Color Buzz

Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field is the home of great history, culture and, of course, one of America’s favorite teams, the Chicago Cubs. The venue is our country’s second oldest active major ballpark. Many of the greatest players in the game have graced its field. It’s fitting that a Valspar limited edition color collection was developed. The colors are: Ivy Green, Marquee Red and Pinstripe Blue.

    
    Cubs Ivy Green        Cubs Marquee Red      Cubs Pinstripe Blue 

For those of you unfamiliar with Wrigley Field, one of its signature traits is the Boston Ivy that covers the outfield walls. The ivy starts leafing up over the course of the early spring. Baseballs in play often get lost in the deep, green leaves. When this happens, the play is ruled a ground-rule double.

Wrigley Field’s bright red marquee is famous, not only in Chicago, but throughout the world, as it has appeared in numerous movies and TV shows. Wrigley has set the scene in such films as: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Rookie of the Year, Bleacher Bums, The Natural and A League of Their Own.

          

 The Cubs’ blue pinstripes are simply classic.

To celebrate the majesty of Wrigley, Valspar is holding a raffle this Sunday, July 12th at the doubleheader between the Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals. The winner of the raffle gets to throw out the first pitch at the September 3rd game against the cross-town rival, the Chicago White Sox. If you’re at either game this Sunday, you can enter the raffle by finding the Valspar booth near Gate F, where they will also be taking donations for Habitat for Humanity to benefit the Chicagoland area.

Next week, the raffle will also open up online and I’ll post a link to it when it’s running. Needless to say, this is one opportunity Cubs fans can’t miss!

 Incorporating the three Cubs colors into a room is a great way to celebrate the team and their home field. Try them in a bedroom, family room, study or playroom.

One of best ways to work with these three powerful colors is to give them a neutral backdrop to pop against. You can try: Shoreline Haze, Milestone, Cliveden Sandstone or Ancient Scroll.

                       

Shoreline Haze 6008-1B   Cliveden Sandstone 3007-10B    Ancient Scroll 3008-8B

For an additional detail to add to your baseball room, you can check out one of our recent Friday Project Series: Baseball Shade.

I hope some of you take this on. Let us know what your results are! We’ll be sure to raise a “Cubs Win Flag” in your honor!

Turkish Delights

By Michèle Coppin

Spring is the time for renewal and this season, new styles are coming from exotic lands such as Turkey.

With a tradition of unique decorative arts, the Turkish culture, formerly the Ottoman Empire (1299-1923), is a treasure trove of divine inspiration. Arts and crafts were molded by its rich history and religion—Islam.

Islamic art varies hugely from Western art, primarily influenced by the Koran. In this Islamic tradition, depicting human form in art is forbidden. Therefore, Turkish or Ottoman art relies on the pure balance of color, line and rhythm in geometric patterns and designs. Rugs, tapestries, glass work, metal sculptures, mosaics and paintings all share similar characteristics of precise detail, harmony and elegance.

Turkey is also known for its famous blue Iznik ceramics, which are decorated with abstract and intricate patterns of floral and fauna designs. Ornamental square, rectangular, hexagonal and triangular tiles still adorn palace walls.

Iznik pottery melds form and function beautifully.

 
The colors used in this art form are blues, viridians, reds and golds. Touches of green pull these colors together and balance the red and the blue perfectly.

                   
      Dazzle 4005-10C            Berry Blush 1004-1A         Salamander 6001-8B

These colors and patterns are becoming more trendy. I have even spotted them in a window display on my street!

If you would like to expand your knowledge of Turkish history and art, I recommend one of my favorite novels, My Name is Red  by Nobel Laureate Orhan Pamuk.

The book is about the Ottoman Empire and the influence of art. The story follows the murder of a painter in 1591. In each chapter, the perspective and narration changes, even to such unexpected ‘characters’ as a coin, a dog, and even the color red! This beautifully written novel is a true work of art, full of color, history and suspense. Let me know what you think!

Color of the Week - Enchanted Evening

Last week's Color of the Week was Enchanted Evening, and it is perfectly named. This color captures the tone in the sky after sunset as the cool of the evening begins to breeze in. It's a bit magical to sit outside this time of year with friends as you take it all in for a peaceful moment. I would imagine this as a beautiful color for a bedroom. It's a medium tone color so if you have a large room, try it on an accent wall. For smaller spaces, you could paint the entire room. Try it with Belle Grove Buff, Waverly's Khaki, and Laura Ashley's Imperial Yellow.

                                           
               Enchanted Evening 4003-8A              Belle Grove Buff 3006-10B

                                          
                  Waverly's Khaki 380001            Laura Ashley's Imperial Yellow 815

Color of the Week - Sea Kiss

Robin's egg blue is a beautiful, warm green/blue. Sea Kiss nicely represents this color. Try it in bedrooms, kitchens, hallways, powder rooms - any where you want a lively warm color. You can finish the Robin's egg vignette by pairing Sea Kiss with Ripe Pomegranate and Coral Gables Biltmore Mediterranean Mocha.

                             

  Sea Kiss 5005-9C          Ripe Pomegranate 2009-3       Coral Gables Biltmore
                                                                                   Mediterranean Mocha
                                                                                            2005-10A

Prairie Home Colors

By Michele Coppin

For years, I have been fascinated by a little place in the great Northern Tundra called Lake Wobegon. Every week, I tune into "A Prairie Home Companion" on NPR to hear Garrison Keillor tell stories about this magical hometown where "all the women are strong, all the men are good looking and all the children are above average.”

I would like to know which colors inspire these characters.

To find the answer to this question, I traveled to the great state of Minnesota to find out. Minneapolis is a bustling modern city complete with lovely museums, the University of Minnesota, the famous Guthrie Theater and many parks and lakes.

When I arrived, the city was sheathed in frozen snow. I wondered around the downtown area and through the beautiful neighborhoods surrounding Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun to get a feel for the predominant colors local homeowners prefer.
 
It seems Minnesotans are inspired by the "Great Outdoors," when it comes to paint choices indoors and out. I found an elegant array of earth-tone palettes, all reflective of the nature within the city.

Pine green hue, reminiscent of the Great North Woods.

Straw yellow hue, reminiscent of the tall lake shore grass.

Water and sky white hues, reminiscent of the icy waters of the Great Lakes.

I then visited the famous Minneapolis International Market Square where more than 60 showrooms showcase furnishings, fabrics, paints, accessories and more. This excursion gave me a sense of what colors are popular in Minnesota interior design. Similar to what I saw on the outside, I discovered many earth-tones in the displays. Neutrals are very practical because they pair well with bolder colors. Many neutral tones are associated with natural materials, such as stone, wood, straw, sand or more artificial materials such as metal, glass and concrete. Neutrals can be cozy or elegant, and serve as a good background for combining different decorative styles. For example:

 

Java EB  36-2, Limestone EB 36-3 and Shore EB 12-3

Winter Wheat EB 46-3 and Almond Oil EB 46-4

Even though I discovered that Lake Wobegon is a fictional location in Minnesota, I was able to get a sense of what colors the Prairie Home Companion characters would have liked. I was also able to meet the nicest Midwesterners, who are all so friendly and easy going. I experienced their gentleness and love of nature, which is beautifully reflected in their choice of colors; subdued, elegant, laid-back and comfortable.

Robin's Egg Blue

By Megan Leblond

    

The robin has long been seen as a harbinger of spring in the United States. In the past week on the Northeast coast, I have seen our first spring robins! Hopping about the lawn, they are a delightful sight to see after such a long winter.

The robin is famous for its reddish-orange bosom and beautiful blue eggs. Many candy companies make robin’s egg treats to tuck into Easter baskets and celebrate the season. Did you know that the reason a robin's egg is blue is to hide it from color blind mammals? Lucky for us, we can see the cheerful color!

My favorite of these birds is the Rose Robin, seen above. This tubby robin is found in Southeastern Australia and its fantastic pink color is a happy treat for those who are lucky enough to catch a rare glimpse!

   

The popularity of robin’s egg blue has only amplified since Tiffany and Co. adopted a similar hue as its signature color. They certainly recognized the appeal of this fresh and simple springtime color. 'Tiffany Blue' has been trademarked in the U.S. and other countries, which is a very difficult process for a single color. The color must make its way through the World Trade Organization to achieve this status.

The beautiful aqua color can add both an energetic and soothing look to a home. Often paired with dark brown, the color does not stray too far from its natural origin—the bird! If you have a room that is dull and dreary, a fresh coat of light aqua will certainly brighten the space.

Here are some lovely Valspar colors for spring:

                       
Woodlawn Blue Angel 5003-9B         Gentle Wave 5007-7C

                        
        Pale Cordovan 3010-7                   Labrador 3009-9

                               
                               Cosmic Pink 1001-1A

Don't forget to take our Color Buzz Poll about where you find your color inspiration.

Design Dilemma: Emily’s Living Room, Kitchen and Couches

I recently posted this question on Apartment Therapy:

"I just bought my first place and I'm dying to paint the interior. I need a color for the living room and a color for the kitchen and I need them to look good together.

The biggest issue is my couches. While whether or not they are attractive is debatable, they are definitely a little loud. I need the color of the living room walls to complement the couches, and then I need that color to blend well with the kitchen. I thought about a white kitchen with a color on the door, however I'm not sure if white is going to make the kitchen look too sterile. Any suggestions?"
 
I got some good answers; the most popular one was to use the blue color that is in the couch. I was wondering if you have any suggestions for a hue that would match or compliment this blue.

I've looked at paint samples for hours and I am still unsure how dark/bright to go with the wall color and where to apply the color. The most important thing for me is to brighten the living room up, however I can't see many light colors going with those couches.

I do plan on keeping the couches and I want to incorporate them into the decor without getting stuck with too much of a retro feel. Also, a few people suggested using the blue in both rooms to create a more open space. I'm having trouble picturing that much of one color, although I do like the idea of keeping a unified feeling throughout both rooms.

Any thoughts? Thanks!

...................................................

And please don't forget to answer our latest Color Buzz Poll on where you get your color inspiration!

Color of the Week - Lucy Blue

Last week's Color of the week was Lucy Blue. April ushers in true spring. Rainy days give way to sunshine, fresh grass and gardens of flowers. Lucy Blue is a color that represents the changing skies. It has quite a bit of gray in it, but also a lot of warmth. This color would look beautiful in a bedroom or hallway. Try it with an ivory trim like Woodlawn Whitewash. Add a pop with accents like Lime Mousse and Peach Burst.

                             
           Lucy Blue 5001-5C               Woodlawn Whitewash 6008-1A        

                                    
         Lime Mousse 6008-9B                   Peach Burst 1008-1C

   

Cheerful Color Combinations - First Installment

                   

With all of the uncertainty out there, one thing's for sure—you can wash away the blues with a fresh coat of paint! We've all been feeling down about the economy, and many of us are hunkering into uber-nesting mode. Now that it’s spring (thank goodness!), it's only natural to want to revitalize ourselves and our homes.  Why not let color lift your spirits?

Reaction to color is very personal. One person's joy is another person's headache. Some of us liven up around bright crisp colors, while others are comforted by soothing muted tones.

Keeping both of these groups in mind, I've put together two directions of color combinations that will hopefully address these mindsets. In this first installment, I include bold, bright and vivacious colors that are considered happy and cheerful. Later, I will explore more subtle color combinations.

When searching for bold colors, look for clean and clear hues that aren't complicated with browns or greys. Once you have your selection on the walls, bring in more complex colors to give visual balance. Let's start with a few of my favorite combinations:

Orange and Pink
I have loved this combination since I was a little girl. It reminds me of sunshine, oranges, flowers, fruit juice and candy—all things I love. I used to have an orange shag carpet, white walls and pink trim and I totally loved it. These days, however, I would rethink the approach. 

To play these colors right, you can go in two directions. You could saturate the room with both colors and add structural elements of a cool neutral like grey to hold it all together. The other direction is to paint the entire room a warm ivory and have punches of orange and pink throughout.  Again, I would add either silver or gray to off-set the warmth of the saturated colors.

I recommend Orange Toffee with Flower Girl, balanced with a tan like Cincinnatian Hotel Hannaford.

                                                
                Orange Toffee 2007-1C                      Flower Girl 1005-1C

                                          
                              Cincinnatian Hotel Hannaford 3007-10C

Yellow and Grey
Anther blues-busting combination that is totally hot right now is yellow and grey.  Yellow is a funny color. I used to dislike it immensely, but there's something contagious about it—now it makes me giggle! It's light-hearted, warm and inviting and when played right, very sophisticated.  When pairing it with grey, yellow plays the role of the star and grey as the supporting actor. I recommend yellow walls, light grey trim, and white accents like Tangy Lemon with Orchid Ash.

                                    
               Tangy Lemon 3006-2A                   Orchid Ash 4003-3B

Blue and Green
Light blue and citrus green is another mood-enhancing color combination. It reminds me of the beach. Try a clear blue with a hint of purple and a green with a healthy amount of yellow. These colors look great in many different rooms. In a kitchen, for example, I would paint the walls blue and the cabinets white. Then I would add accent fabrics that add the green. 

Another great way to combine these colors is to paint stripes with them. They lend themselves well to this treatment because they are both harmonious and cool.

Try Garden Fresh and Dewdrop.

                                   
              Garden Fresh 6008-7B                     Dewdrop 4006-7A

Here's an expanded collection of these bold bright beauties:

Greens
Gleeful 6008-7B
Garden Fresh
Lime Mousse 6008-9B

  
  Garden Fresh 6008-7B


Blues
Dewdrop 4006-7A
Encounter

  
    Encounter 4008-7B


Yellows
Lemon Twist
Like Butter 3005-2A

  
  Lemon Twist 3006-2B


Oranges
Cantaloupe Smile
Autumn Gala 2004-1A

  
Cantaloupe Smile 2007-2A


Pinks
Flower Girl 1005-1C
Pink Ribbon

  
   Pink Ribbon 1005-1C


Purples
Whipped Plum 4002-9B
Lavender Quartz

  
Lavender Quartz 4001-9C

This has been one of the most enjoyable blogs to write. Just thinking about these makes me happy. I can't wait to get some of them onto the walls!

Check back for part II of this blog entry and in the meantime, let us know what colors cheer you up!

Also, please don't forget to take our Color Buzz Poll mini survey and let us know what room in the house you would paint today!

Design Dilemma: Jason's Response

Dear Jason,

Thank you for turning to us for color help. The colors you have look like they go together pretty well. There may be other factors that are working against the color scheme as a whole. Just to give you a few color ideas, I would suggest warming up the hallway with a caramelly-neutral like Filoli Antique Lace. This will look nice with the Hopsack and the River Mist. 

                     
Filoli Antique Lace 3002-10B    Hopsack 3003-10B           River Mist 5003-9A   

For the kitchen, you could go in two directions. First, if you want to go with a blue, I would again warm up the space with a color like Palisade Blue. 

                                          
                                         Palisade Blue 4006-3B

If you want to take a totally new direction, I would consider a crisp, clean color like Fresh Pear.  This would keep the flow of the room, but still add some color dimension. 

                                          
                                           Fresh Pear 6007-7C

Let us know if these sound good or if you need more color suggestions.

Thanks!
Ann