Color Buzz

The History of Blue

Blue is an amazing color. During the Renaissance, blue was incredibly expensive. Michelangelo couldn’t even afford to buy his own supply of ultramarine blue. According to Victoria Finlay in her amazing book Color, he was unable to finish an alter piece without the color which he needed for the Virgin’s robes. The painting was never completed because Michelangelo ran out of time, waiting for a wealthy patron to come up with the money for the coveted color. At that time, and to this day for fine art paints, that particular color blue is made from the mineral Lapis Lazuli, mined primarily in Afghanistan. The mineral was very difficult to come by, making the color extremely valuable. Makes you rethink what it means to be blue.

The Charm of Handmade

As technology increases its critical role in our lives, having beautiful handcrafted elements around the home will become more desirable. Nothing can compare with the richness and charm of things made-by-hand. Valspar actually has a 2008 trend palette, Artisan, which reflects the colors found in these works. These colors were very popular during the Arts and Crafts movement that followed the Industrial Revolution. Just as they do now, people were looking for a way to connect with handcrafted work. One combination that provides a sense of handmade is Valspar Florentine Clay, Fragrant Coriander and Ocean Voyage. This particular combination has a feel of the Southwest. Look around your own home and see what handmade things inspire you.

 

When White Trim is Not the Answer

For so long now, many of us have turned to white for all of our trim needs.  No matter the color, décor or room, somehow white has managed to get on the trim. But with a little extra effort, you can choose colors that will further enhance what is already on your walls. Here, a friend of mine went with a great neutral grey/green – Valspar Milestone 6007-1B – to bring out the silver qualities in her wallcovering. A color like this allows the woodwork to play a larger role. The trim becomes more of an architectural element instead of just a space holder. You don’t have to simply “go up” the color sheet to the lighter tones, but you do have to find a color that will harmonize with your main color.

 

Warm Up the Light

One way to really make the most out of your room color is to make sure your lighting works for you. When setting up lighting, I would recommend against using only one source. This tends to give an unflattering blinding effect – and we all want to look good. Spread the light throughout the room with lower wattage bulbs and, of course, use fluorescents when possible. Make sure you provide light into corners and pay attention to function spots… like where you read or do homework. The right lighting will greatly improve any paint job.

The Colors of 2008

   Marc by Marc Jacobs
        Sloane in Sun

In 2008 we will see more blues and yellows. Already in fashion, yellow is shining its sunny glow. From a fab new Marc by Marc Jacob’s bag to the pages of the J. Crew catalog, this bright color is catching on. One way to work well with yellow is to pick a bold bright tone such as Valspar Sunny Jonquil and frame it with neutral colors like Milestone 6007-1B and Cliveden Mist 6007-1A.

Pantone picked Blue Iris as the color of the year. Blue is both soothing and comforting but also can be rich and bold. A great color which delivers all these qualities is Ocean Sigh. For a gentler version, try Sea Tickle. One other color that is gaining raves is grey. It’s a gorgeous sophisticated color that also makes a nice complement to yellow. Try Filtered Shade with Honey Glaze.

            

                               
Sunny Jonquil 3010-1       Filtered Shade 4003-1B       Honey Glaze 3003-2A       

                                                             

                      Ocean Sigh 5002-10A         Sea Tickle 5005-7B   

As a Restaurant Transformation Unfolds

I was recently brought in to be part of a design team to help renovate this restaurant. As you’ll see from the “before” picture, it’s so scary. But not nearly as scary as the lack of time and the tiny budget we have to work with.  In the next four weeks we invite you to watch the transformation unfold. The restaurant is located next to a golf course in a beautiful rural community that has a love for the game of golf and rich traditions -- many generations of families return year after year to the restaurant and the course. Our goal for the new space is to respect both of these ideas. Our first instinct was to create a clean and elegant look. And, the look had to multi-task for the many events that take place in the space -- from casual lunches to fine dining, from rehearsal dinners and 4th of July celebrations to breakfast with Santa and golf tournament events. We want casual elegance… you’ll have to let us know what you think.

      
                   

A Palette for Home

When creating a painting scheme for an entire house, it’s nice to think of your home as a walk through a beautiful garden. This isn’t to say you should use flowery colors. What this means is that, like a walk through a garden, a home should be a place that welcomes and invites you. You move into a space that may have a beautiful view or light expansive color, then maybe into a space that is warm and enveloping. There should be a place for reflection and relaxation. There should be a place to play and be invigorated. There should be a place were everyone can come together. All these areas should flow together. One way to do this is to create your own personal color palette. You can limit it to 5 or 6 colors.  Switch up how you use these colors from room to room. Let’s say your colors are Valspar Dakota Trail, Orange Glaze, Woodlawn Whitewash, Carolina Inn Crossroads Gold, and Garden Fresh. You can start with an entry area in Carolina Inn Crossroads Gold and move into a larger space with Dakota Trial, and from there maybe a dining room in Orange Glaze. You could paint a family room or kitchen in Garden Fresh. To tie everything together, you can use Woodlawn Whitewash as trim. Use accents and fabrics in these colors to keep the colors flowing from room to room.


                                              
              Dakota Trail 6008-3B                        Orange Glaze 3009-6

                                                                    
      Woodlawn Whitewash 6008-1A     Carolina Inn Crossroads Gold 3008-6A

                                           
                                        Garden Fresh 6008-7C

 

Manhattan Makeover

We just finished an ultra elegant bedroom in Manhattan. We worked with the very talented design firm Bradley Thiergartner. Benjamin Bradley conceived the idea of a high-end, modern-glam room with an overscaled floral pattern on the walls. A few samples were worked up and Benjamin and David Thiergartner decided to go more tone on tone.  They wanted crisp and fresh. We painted the background with a modeled effect in an eggshell finish. We printed the stencil using a high-gloss enamel. This gives a subtle pop to the design when the light hits it. Very chic!

                           

                Beehive designers stenciling              Veronique at work

 

No Need to Fear Stripes

Valspar Prairie Sky is a soft, almost smoky blue, with a hint of purple. It would look great in a bedroom with white and silver fabrics. In fact, try an array of different accent colors that have a silver cast to them

Adding white stripes to the wall is a great way to break up the color. Of course, you are thinking, “What? Stripes?” It’s really quite simple, and nothing to be afraid of. You can start by measuring out and taping stripes 4-inches in width. One tool that really helps with this is a bubble stick. After you’ve applied the tape, run over it with an old credit card to burnish the edge. This will secure the tape so the paint won’t bleed. Make a mixture of one part paint to two parts water. Take a brush and gently dip it into the mixture. Shake off the excess. Apply the paint to the wall in a light smooth stroke. The paint should be transparent. Move the brush up and down until the brush marks run in a nice vertical strip. Remove the tape and voila! STRIPES.

A nice trim color to accent this would be Honeymilk. Grab a nice down comforter and good book and enjoy the winter nights!

                                               
                  Prairie Sky 4003-5B                           Honeymilk 7003-4

 

Decisions about Color at the Last Minute

On Sunday evening, I was at Lowe’s with my son buying paint for an upcoming project. With just a few precious hours left in the weekend, Sunday evenings are the toughest time to make decisions as you madly try to finish up weekend home improvement projects. There was a couple in front of me, and the woman was visibly shaking as she looked at the screaming pure yellow paint chip in her hands. I overheard her say to her husband, “I don’t care how much it costs, next time I’m calling a decorator. I just can’t do this color thing!!!” I felt so badly. I asked what they were painting. They wanted to tone down the mint green fixtures in their bath. My six year old son, who up to that point had been so patient, decided it was time to go, and immediately it became hard for me to focus on the couple’s concerns. I wish I had had more time to spend with them. A soft grey blue would have helped offset their dated mint fixtures. They also poured out their frustrations over trying to get a teal rug to work with some brown furniture. I suggested khaki instead. The whole situation gave me a clear understanding of the anxiety people have about color. So, dear readers, please write us with any color concerns you have! Don’t wait until 4 pm on Sunday to struggle with paint color. We’re here to help.