Never Fear, Color Tips Are Here!

COLOR…this five-letter word puts fear in most people.  One of the biggest questions I get from people is about choosing the right colors.  If you understand the color wheel and follow the rules…I advise you to stop reading now to avoid heart failure.  As I have explained in the past I have NO formal training and do not follow the “rules”.  For those of you who don’t even remember that you learned about the color wheel in elementary school and want to avoid “poop” on your walls...please keep reading.  You understand exactly what I’m talking about when you’ve seen colors on a wall that remind you of something that should be kept private in the bathroom.

Before

Laura’s rule #1: Invest in a color chart.  This will cost you money, but will save you some in the long run.  Stay AWAY from the small color sample sheets in the stores.  No matter how much they have “perfected the lighting” it will not look the same as in your house.  The color chart helps you understand what undertones are in the colors (colors that may come out once painted on your walls).  For example if you are wanting a deep brown use one with grey undertones or you will have a color that looks like questionable material mentioned above.  My favorite color chart is the one from Benjamin Moore.

If you are painting in an area with fluorescent lighting – make sure to paint a large sample area.  I’ve seen many beiges look like pink on the walls...oops!

Pick at least two shades of a color you like and paint it on your walls.  Look at it different times of the day.  I like accent walls for a bold color (then if it is too much or you tire of it – only a small wall to repaint).  In our living room I am painting an accent wall in a navy color, then accenting with silver velvet curtains.  If you are doing an accent wall paint the colors close together so you can see how they look together.

Laura’s Rule #2: For furniture, a backsplash, floors and any other costly items, stick to neutral colors and styles that will not quickly go out of style.  Dare the color and quirkiness for things like pillows, paint colors, accent pieces, etc., that can be replaced more easily when you tire of the color.  This is the reason I like “antique like” items.  They have withstood the test of time and have such a uniqueness that supplies timeless decor.  Don’t believe me…why does everyone love to look at homes in the “historic area” of most towns. Don’t worry.  I prefer an updated antique style that you pay high money for reproductions and don’t realize it.

After - Accent Wall for Fireplace

I went with a neutral grey color for our sofa and recliners.  One thing I do invest money in is our staple furniture like couches and recliners that are used on a regular basis.  We were told in a furniture store that “this is a quality sofa, it should last you 5 years”…keep shopping or you will regret it.  You need a quality structure that is going to hold up over time.  You will get your money’s worth in the long run. 

Laura’s Rule #3: Have fun with color!  You don’t have to be matchy-matchy.  I highly advise you not to be.  I’m using several grey and blue tones in our décor.  You also don’t have to have the same color woods.  The trend is to go with dark floors, but make sure your furniture is not also dark.  You do need some contrast or everything will just blend together.  I have been known to paint dark colors in tray ceilings under much criticism until people see the final result.  Voila!  It looks like higher ceilings.

If you are a visual person like my husband, look at magazines, Pinterest, catalogs (they always have some great ideas of how to display things) or even watch HGTV.  My favorite designer is Candice Olson. 

After

I recommend buying any accent pieces you like in various sizes and colors.  Bring them into the space with old pieces you might reuse.  Play around with them and then take back what doesn’t work.  Just make sure to keep your receipts and not procrastinate in returning them.  Home Goods, Marshalls, etc., are great places to look for unique items for a great price.  They even have reasonable accent chairs.  Don’t pay a lot for these items then you won’t feel bad recycling them later (or if you have children and they break it – not that I speak from personal experience lol – we have gone through many tubes of super glue over the years). 

Most importantly go with what you like and have fun!  Don’t be afraid to embrace a color that you love in pictures.  Feel free to share your pictures of your own projects.  We are still in the process of finishing up our own project.  More photos to follow!

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