This isn’t the 80’s

Have you ever been shopping for a new home and you notice that whether it is a new build or a remodeled home, most builders will paint everything in a very neutral tone? The floors, the walls, the appliances, countertops, backsplashes are all very similar. The reason is, because they want customers to have a blank slate to start off with and “IMAGINE” what their furniture and things will look like in the new space.
The assumption is, that if they paint any wall a bright color or even just a different color that is noticeable, customers may not be interested, because it doesn’t go with their personal items and most people cannot visualize enough to see this.
Although, that might be a good idea, almost every client of mine eventually changed the color of their walls in either just one room or a few rooms. To me, color is part of our personalities, and we need to be able to express ourselves. Who wants to live in a plain, sterile white house all the time or the opposite side of things and live around TOO MUCH color.
I remember the styles in the 1980’s when all the houses were cluttered and each room had its own color scheme. The floors were different from room to room, and it looked like a bunch of different rooms all stuck together to make a house. If done incorrectly, it looked like a crazy hodge-podge. Enough to drive your senses into overdrive.

Afraid of color

On the other side of things, clients of mine have expressed that they are afraid of color because they don’t have the “eye” for it and are afraid they will mess up the look in their homes, so they bring in color in other ways. Accessories are a great way to add color, plants, bookshelves with lots of books, paintings, pictures, etc. Even furniture can be somewhat colorful to add a little pop here and there.
Getting the right hues can be tricky as well; understanding the “color wheel” (as I was taught in design school) and which colors go together can be difficult, especially if you are color-blind or unsure about what goes with what. A good rule of thumb, is to choose several colors and paint small areas on the wall where it’s going to be. Take a step back and look at it for a day or two. Compare the colors against the other elements in the room and see what goes together.
Whatever it is that you like to do, is fine, as long as it represents your personality and creates balance and symmetry. When done incorrectly, it can look chaotic and messy, which affects our moods and we may not be comfortable in a particular room. Beware of over-complicating your spaces, too much can be overwhelming and too little can be plain and uninteresting.

Get the right advice

I always say as a designer, when it comes to color, you either “have it” or you don’t. You can’t be a “sort-of” Interior Designer, it’s either a gift or it’s not. You can learn things about design in school or on the job training, but it’s like playing music, you are either naturally great with it or just average. I’ve known many so-called “Designers” that are nothing more than bored housewives. So, beware before you hire one of those. You could waste a lot of time and money and end up with a mess.
As each year progresses, many people are taking the leap into DIY projects, which are a great idea, just make sure you know what you are doing first. A little help is okay when and/if required. Most of us already know what we want, we just need a little push and confirmation that we are on the right track.

In summary, don’t be afraid of putting color into your home. It’s a place where we all need to feel comfortable and at peace. God requires us to live in peace and be happy with our homes. Go slow and introduce items gradually if that makes it easier, and if you don’t trust yourself, then ask for help. A second set of eyes will give you more confidence in your decision. You will be grateful you did and much happier in the long run.

Colors Galore

Follow me

Colors Galore

Cozy Corners

Walls that Speak

Follow me