3 Room Color Selection Fundamentals

Yes, it’s only paint.  But when selecting a color to paint a room, often people are overwhelmed by the selection process.  They have a difficult time visualizing what the color on the chip would look like throughout a room.  The fear of making a mistake and having to live with it for years seems unbearable.  Not to mention what the neighbors might think about a poor color choice. 

After years in the color consulting business, here are my 3 fundamentals I consider when starting the color selection process for a client:

1)      Look for that which will not change.  Look for colors such as the stone of a fireplace, color of carpet or the tone of the kitchen cabinets.  These elements can steer you into the right color family.  Color can also be effectively used to define a space and showcase architecture.

2)      When in doubt, pull the exterior colors inside.  Inspiration is often found from the exterior of the home and surrounding landscaping.  Color of brick or stone can be repeated or accentuated by using complementary colors.  Consistent color palettes inside and out provide continuity to a home and, consequently, a sense of openness. 

3)      Start with samples.  To better ensure that a color selected is the right color for the room, I am a firm believer of paint samples.  That doesn’t mean paint directly on the wall either.  Use poster board to make samples so you don’t have to prime over your samples before you begin to paint.  Live with those samples for a few days and make sure to check out what that color looks like on the wall morning, midday and night.  Light directly effects how a color is perceived.  Make sure you take into account what time of day you typically use that room.

There are countless opportunities to add color to a room.  Keeping these three fundamentals in mind will undoubtedly make the process of selecting a wall color less challenging.  And, of course, as the painters say,”it is only pain.”

The "Make It Work" Coffee Table

“Make it work,” as Tim Gun says, is one of our family’s favorite lines.

When working and refinishing furniture, I am asked to “make it work” a lot by clients.  Recently, clients asked us to work on a brand new, high end hardware store coffee table.  They had been seeking out the perfect coffee table for years.  This table was ideal in every way except it was only 13” high.  Whenever you sat near the table traditional scaled furniture, you had to lean down.

Starting from the ground up, I built up the base an additional 5" matched and further detailed the gold leaf finish, and finally applied a wax finish to enhance the look and for durability.  The client was delighted with the “make it work” plan for this table which was now truely ideal. 

Learn more great ideas for making the most of your home at www.ArtAndTex.com or shop our consignment studio anytime at www.BackroomAtWestClay.com

Consignment Furniture: Purchase Function over Look

As someone who has refinished furniture for years – updating wood furniture finishes, changing the metallic finish on the hardware, etc. -- I have learned that the functionality of a piece of furniture gives it its value – not necessarily how pretty it is.  A bookcase, for example, is often hard to purchase used since we need bookcases everywhere in our house and we will pass them down from generation to generation until they eventually make it to the garage.

Yes, what the furniture looks like is important when considering purchasing or refinishing a piece of furniture. And, of course, if the construction of the furniture is not worth investing in then walk away.  But, a black lacquer coffee table that fits so perfectly in the family room can be affordably refinished now a day to look like a contemporary hammered metal coffee table – so keeping an open mind to furniture’s potential is where you can come across great finds.    

Functionality is completely different and is an all-or-nothing proposition to me.  If the coffee table is 13” tall – that is a functionality and practicality concern if paired with a modern day chair or sofa height-- that would have you leaning over.  Practicality has also made some pieces of furniture obsolete like the television armoire that has no value in a world of flat panels hung on the wall.  

Like my mother’s very low, velvet, living room sofa – if it’s not practical to use then you will live around it and not live with it.  Consequently, I recommend that people select furniture that is attractive to the eye but, most importantly, focus on furniture that is will constructed and overall practical. 

Learn more great ideas for making the most of your home at www.ArtAndTex.com or shop our consignment studio anytime at www.BackroomAtWestClay.com

Tips When Purchasing Used Wood Furniture

You have fallen in love with a piece of used furniture, but reluctant to purchase it.  How can you tell that its good quality and worth purchasing?  Over the years, I have learned to look for 3 things when considering such a purchase: 

 1)       Does the furniture appear to be well constructed and in good condition?  Well constructed furniture is physically heavy and sturdy to the touch.  Always take the time to determine a manufacturers’ name if possible.   Famous makers often have their names appear on the back or underside of the furniture or on the inside, side of a top drawer. 

2)       Are doors and drawers properly aligned?  Moving pieces should open and close properly and smoothly.  Wood furniture expands and constricts over time especially when kept in areas where there are temperature changes.  If drawers don’t pull out easily and seem to stick, they might need

3)       How is the overall finish of the piece?  Check for imperfections in the finish by wiping your hand across surfaces and feeling for rough patches.  Small scratches can be easily  removed but replacing wood detail and address  surface issues can be costly. 

Learn more great ideas for making the most of your home at www.ArtAndTex.com or shop our consignment studio at www.Backroom AtWestClay.com

Selecting Wall Colors to Showcase Your Room

When selecting wall colors, I have learned that over the years to start with one question – what do you want to showcase in the room? 

All great rooms have a focus – is it the craftsmanship of the woodwork, the scale and color of the walls, or the beauty of the furnishings?

              * Wall colors not only imparts your personal stamp, but can also visually alter your room.  In these budget conscious times, changing your wall color and applying wall texture remains one of the most affordable and practical ways to establish your personal style and make your house your home. 

              * Next, to showcase the craftsmanship woodwork, stress the architectural quality of a space by using contrasting colors on walls and moldings.  Nothing makes woodwork pop like a contrast to the wall color. Using paint with sheen will also provide dimension.

               * Focusing on the walls, decorative painting in niches, pillars and accent walls can showcase the best of your home. 

               * To spotlight furniture, use pale hues on walls to make dark wood furniture stand out and away from the walls.

Learn more great ideas for making the most of your home at www.ArtAndTex.com or shop our consignment studio anytime at www.BackroomAtWestClay.com.

4 Great Tips to Camouflage Your Home

Not all rooms are created equal.  If you have an odd shaped room or have walls that will never be smooth, there are some tricks of the trade that I have learned over the years to make the most of that space.

1)  Rooms can seem larger. Simple tricks such as selecting the same hue throughout a space will make awkward angles less obvious and spaces transition better. 

2)  Ceilings can seem taller and rooms bigger. Stripes can go either way.  On walls, horizontal stripes make a ceiling seem higher while vertical stripes or diamonds can make walls seem wider.

3)  Imperfect walls can disappear. Upholstery and plaster on walls can address worn surfaces.  Often, it is simpler and less expensive to simply apply a texture over cracked walls.

4)  Dress up the space. Chair rail and panels define a dining area or hallway area and gives it a level of sophistication all its own.  Stark white pillars near your front door, try a marble finish – I prefer beige tones – to define the space and create warmth.

Learn more great ideas for making the most of your home at www.ArtAndTex.com or shop our consignment studio anytime at www.BackroomAtWestClay.com.

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