Archive for Color
Painting with Color: Part 4 Psychology of Color
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This is the last post in the Painting with Color Series. If you missed the first three posts: Terminology of Color, the Basic Color Schemes, or Considerations, please check those posts out.
Today we are going over the basics of Color Psychology. One of the most compelling things about paint color is its power to dramatically effect how people think and feel. Certain hues can instill feelings of anxiety, calm, warmth, cold or even anger. Color can also stir the appetite, one’s overall spirit or even one’s sexual desires.
Color is immensely powerful, so use it to your painting advantage! Thankfully, most people are effected by various colors in the same ways. Generally, warmer colors, such as red, yellows and oranges, are perceived as just that- warmer, active, youthful, energized, and invigorating. Cooler colors like blues, purples, and greens are seen as relaxing, calming, passive schemes.
Each color has it’s own particular signature effects, so let’s check them out…
REDS: Stimulating. Red is a good choice for a dining room, as it is known for stimulating the appetite and is a color of energy and passion. Best used in smaller doses, such as accent walls or in upholstery. It also works nicely in kitchens where there is limited wall space.
YELLOW: Attention. Yellow can make us think better, increase our memorization skills and grab our attention. Use it thoughtfully, especially when using a more vibrant hue, as it intensifies in most rooms and can change tones dramatically with the natural light. Especially good for offices, creative spaces, and hallways.
GREEN: Relaxing. A more versatile color than blue, a nice transition for may other colors. It can be calming, yet has a cheerfulness with certain hues. Certain hues blend well with almost any color. Great color for kitchens, living areas and schools.
PURPLE: Royally Tricky. This is one of the trickiest colors to use. Many adults dislike shades of purple, yet most children like them. It can be a regal color hinting of royalty, but hard to live with long term. Nice mixed with whites or neutrals. A good choice for children’s rooms or bathrooms.
BLUE: Calming. An ideal color for bedrooms and sitting rooms, but best not used in dining rooms. Those who like blue are often drawn to the blue and white color scheme, but certain shades of blue, like green, work well with almost any color.
ORANGE: Welcoming. A happy color, yet most people either love it or hate it. It can be toned down with natural neutrals or accentuated with other colors, such as blue or turquoise. Best for family rooms, living areas, or entryways.
Oh, how fun color can be! Just think of the possibilities! 
So, now that you have learned some inside tips and suggestions for working with color in and around your home, maybe your next paint project won’t be so intimidating. There are many resources for color, using color, and paint online. If you are interested, check out some of these sites to add more knowledge to your arsenal.
Have fun and don’t forget to drop me a note updating me on your latest paint project!
‘Till next time…
A Few Charming Rooms…
Posted by: | CommentsI am preparing for a series of posts for you…
So in the meantime… I wanted to share a few photos of charming rooms that I found over at Better Homes and Gardens.
Let me share them with you….
LOVE the fabric on these pieces. Especially the pale red one. I also like the mix of styles, the simple white color on the walls, and the lack of draperies on the windows. (I know… I always love drapery panels… but here it works without them!)
Love the stone on this fireplace. It adds a hefty texture to the space without overpowering it. I also love the pale color palette and subtle fabric prints.
Love the color palette in this small bath, especially the tile work. I love the muted toile print fabric and the mix of patterned pillows on the bench.
Love this formal looking living area, even though I am not a formal gal. I think it’s lack of pretension, it’s mix of styles, and soft color palette are what draw me. The mirrored transoms make the windows seem taller as well.
So, while you are looking for what you love in these rooms…(or what you don’t love?)
Can you share your thoughts with me?
Shades of green….
Posted by: | CommentsThis time of year always gets me itching for spring, and here in the Midwest, spring teases us often, but in reality, it 
is still a month or so away. So… my thoughts turn to fresh, green accents and shades of green that make me think of gardens and fresh air.
Here are a couple of inspirational photos that might inspire you to add a bit of “green” around your own abode….
This first image is from Pottery Barn… the fresh greens and spring flowers have a light and happy feel, something that makes my heart jump this time of year.
This second image is from Calico Corners, a sitting area decorated in those new citrus-green fabrics. A sunny spot that almost needs some lemonade and sugar
cookies to fully enjoy, no? I can just imagine that the trees outside that window are loaded with spring blossoms can’t you?
This third image is just makes me smile. It is a happy room from Better Homes and Gardens with that white woodwork and those fresh green walls, love that fabric on the accent chair too!
Have some fun with green in your home… by adding a simple vase with some fresh greens, or updating a room with fabrics or paint, the refreshing shades of green can move you into spring too!
It’s All in a Name
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a clean-lined black framed mirror, some antique mercury candlesticks, and this pretty side chair with metallic accented fabric named… Jangle. Oohlala!
