Color

How's it going? Welcome back!

Color is one of the most important design decisions a designer makes... Color can make or break a room. Color can make a room feel calm and relaxed or vibrant and stimulating. Color can impress, motivate, excite, and inspire!!

Trends in color change from year to year. We all remember the 80's color palette of country blue and mauve pink. Soon after, we recall the forest green, maroon, and navy colors of the 90's. Currently the trends in color are neutrals. Neutral means without color.. Neutrals include beige, ivory, taupe, black, gray, and shades of white. You will never get tired of neutrals, neutrals are classic! Neutral decor (walls and furnishings) allows you the opportunity to add a pop of color with a bold pillow or in a small upholstered chair.

My theory is to let your largest, most expensive pieces be neutral. It is so easy and MUCH more affordable to add trendy, colored pillows or accessories that can be replaced when the color trends change!

Another option for decorating with a neutral palette is to add interest through texture. Grasscloth wallpaper, linen draperies, velvet and chenille fabrics are all examples of "texture". By adding interest through the use of similar colored fabrics that have depth and texture you will guarantee that your rooms will be anything but boring!!

Gray has been the go-to  neutral for a few years now. Gray can go either cool or warm. Below is a room that I designed for the St. Jude Dream Home in which I chose an off-white wall color, gray furnishings, and added a pop of color in the blue/green ottoman. 

This photo was recently posted on a nationally followed Instagram account called the_real_houses_of_ig. It received over 197 positive comments noting the 'pop of color' from the ottoman. It appears that neutral color schemes are popular nationally as well as locally!

Here's another example of a neutral room with pops of color. I designed this kids' den for another St. Jude Dream Home.

You will notice very neutral furniture with pops of green in pillows and accessories. Cream walls, cream sofas, and a black chair will allow this room to stand the test of time. The expensive pieces are all neutral and the pillows and a few items are trendy green!

So what does this have to do with our fantastic Parade Home?? Well, Jamie (Eagle Nest Custom Homes) tells me it's time for me to select our interior paint colors and guess what they'll be..... Neutrals!!! I've decided on three, beautiful, neutral colors- Sherwin Williams Greek Villa #7551 for walls, Accessible Beige #7036 for cabinets and trim, and Benjamin Moore Graphite for accents.

You'll notice that I've chosen a cabinet and trim color that is darker than the wall color. This is a wonderful new decorator's trend that I've been seeing more of recently.. 

On to the process of painting this stunning Parade Home... after the sheetrock went up, the walls and ceiling were primed by the painters. Next, the trim, crown molding, base boards, window casings, and interior doors were installed and the painter painted the ceiling completely. Afterwards, the painters put the first coat on the walls and trim. In these pictures you'll see the paint process. Once the ceiling is completely painted, the painters cover it up to protect it while the trim is painted. I've also decided to stain our beams "Weathered Oak". Once they're stained, the painters will again cover them to protect them from possible drips.

The colors in this house are light and bright but still warm. It's coming along so nicely... I can't wait for you locals to see it!! Just a reminder, if you haven't already done so, mark your calendars for the AHBA Parade of Homes on April 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd! See y'all on the blog next week!!