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By Vicki O'Neal, ASID, CID
 No matter how you spell it, color is one of the most useful tools in the design toolbox. Our spaces are dominated by drywall surfaces which can be thought of as a blank canvas. A room can be dramatically transformed simply with some imagination and a fresh coat of paint. Color can set a powerful mood- be it joyful, energetic, sophisticated, somber, tranquil...
Have you ever chosen a paint sample, confident it is the perfect shade of the hundreds available...bought a gallon, brought it home, started painting, stood back (with hands on hips), and swore the store mixed the wrong color?!
And then you think “it will look different when it dries.” Those tiny color swatches are very deceiving. In its essence, every color contains subtle hues and tones that dramatically affect its appearance when applied in mass. Fortunately, many of the paint manufacturers recognize this consumer dilemma and have begun to offer larger samples for sale, or small containers for a trial run. To avoid costly and frustrating missteps, I always recommend preparing a test area of at least three feet by three feet. This gives an opportunity to view the color selection in the actual setting, with other objects in the space, and to evaluate it in different types of natural and artificial lighting.
Colors have very specific connotations, cultural and historical meaning, and even political symbolism. They can have both positive and negative associations. The meaning and significance of color is reflected all around us, in our language, even our naming conventions: ‘go green,’ blue chip stock, fire engine red, etc. Colors take on new meaning depending on how they are used and in what combinations. Color is used functionally and has the power to elicit strong psychological and subconscious response. The use of a specific color in a dining room, for instance, can stimulate or suppress appetite.
 Color And Interior Design
The conventional wisdom of the home as a vanilla box with white ceilings is over. Many people, including an increasing number of home buyers, are seeking a higher level of design, and sometimes even a bit of energy and drama. However, color is such a strong element and can easily be overdone. The color scheme of your home, including all the materials and finishes, should create a cohesive and pleasing composition in total. Each design element, from one surface and space to the next, should flow and blend gracefully in color, texture, intensity and scale. The ceiling is often overlooked as a design element for color use. Especially if you have a high or stepped ceiling design, color can be very effective when used overhead.
When designing a color scheme, I generally like to choose a fairly neutral palette for surfaces that are of a more permanent nature, such as flooring materials, ceramic tile, countertops, granite or stone, etc. This approach is a solid plan for longevity. The color punch and fun accents can be added with items of a lower price tag that allow for replacement as you grow tired of them or they become outdated. Paint is a great way for adding accents as it is relatively inexpensive and easy to change. Finishes and stains for wood surfaces- cabinetry, wood floors and furniture, offer a great opportunity for tying the scheme together. Repetitive items such as door and cabinet hardware and finishes of fixtures make an important contribution to your overall color scheme.
COLOR WITH A PURPOSE
I like to use accent colors in very strategic ways. Accentuating architectural features or the geometry of a space can create intentional and sometimes stunning surprises. Color can also be used to visually bring certain features forward or to highlight small details of a favorite object that otherwise might go unnoticed. Think of using color as a backdrop for living- to complement, support and enhance the activity that takes place in a specific area.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that dark colors make a space look smaller. This can happen, but it depends on many factors. The shape of the space, ceiling height, furniture, artwork and other objects in tandem determine the perception of any particular color. The amount and type of natural and artificial lighting play a big role. Ultimately, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to using color effectively.
 ALL PAINT IS NOT CREATED EQUAL
The quality of paint has a major impact on the success of the finished project. Lesser quality paint can require additional coats for good coverage- translating to: more paint, more labor, and more $$$. Latex paints come in several different qualities and levels of sheen from flat, to eggshell, satin, semi-gloss and high-gloss. The particular finish choice affects not only the color perception, but the washability and long-term performance. Most manufacturers’ samples are a satin finish.
Oil based paints will soon be a thing of the past due to their high VOC emissions, in other words – that distinctive odor we all recognize. VOC is an acronym that stands for volatile organic compounds, or off-gassing. For people with allergies and sensitivities, low VOC paints are available which produce virtually no odor. These generally are classified as “green products,” and as such are much more environmentally friendly.
In addition to paint quality, the long-term success of any painting project starts with careful evaluation of the existing surfaces and finishes. Especially when it comes to repainting or renovation, the careful preparation and priming of the surface is a crucial step which should not be overlooked.
SPECIAL EFFECTS
Faux finishes offer fresh possibilities for that special room or setting that calls for something out of the ordinary. The creation of high style faux finishes is truly an art form. Most faux finishes are fashioned with the intent of mimicking a natural material- stone, marble, stucco or tiled motifs. They are created with different paint materials, glazes, metallics, and plaster effects, generally using a layering technique and multiple colors. The best I’ve seen are rich in depth and character, and function as an artful complement to the other elements in the space.
An impressive historical technique for creating painted effects is known by the French term, trompe l’oeil, or “to trick the eye.” These effects are used to imitate painted architectural details or mouldings, or even an entire building façade, and are fashioned to visually mimic their 3-D counterparts. These images can be so realistic that only by touch is the true nature of the flat surface revealed. Another historical technique is called faux bois, or fake wood, and is used to create surfaces imitating exotic woods. These “graining” methods may gain popularity as we become more environmentally responsible and support sustainable practices in forest management.
COLOR ME HAPPY
When creating a color scheme, let imagination and creativity be your guide and take cues from nature. Don’t hesitate when working with color, materials and patterns. Once you have an assortment of samples pulled together, stand back and evaluate them from a distance and over the course of a few days. Through a process of elimination the ideal scheme will emerge.
It’s your space, making you the ultimate judge. Surround yourself with colors and objects that you enjoy. Color has the power to motivate, inspire, captivate... so experiment and have fun creating!
DESIGN MATTERS
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