Tips on Creating a Color Scheme and a Misconception DebunkedWhether you are moving into a new home or looking to update your current space, having a well thought-out color scheme will help you make cohesive and exciting design decisions. Keep in mind that a color scheme applies to more than just the colors on your walls. It takes into consideration furnishings, art, accessories, doorknobs, hinges, pulls, knobs, plumbing and light fixtures, flooring, and tiles. Does the thought of creating a color scheme make you anxious? Read on for tips on how to create a color scheme that works for you. Look in Your Closet Start off by looking in your closet. Chances are you wear about the same colors and these colors may already be found in your home. These are colors that appeal to you. They may be cool colors: blues, greens, purples - colors of the ocean, which offer relaxation; or warm colors: reds, oranges, yellows - colors of a sunset, which provide energy and excitement. Your wardrobe will reveal what colors speak to you and can be inspiration for your color choices. Use Colors Found in Home Accessories My preferred way to decide on colors for a color scheme is by pulling the colors out of a favorite rug, a piece of art or from furniture. I get inspired by a piece I love and design around it. For example: I LOVE this Izzy Petite Accent chair from Anthropologie for a client I am working with. She is petite, has an office/library that needs designing and adores nature. This chair instantly gives me a million design ideas. Use Color Combinations Found in NatureA general rule is if it works in nature - it works! Look at the colors surrounding you the next time you go for a walk, watch a sunset, or stop to admire flowers. Play with the color combinations of fruit or look at the colors found in a peach when you cut it up. Nature is constantly giving us inspiration. Use a Color Wheel Do you remember learning all about colors and the color wheel in art class? This applies here too. I’m not going to to go into all the details, but chances are, you already know a bit about color theory. There are many different combinations to play with, but also keep in mind that a color wheel will provide you with color combinations that work. Look Online I encourage you to play with different color combinations before hitting the internet. While looking online or on Pinterest is extremely convenient and has endless resources available, I believe it also removes some of our own creativity as individuals. Your home should reflect who you are, not who so-and-so is. However, it is definitely a helpful tool in inspiration and is a tool not to be ignored. A Misconception: A Color Scheme is Boring Most people expect a color scheme for an individual room to be cohesive. However, I believe there is a population that believes a whole house color scheme = boring and too “matchy-matchy”. This doesn’t have to be the case. With a carefully chosen color scheme and a few tricks you can avoid boredom. Trick #1: Utilize patterns, textures and different materials to add interest that involves senses other than sight. Trick #2: Use different shades of the colors in your color scheme (be careful to stay with the same undertones) Trick #3: Use neutrals to break up colors Trick #4: Hold onto your hats, this may be a bit controversial, but if your home become too “matchy-matchy” - go ahead and throw in a carefully considered new color or an exciting piece of furniture or art. Life is too short to live in a home that doesn’t excite you. For those of you who feel overwhelmed with the task of creating a color scheme - feel free to give me a call and we’ll come up with a scheme that works for you and your space!
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Talking with friends and family about my work as a designer leads to great conversations and questions. The one I hear the most often, and that always piques curiosity is, “What if you don’t like your client’s style or design choices?” It’s definitely something I and others wrestle with! Here’s how I see it... Interior Design is SubjectiveFirst of all, it’s important to understand that interior design is subjective. It’s artistic in the way that it greets and surrounds clients. Everyone has personal preferences in interior design, whether they have identified them (and have the vocabulary to express them) or not. Things, colors, textures make you feel a certain way. It’s imperative that home design matches the lifestyle and personality of the people living in the home--whether that may be my personal style or not. For example: I live in a neighborhood full of lively, colorful, artistic neighbors. Take a moment to close your eyes and consider what the interiors of the homes might be like. Would they be neutral or colorful? Quirky or bland? Playful or subdued? Wouldn’t you expect their homes to match their personalities? I would never ask someone to change their vision for their home to push my own style into their home--simply because I would be asking them to change who they are, and I don’t believe in that one iota! Appreciation for Styless someone who grew up with parents in the real estate and construction business, I have toured many homes. In my hometown, at vacation spots, in other countries, homes my parents have renovated--homes ALL OVER. They all differ depending on location, date of build, and budget. One thing that I have found to be true is that there are many styles and they all should be appreciated and celebrated. As an interior designer, it is exciting to work with clients who have differing styles from my own. Imagine how boring homes would be if they were all the same and lacked a variety of styles. I’m not the kind of person who is too proud to understand there is always more to learn. I love working with clients who may have a different style than my own, because I am excited to get to know the client and learn from them as I expand on my knowledge on differing styles. Above All: Client’s Needs and Wants Come FirstAt the end of the day, the client’s needs and wants come first. I have worked with individuals who have made design choices that I wouldn’t necessarily have made, and you know what? The client was happy with the outcome. That is what matters. I will happily share my design opinions, but I don’t believe in pushing my opinions on clients. I believe it is their home and ultimately their decision and I need to respect that. Last but not least? If I don’t believe I’m a good fit for a job, I’ll voice it and encourage clients to find a designer who will better match their needs. My AnswerIt is my hope that my answer to, “What if you don’t like your client’s style or design choices?” is one of respect for the individual that leads to a home design that meets the client’s needs, wants and personality.
5 Things to Consider When Building an Outdoor KitchenI don’t know about you, but when it’s summer, I love food prepared outside on the grill. Whether you’re a charcoal grill maestro, a gas grill enthusiast or a fan of grilling hot dogs and s’mores over an open fire, there’s nothing quite like food prepared outside. Plus it keeps the heat outside during the hot summer months—that’s a plus! While creating an outdoor kitchen of any level may seem daunting, with careful considerations and planning it doesn’t have to be. Five Steps to Designing Your |
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