Comments on: Life stresses: Marriage, new job, choosing paint colors

By: Laura

Laura — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 22:35:25 +0000

Alan,

I have enjoyed reading your post! Thank you for telling me about the website and the store! I hope to get some help from you all in the future.

Your Favorite Neighborhood Dental Hygienist (I Hope ;o)

Laura V.

By: Rebecca Dumas

Rebecca Dumas — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 11:29:10 +0000

Interesting comments, I two have been guilty of telling my clients to get the painting done first, because that’s what I do is pick colors. My husband and I own Riverside Paint & Decorating in Lawrenceville, and Gregory’s Paint & Flooring in Johns Creek, your local Benjamin Moore dealers, so I know something about this topic. However it is always great to have an “inspiration” like a rug, or a treasured painting, to give direction. The 2 oz. color samples are great for testing color, and everyone knows Benjamin Moore colors are the best!!
Rebecca Dumas

By: Doug Russ

Doug Russ — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:01:26 +0000

Well, good comments all. I am somewhat color challenged and definitely am in troubled waters when I try to mix more than one color in the same room (or within view to the next room). A friend of mine gave me a suggestion that has worked well for me. Pick the color you want from a color wheel – you know, the strips that fan out – each one containing the same basic color in different shades. Then just move up or down the strip to select lighter or darker shades of the same color, typically going at least 2 shades away from each other to create a contrast. I just did this in my foyer and kitchen (darker shade below the chair rail in each room, then 2 shades lighter above the rail in the foyer, and 3 shades lighter in the kitchen). I know this is probably color 101 for most of you, but there you go.

By: Alan

Alan — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 19:44:52 +0000

Larry Larry Larry,

I think you just invented a new niche. Xtreme Granite Design. Just remember the old saying about people who live in glass houses. Let me know how it goes and please send pictures.

By: Alan

Alan — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 19:41:39 +0000

Joe,

We’ve all heard stories about using soft pastels in prisons to keep the inmates calm, but there is a lot of truth to the psychological impact of color. I was talking with an assisted living developer this week and he said that he cannot use the color blue on the walls of an Alzheimers wing because some patients think it is water and become afraid.

By: Larry Davis Jr.

Larry Davis Jr. — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 16:37:04 +0000

I like the advice, and will immediately start using the “splash” technique when picking colors…Good stuff. Question though,
If I am looking to change the granite in my kitchen should I throw different color rocks at the walls to see what sticks?

Seriously, I like the site and advice. Thanks Al and Judy

By: Kass Wilson

Kass Wilson — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 14:25:47 +0000

These are definitely words of wisdom. Your professionals are so good at looking at the way the “color story” flows throughout the home. So many times, the colors in the adjoining rooms will also have an effect on the tones that are chosen. It is important to step outside of the room that is being designed and evaluate your options from all different vantage points in the home. Good job. . . I completely agree with everything you said. Kass http://www.kasswilson.com

By: Kim Bryan

Kim Bryan — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 23:37:22 +0000

The ability to choose the right color is definitely a talent! Unfortunately, I am color challenged! I have such a difficult time picking the right color, but I immediately know when I have picked the wrong one. Then I am speeding off to the paint store, again, since I can not live with my “color mistakes” for very long! Our last home was located on Los Angeles and the previous owner was an interior designer. The home had a beautiful neutral pallette that I loved. After we closed on the home,, she gave me a color formula spreadsheet for each room. I told her I thought all the rooms were the same color. She laughed and said that she had ajusted the formula to account for the daylight exposure of each room. I thought she was really out of her mind. Then we moved into our current home in Atlanta. The interior is all the same paint color. In the great room and dining room the color is so beautiful. But in the study and hallway the wall color looked dirty. I thought it needed a fresh cote of paint,so, I got out my paint roller and went got to work. After it dried it looked absolutely the same. Then I tried a few different paint colors, but no luck yet. I truly envy the talent of a good interior designer! I should have started there and saved myself a lot of trouble!

By: Joan Boneberg

Joan Boneberg — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 23:05:08 +0000

Great lesson on choosing a paint color Alan! I usually prefer to have neutral shades on the walls and use splashes of color with the accessories. I guess that is the safe layman’s approach.
Great Blog!
-Joan

By: Gail Dunn

Gail Dunn — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 22:01:17 +0000

This is a wonderful piece of advice. I don’t know how many times I have done the paint first, and then had to redo it when the room came together. Also, I have leanred that a color that “speaks” to you in the store can “yell” at you on the wall at home. So, finding a way to experiment is another way to avoid mistakes. Go by and see Alan’s store. It is awesome and the staff their is so accommodating. When I am ready to redecorate my house for the 15th time, I know I will start there.