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Can you feel it in the air? Winter is waning and Spring is just around the corner and I’m so ready for it. Bring on the sun and alllll the iced drinks please! It’s so funny how the change of seasons brings the desire to start changing up the look of things in our homes too. It’s natural to shift out the heavy, warm textures in favor of sheers, linens, and brighter colors.
Since this is a time where we’ll start wanting a home refresh, I wanted to take a minute to talk about a question I get asked a lot. Not that long ago, a client came to me to ask if I could pick paint colors for a few of the rooms in their home. They wanted wall colors, accent colors, and possibly a new trim color. This is a common request! As much as I wanted to help them, I had to explain that I wouldn’t be doing my job as an interior designer if I limited my services to selecting the paint colors alone. Plus, it would actually be doing my clients a disservice! Before you ask why, I promise I have good reasons behind this.
Sure, I could give you some designer’s tips for picking your paint color, but the paint is only one small aspect of the whole home design. There's SO much more to having a space feel complete and well-planned.
Here’s why choosing a paint color is only a small part of what I do.
Paint Changes Everything
Paint is a dominating force in any room. It changes everything from the overall look of the room to how the furniture and accessories look with the color’s backdrop. An off-white sofa that worked well with your original paint color can all of the sudden look yellow against the wrong paint color.
They don’t say “the power of paint” for nothing!
This means that, if I only choose a palette of colors for my client, it often leads to making changes to the furnishings, accessories, art and more. If I were to advise you on how to pick paint colors for your house, you may quickly realize that my palette throws other items in your home's interior decor completely out of alignment. You'd realize that you need to replace a few chairs...and then the sofa...and, while we’re at it, probably the pillows too. Before you know it, you'd be wanting to replace the entire room. All projects start with a desire to switch out a rug or sofa or even paint... and that one change leads to needing to change everything else. Believe me when I tell you, this never fails!
A lot of people are surprised to find out that paint is actually one of the last things that gets chosen for the final design of a room. Why? All the fabrics, patterns, and colors need to work together for the space to feel finished. The design begins with a focal point and works outward. Whether it's a piece of art or area rug, the rest of the space needs to work with the colors in that focal point. Paint color changes everything. I design spaces as a whole, not in bits and pieces.
I Want Your Space to Live Up to Its Full Potential
I love showing the best potential of a space and what can be done. I begin all projects with a full vision for the design, and it is up to my clients what to actually move forward with right away. And that’s the beauty of it - with the full plan in place, you can still phase out the implementation and purchasing as you need.
Every interior design starts with a list of how the room needs to function. I'll ask you about how you use the space and gauge your personal style. If I can, I like to see how far I can push you out of your comfort zone as far as the style, without going in a completely different direction. Often, clients are pleasantly surprised at the variety in the decor I choose - and they never would have thought to select it for themselves.
You'll miss out on the reward of breaking out of your comfort zone while also enjoying a beautiful home design if I simply choose the paint color and stop there. You may enjoy color on your walls, but you'll be missing the opportunity to have your space really feel how you want it to.
How To Pick Paint Colors For Your House
Some customers still want to know what they can do to pick the right paint colors for their house. I'm happy to give you some tips!
Start by taking an inventory of the colors that most commonly pop up around your house. These are most likely colors that you gravitate towards and would like to see more of.
Order large paint samples, multiples of the same color and put up on the walls to see how the light reflects the color at all times of the day. Do not paint the samples directly on the wall as the new color will not reflect right due to color interference.
Once you've painted the walls of your home, be prepared to make a few more changes around your home. You might want to pick a new sofa, a new bedspread, new curtains. Be open to the change! It's rewarding and you won’t regret it.
Consider beautiful wallpaper patterns for one or two accent walls. Wallpaper makes a bold statement and draws attention to your walls. Big patterns pair really well with solid colors in your upholstery, throw pillows, etc.
About My Services
Alright, so maybe now you're wondering what you can expect from my services. Will I help you choose the best paint color for a bedroom? Can I advise you on how to pick paint colors for your house? Absolutely...and I'll take your home's interior design several steps further.
Working with me starts with an initial consultation. I'll tour your home, discuss your goals for your space, and we'll talk about how you use your space. You can discuss your favorite aspects of your home. I may ask you some questions about your hobbies and interests, to get a sense for who you are and the kind of look and feel you’re wanting to end up with.
Once we've had an initial discussion and you’ve decided to work with me, I'll start producing designs. Like I said earlier, I like to encourage clients to push the envelope with their tastes and personal preferences. I try to create designs that push your comfort level while still making your house feel like your home. Finally, if you're feeling stuck, give me a call! I can help you create a space that you'll love for years to come. I work with homeowners to create dynamic interior spaces that are comfortable, functional, beautiful and most importantly: all yours. I work with clients to create lovely, fully finished spaces.
Want to stay in touch about my tips, inspirational ideas, and current projects for some eye candy? Sign up for my email newsletter here!
Please reach out with any questions!
Until next time,
Maria
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*Beginning a project and need help? From space planning to full service residential design, I can help you create your dream home! Click here for services!
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