2015 ReCap

On the eve of New Years Eve it seems like a good time frame to reflect back over the past twelve months and share a few ways I was able to ~Make Color Personal~ for clients.  I look forward to helping more clients in 2016.

http://weseesearch.com

The calls for help with paint colors and placement were a (always welcomed) steady stream in 2015.  Sources continued to include direct contact at a local Benjamin Moore retailer, repeat and past client referrals, painter referrals and inquiries from Houzz  (click the link to visit my page).  

A fantastic commercial project was with a Condo Association that was looking to add sophisticated colors to the exteriors of  the units.  Based on the location near a golf course and a request for six color options, compared to two, I provided new colors that would meet the Board of Directors request as well as keeping the painters in mind by staying in the same color depth of the previous choices--no extreme color changes--.

'Green' -really a gray green- is subtle but stands out next to gray and tan neighboring units

Yellow without glowing

Taupe in the right hue is like a perfect river rock

Blue per a Board choice request. Used sparingly it adds a punch of color among the neutral tans and grays

Residential exteriors were also individualized for each home owner.  Based on requests for 'something that stands out from the lake view' to 'something that looks impressive/rich' homeowners had ~color made personal~ to help make a house into a home for curb appeal.

Stucco, trim and deck boards now work with stone and brick

Gray and cream stand out but work with the brick

Eye catching even from the lake

Interior consults were a full range of refreshing a room with a similar color, with less 'pink' or 'yellow' to new construction with primed walls, and some needing flooring and counter and cabinet color choices.

Saturated ('dark') gray to balance strong natural sunlight

Master Bath waiting for wall and floor choices

Navy Blue off sets the white Wainscoting and dark furniture

Consults can include details like making sure the trim work lines up with fixed items like windows

Change from gold to rich taupe

I look forward to moving on to 2016 and more opportunities to ~Make Color Personal~, maybe for you, maybe for a friend, neighbor, coworker or family member.  I bring a professional, unbiased view of color and decorating recommendations that won't break the budget.   In fact, a consulting appointment will out weigh the cost of time and samples that just aren't working.  Take a look at my website for more information to see if I am a good fit to ~Make Color Personal~ for you!

Until Next Year

Jill

Exterior Colors Gone Wrong

This was an incredibly long, cold, wet spring  in lower Michigan that delayed exterior paint projects.  With anticipation of helping clients find new or different or updated exterior colors for their existing, remodeled or new construction home I used the uncooperative weather to 'window' shop and see how local homes were trending.

We have many inland lakes in the area, so on some drives I found quite a few different home styles with color combinations that really work.

 

Commerce MI

West Bloomfield, MI

     

In the North / Mid East there are some colors that do not belong aesthetically on a home's exterior.   Some colors do not work for technical reasons: drastic light reflective value (LRV) changes; for example very light siding color to two or three shades darker.  Some colorants, therefore some paint colors, do not handle UV rays even though the exterior paint bases are significantly improved to handle fading and nature's elements.   Home Owners Association Rules are often scoffed at, but they really do prevent hideous colors from popping up in a neighborhood.

    

Some stores have home items.  Homes are not stores and can look eye catching without bright and saturated hues.

IKEA

This subdivision purposely painted repeated colors.  Some are deep tones, but none are saturated and overly bright.  

Canton, MI

Please keep in mind that you cannot close a door to an exterior like you can to the bedroom, den or basement that you gave creative colors.  Your exterior doesn't have to be 'builder beige' but its color should represent the neighborhood well.

If you are really stuck, color consultants, such as myself, can help you navigate the barrage of color choices and color placement.

    

The FRESH Approach to Choosing Exterior Colors

All of the Myan Calendar 12-21-12 talk of new beginnings vs. doomsday has sparked an early New Years Resolution attitude in me.  I will continue to expand my knowledge of color and design in 2013.

As a color consultant I provide the guidance and solid recommendations to my clients in choosing interior or exterior colors for their home or business. 

Taking courses online allows me to refresh some knowlege and learn new information that help walk clients through the decision process of choosing colors that make their space personal to them and make design sense and universal appeal where needed.

My latest course on AEC Daily:

The FRESH Approach to Choosing Exterior Colors

The five steps for color placement:
Fixed Features, Regional colors, Environment & surroundings, Style of home, Historic or 'Have to use Colors'

This consultation was a perfect worst case senario.  The brick is orange/terra cotta/black.  The new roof is light gray.  The siding was a beige.  Conflict!  The homeowners and I found a new siding color that makes the two largest fixed features in two different tones and color families work together.  A new focal point front door helps define the entry too.  A happy ending.

 Gray/blue color cast

 Shutters are the darkest color

 Front entry stands out most

Of course I've taken the classes regarding color & light, color foundations, and paint technology, as well as universal design and generation shifts, but to date my favorite and hardest class (read: most hand written notes) is fire stop: fire safe building construction.  Don't be 'that fix it guy'.  Hire a professional builder; let Code inspect before things are sealed up.

I'm looking forward to tackling more of the courses on my 'interest' list.   

Knowledge is power.  The more I can learn and share in some way with my clients, the better.

Happy New Year!