What does a color consultant do?

It's quite simple, but it's not easy. In short, a color consultant specializes in the complex effects of color and creates color solutions for a client's goals.
A color consultant combines color psychology, current trends, demographic statistics, and color design theories to come up with a successful informed solution. Add to that mix the science of visual and physiological effects.

 On a recent trip to Houzz.com I came across this comment:
       "A typical color consultation client is someone who has already taken 10 trips to the paint store, has stacks of paint swatches, has samples painted on the walls and can’t make up their minds what to do,” says Mary Nolte of Kaleidoscope Color Consulting. 
“They think they have no idea of what they want or like, but this isn’t true 
— they just lack confidence and vision.” 

 This is so true! Believe it or not, I would say 25% of the time I am simply reassuring clients on decisions they've already made. I actually just give my opinion rather than guide them to the right color. And that is okay! You have to live there and love the color, not me. Another suggestion I've given to aid in clients solidifying their choice is to prime a small wall before painting with the color sample. The existing color of the wall can actually influence or slightly change the way you see your new color.
Please don't forget that I am here to help you and am just trying to pull that vision out of your head, that no one else can see, to life. Meaning, as a client, you will be participating. So whether you are starting from scratch with a blank slate or working around an existing color looking for an accent, any additional references will help. It can be anything from your countertop sample to a favorite pillow from the couch. You are usually drawn to a certain color for a good reason and I can't tell you how many times that perfect blue we picked for your bathroom was also the color of your shirt!

Fireplace Accent Wall

Bookcase Accent Wall

Window Accent Wall



   Another question I get quite often is about accent walls. Homes seem to be more common now with open floor plans and because of this it is hard to have more than one color. Or if you don't have an open floor plan but you feel you need more of a flow to your home the same rule of going more MONOCHROMATIC applies to you both. Monochromatic is a version of tone on tone in the same color, so if there is an accent wall, it is usually in the same tone as your all over color just two shades darker. The reason it is at least two shades darker is because any lighter and there might be certain times of the day where you can't tell the difference between your accent wall and your other walls. If you are interested in an accent wall, let the architecture speak to you. Choose a wall with purpose. The wall may have a fireplace or a big window or your beds headboard, some force to draw attention.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Grays, Grays and Grays OH MY!

Image
Lets talk paint  c o l o r ...and with that comes a conversation I have almost everyday, GRAYS! When someone asks me "What's your favorite gray?" I simply reply "Take a seat". (with a smile of course) Up here in north country we are about 5 years (if not more) from the trends coast to coast. We also endure cold weather for about 9 months out of the year. YIKES! This in turn translates to being forced inside, loving our homes and of course warmer colors! Because of this, my favorite Benjamin Moore color is #984 out of the classic collection, Stone Hearth. It's more of a greige (grey-beige) so it keeps its warmth yet updates the space. 984 Stone Hearth I've learned the important thing with gray is to know your undertone and know what you would rather see. Let me break it down for you... 1.  Red   undertone: looks more brown 2. Blue undertone: looks more blue 3.   Gr een  undertone: looks more green I have found that most people assume a s
Read more

Farmhouse...COLOR

Image
Of course when talking farmhouse style these days only one name comes to mind for most people... Joanna Gaines. She has of course melted our hearts with her room designs and has us drooling over her paint colors! So I thought what better knowledge than her 25 paint line colors matched to benjamin moore colors! (Don't worry, you can thank me later) and please remember to use these images only for reference! Go into a benjamin moore dealer and look at the color IN PERSON, then take that color home and look at it in your lighting! Just because you like a color in an image doesn't mean it will look the same in your space! These colors (all colors) will change with lighting so be cautious and have fun playing with color!  
Read more

How to choose the right color

Image
Believe it or not, there are actually a few things to consider when trying to choose a paint color, for any room! 1. To each their own : choose a color because you like it  not because it's on trend or because I told you it's the right one.  You have to live there not me! Trends aren't always right  either, for example GRAY.  Grays have been trending for many years now but in the  perfect scenario they are paired with white trim and often  have a cooler feel to them.  Remember, look at the color choice in your lighting before painting. 2. Find Inspiration : It could be in the form of fabric, tile, flowers, pillows, anything! Explore websites like pinterest  and houzz for ideas. Ask yourself what type of "feel" you are after  for this room? Dramatic, bold, cozy, neutral, calm, quiet, etc. 3. Create a flow : consider threading one color throughout your main living spaces. With a popularity in creating open floor plans
Read more