Color Insider: Know-How

The Right Paint Finish

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 01:43:09 GMT

When it comes to painting a room, choosing the right color is only part of the equation. Equally important is selecting the right paint finish, as each finish creates a different look and has specific practical benefits.

Whether you want a subtle, matte look or a high-shine, glossy finish, understanding paint finishes will help you make the right choice…

RGB and CMYK

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 05:59:04 GMT

In interior design, colors set the tone for a space, transforming rooms into cozy retreats, vibrant focal points, or serene environments.

And although we all recognize how important color is in design, people sometimes overlook the technical side—like how colors are managed in digital and print formats, for example.

Today I’ll be talking about two color …

DIY Repaint Tips

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 01:13:49 GMT

Have you been thinking about repainting your home but don’t want to/can’t hire a professional painter and would rather do it yourself? This one is for you!

Whether you're refreshing a single room or giving your entire home a makeover, today I’ll be covering some essential tips to help you achieve a flawless finish that you'll be proud to show off. Let’s …

Monochromatic Color Schemes

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 22:37:02 GMT

When it comes to designing a space, the monochromatic color scheme is sort of the fashion equivalent of wearing all black—effortlessly chic, always in style, but definitely not for everyone.

Here are some monochromatic interior design examples:

Despite its simplicity, this approach offers endless possibilities for creating depth, sophistication, and a c…

Ombre

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 01:20:06 GMT

Ombre

A color technique that has been gaining attention for its unique ability to create a serene and calming environment is the Gradient Wash, also known as Ombre. These two terms can be used interchangeably.

Before I discuss it more in-depth, take a look at a couple images I pulled from Pinterest!

As you can probably tell, this method involves blending …

Color Terms

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 21:43:40 GMT

Speaking in Color

If you want to learn how to better describe the endless variations of color, today’s your lucky day because we’re talking about color terms.

When working with interior design, colors often need to be manipulated to achieve your desired effect, and these terms will allow you to do so more accurately!

Hue

“Hue” is another word for color in …

Decorative Ceilings

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 04:39:44 GMT

Today we’re going to be talking about decorative ceilings - four different types and how they can add another level of life to your space! If you’re looking to spice up your space, don’t forget to consider what some call the “fifth wall”.

Interestingly enough, decorative ceilings have been trending recently, coinciding with the recent increase in appreci…

Triadic Colors

Sat, 15 Jun 2024 02:33:23 GMT

In short, triadic colors refer to a color scheme composed of three colors that are equidistant from each other on the color wheel!

This type of color scheme is notorious for its dynamic visual impact, high contrast, and cohesiveness.

First off, there are three main types of triadic color schemes:

The primary triadic scheme, which is composed of red, yell…

Color Drenching

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 23:14:03 GMT

About This Color Technique

In short, color drenching is an interior design technique that involves saturating a space with a single, dominant color. Because there typically aren’t multiple colors being used to create contrast, you’re left with a visually cohesive one-color aesthetic.

Let’s take a look at this color drenching example:

Color Drenching Inte…

Warm vs. Cool

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 03:20:52 GMT

Understanding the psychological effect of different colors allows interior designers to curate color palettes based on the desired function and purpose of each space.

Today, let’s talk about warm versus cool colors (plus a bit about undertones)!

Warm

Include shades of red, orange, and yellow.

These colors have a unique capacity to instill feelings of cozine…

Small Bathroom Color Ideas

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 21:50:45 GMT

If you have a small bathroom that you’ve been meaning to either liven up with some color or simply redo, this one is for you!

Light Blue: 5 Color Pairs

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 06:33:38 GMT

Today I’ll be talking about 5 colors that can be paired with light blue and why. Let’s get into it!

Cobalt Blue

Although both colors are blue, Cobalt Blue is much deeper and more saturated than light blue which creates contrast and visual interest in the color palette. Cobalt Blue is also a very vibrant and energetic color, while the light blue brings a s…

Unexpected Red Theory

Sat, 03 Feb 2024 05:59:41 GMT

Adding a Touch of Red

In a recent TikTok video that has garnered nearly 1 million views, interior designer and creator Taylor Simon talked about what she calls the “unexpected red theory”.

The unexpected red theory is essentially “adding anything that’s red, big or small, to a room where it seemingly doesn’t match at all and yet, automatically looks bette…

Color Your Kitchen!

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 05:32:33 GMT

Adding a Pop of Color

Some believe that white and neutral kitchens will always be in, while others have been straying away from this minimal, “clean” aesthetic in the home.

To answer the poll: Depending on how it’s executed, I can be fan of both, but personally leaning toward colorful kitchen. (This shouldn’t be surprising - I do run a newsletter about c…

Cozy Colors

Sat, 13 Jan 2024 05:42:22 GMT

In contrast to one of my earlier newsletters about using color to create the illusion of spaciousness in your home (Colors for Spaces with Little Natural Light), today I’ll be sharing what colors can make your home appear more atmospheric and cozy!

If you haven’t seen my newsletter about which colors can make your space appear larger, here’s a quick TLDR…

Color Blocking

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 03:40:12 GMT

In short, color blocking is a design technique that involves strategically placing blocks of color in various sections of a room to create a visually dynamic space!

Before we get into some process tips and things to consider, here are some images of color blocking so you have an idea of what it can look like:

Process Tips:

First, choose a color palette to…

Color Talk

Sat, 25 Nov 2023 02:17:21 GMT

Color Talk With Painting Contractors

Whether you’re looking to hire a painting contractor or you are one yourself, talking about color is important. Let’s talk color!

What even is color talk? It’s pretty simple; this conversation aims to figure out what color results the client wants when it comes to the paint job that needs to get done. Unfortunately, so…

3 Common Color Mistakes

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 00:41:51 GMT

Let’s talk about three mistakes that are frequently made when choosing interior colors, and how to avoid them. By knowing what to look for, you are undoubtedly decreasing the possibility of needing to do costly reworks. We don’t want those.

Forgetting the Bigger Picture

This is a common mistake that people make when painting their home; it’s easy to forge…

Colors for Spaces with Little Natural Light

Sat, 21 Oct 2023 05:13:51 GMT

Brightening Up a Space

If you’re working with a space that gets little natural light - whether it’s your own room or that of your client - this one is for you. Let’s talk about three colors that will help brighten up that room and prevent it from feeling like the walls are closing in! (I’ll also be including some Sherwin-Williams paint recommendations here.)

White

This one goes without saying. White reflects any light that does reach the room (even if it’s not a lot), which will make it appear brighter. Designers recommend using white for walls, door trims, doors, and ceilings in rooms that don't receive much natural light.

Image from Pinterest

Sherwin-Williams Paint Color Recommendation:

Extra White (SW 7006)

Side Note: Keep in mind that the colors displayed on your screen are not always true to how they look in real life…in this case, Sherwin-Williams Extra White appears darker than it really is.

Light Gray

This neutral shade also does a good job at brightening up a room as it reflects light and reduces shadows. Light gray is known to be particularly effective for rooms that receive more cool-toned lighting. It is also recommended to be used for walls, doors, trims, and ceilings, and is a particularly good option for those who may not want to have white be the dominant color in a room.

Image from Pinterest

Sherwin-Williams Paint Color Recommendation:

Light French Gray (SW 0055)

Beige

Beige, just like white and light gray, bounces light around the room and reduces shadows. This soft neutral shade successfully brightens a space, and creates openness within it. Use it for walls, doors, trims, and ceilings. Again, for those who may not want to use white or light gray, beige can be a great option to go with especially if you like an earthy, natural look.

Image from Pinterest

Sherwin-Williams Paint Color Recommendation:

City Loft (SW 7631)

5 Colors to Pair with Light Gray

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 01:15:43 GMT

Light Gray Color Combinations

First off, I should say that light gray is an extremely versatile color that pairs well with many, many different colors. In other words, the colors I will be going over today are, of course, not the only ones that pair well with the multi-faceted light gray.

Today I’ve selected five specific colors that will hopefully act a…