloudy days and lift your spirits. You could spend lots of time and money accessorizing a room and never the same impact as a vibrant color. If strong oranges are too much, find a lighter version that suits you. If you tend toward more earthy colors, choose more of a burnt orange. Some of my favorites are Sherwin Williams Mandarin SW6891 and Inventive Orange SW6633. Look beyond the basics to find the perfect colors for you.

For a color design consultation to find the perfect colors for you , call 702.202.7543.

A World Without Color

A dear friend of mine passed on the following video about the gift of being able to see in color. It took my breath away. I've always been overwhelmed by the beauty of color in nature. It was my first connection in being drawn to color...and the basis of my work in bringing the joy of color to people's lives. Take a moment to appreciate this special gift:

http://www.greatdanepromilitary.com/Colors/

House Beautiful The Color Issue - The Best Way to Choose the Wrong Colors for You

As a color design professional, I was so excited to see that the September issue of House Beautiful is devoted to color. Upon perusing the article titles, my heart sank. Upon reading them, I was downright irritated. Here was a credible design publication providing readers with completely inaccurate information about color and how to choose colors for their personality. It made me wonder how many people will waste their time and money only to be ultimately disappointed.

The first article I read was called "How to Fix Your Home with Color". Sounds easy enough. Here is an excerpt from the article:

Concentration

Yellow increases your focus. It is known for enhancing intelligence and mental agility. It can help stimulate conversation and clarify thoughts. Try a yellow...No. 2 pencil, bookmark, pad of Post-it notes.

A pad of Post-It notes will increase concentration. That's all it takes? Wow. So if that's the case, and I paint a classroom yellow (and give all the children No. 2 pencils for good measure), all of the kids will be focused and be A-students of course. I would also want to paint one of the walls orange since that is the universal color of happiness. Because who wouldn't want happy, high-achieving children? Then we'll get the teacher a green desk because that's the color of prosperity, and then the teacher will get that well-deserved raise.

I wish I were exaggerating, but these ideas were taken directely from the article. If it were this simple, would we be vexing over choosing colors the way we do? If there was a formula, couldn't the paint companies produce 8 standard colors and scrap all the rest? I'm trained in Applied Color Psychology, the science behind color and the human response. I'm sorry to say that no color is going to "make" you feel a certain way. Yes, certain colors have a measurable physiological effect. Short-lived in most cases. Whether it's our personality or experiences we've had in our lives, we do have individual responses to color. Some of us need more stimulation than others. Blue isn't necessarily a calming color. Some people feel cold in a light blue room.

My frustration levels soar when I see color myths like this being perpetuated. My clients get confused about how their homes are "supposed" to be to make them feel good. It's all about you. When we work together, we learn what YOUR colors are. No quiz is going to do that. A newspaper reporter once described me as something akin to a "color mystic." It's not that complicated, and I'm no psychic. I just listen and learn about you and use my experience and training to create the perfect color design for you.

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An Amazing Visit to the DMV. Thanks to Color, Nature, and Design

I recently purchased a new car. The one reason I really don't like buying a new car is that it forces me to go to the DMV. I put it off until almost the last day of my temporary registration. I braced myself and walked into a sea of annoyed people who didn't want to be there...let alone for hours. Everywhere I looked people were agitated. I didn't like how I was feeling in this building. While waiting in line for a number, I took everything in. The walls were a dingy color. Fluorescent lights of course. It felt dirty and cold. I sat down with a book, knowing there were about 70 people ahead of me. It took me all but 5 minutes to get up and leave. There had to be another option. I actually came back later in the afternoon thinking that it might be less crowded. I must have a better sense of humor than I thought. I walked through the front doors, saw even more people and again left. Driving away, I remembered another location that was much nicer. I had renewed my drivers license there a couple of years ago. I decided to head over there early the next morning. It couldn't be any worse.

When I arrived, all of the same good feelings came flooding back...despite a long line...and wouldn't you know it, about 70 people ahead of me. Why did it feel so different than the day before? The building was obviously designed an architect who understood user-centered design. There were huge walls of windows in both the Information area and waiting area. The waiting area looked out onto a beautifully landscaped courtyard and the mountains. Natural light poured in. Fluorescent lights were used as task lighting for those working at desks. The ceilings were high and expansive. The color palette was in soft yellows and creams with natural wood accents. The floor was neutral. The harmony was wonderful. What was most noticeable of all was how people were behaving in this space. They were calm, waiting until it was their turn. Had they been any less annoyed in having to come spend hours at the DMV than the people I had encountered at the other office? No. The design influenced how people felt in the space. People gravitated toward the windows like they were in a park rather than a high-stress office. It was even pretty quiet.

I must give credit to the architecture firm who designed this building,--Tate, Snyder, Kimsey of Henderson, Nevada. They designed a space for the people using the space. If user-centered design can make a 2.5 hour wait at the DMV peaceful and enjoyable, what can it do for your home or business? Think about that the next time you think the design doesn't affect people. And go to the Decatur DMV...and experience it yourself.

For a user-centered design color consultation, call 702.202.7543.

What Color Do I Paint the Ceiling?

We don't think much about ceiling colors until it comes time to paint. So during color consultations, the questions often arises about what to do with ceilings. There are a couple of issues to consider. Does the ceiling continue on to other rooms? This the classic open floor plan problem. Sure, you can paint the ceiling the same color as the walls in the kitchen and family room. But, that same ceiling continues on to the living room. In that case, you have two choices. Go with a white ceiling. Or, chose neutral color in the tan family for all of your first floor ceiling. I love using a neutral to bring down the sometimes stark contrast between the walls and ceiling.

Self-contained ceilings/rooms are a different story. If you have crown-molding, I like applying the wall color to the ceiling as well. It makes the ceiling special. Plus, you get the added benefit of not having to deal with those troublesome ceiling paint lines. Unless you are an expert, it's tough to make that line look professional. A skilled painter should have no problem making it look great. Another room where I like to continue the wall color on the ceiling is in bathrooms. Is there any good reason to draw the eye to a white ceiling in such a small room? Not really.

Most resistance to the idea of painting the ceiling the same color as the walls comes from conditioning. People perpetuate this practice often times without any thought. It's what they know. Broaden your ideas and color palette. You'll love the results.

For questions about color consultations, call 702.202.7543 or email maryfrances@mycolordesigner.com .