Family Room 6: The Color Issue

familyroom

THE COLOR ISSUE

Practical ways to add color to your homes

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accessorize Can we collectively lose pattern phobia?

This fabric would shine as drapes in a room with muted tonal values and warm woods.

I

n my early design years, client meetings were quick and efficient.

A scheme meeting would begin with a swatch book of paints, often accompanied by inspiration images. The speed of these meetings directly correlated to the repetition of the color schemes I was asked to match. There were colors in my book whose corners had begun to curl due to the frequency with which they were selected — soothing colors, neutral colors, bold accents in rich navy and grounding charcoal, repeat, repeat — “a classic.” Little by little, with these clone-like projects, the vibrancy that accompanies creative output would lessen, as I began to feel like I was working on autopilot.

Are there classics? For sure. Is neutral a color scheme that is likely a first choice? One hundred percent. Are there sure-fire successful palettes? No doubt. But consider this: within shades of taupe and greige and white-with-blue-undertones-and-green-overtones-and-squint-oneeye-and-you-see-some-pink lies feminine lavender, rich oxblood, cardroom green, and bold plum. A soft blue in place of stark white adds a sophisticated layer that may not have occurred to you, yet reads calming; springy green drapes could pair wonderfully there, perhaps replacing that wheat-colored weave.

That room that was “fresh white with a pop of color” might be impactful, instead, if it were based around shades featuring said “pop of color.”

What if that small pop was the white? What if neutral became a supporting actor and no longer the protagonist?

The risk lies in the execution, not in the choice to color outside the lines. Choosing a palette beyond societal instinct, when executed with care, can produce a product that feels just as soothing as beige and white.

That comfort zone is a wonderful place to sit — but an even greater respite is found in thinking with a different, and wider, lens. Undoubtedly, that creative stretch yields a far more rewarding result.

How about trying one circumstance where we use our comfort zones as confidence-boosting placeholders for the fresh choices we can make?

Try it out and let me know how it lands with you.

Rivki

RIVKI RABINOWITZ

Editor, Family Room

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CUSHING GREEN

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7/9/20 1:28 PM

The Primaries of Color Educational basics to clarify colors

TEXT BY LEIA WHITMAN KAROLY

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hen it comes to interiors, the devil’s in the details. In the home design process, it’s easy to get caught up in the big selections that have instinctive wow factor, but overlooking basic choices that feel unimportant is a mistake.

A fundamental example of this is paint. The colors chosen for your home are the anchor of your space. They are literally the canvas upon which you will tell your story, so let’s start at the beginning.

WHITE S

No, all whites are not the same. However, there are industry standards that designers turn to repeatedly because they are that good. Dare I even call these the universal three? Think I might.

The Color: BM OC-65 Chantilly Lace The Room: Any. It has no undertones.

It doesn’t feel sterile, but also won’t read as yellow. Magic.

The Application: Trim, ceiling, walls, you name it.

The Disclaimer: None. You’re perfect.

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The Color: BM OC-68 Distant Gray T h e R o o m : L au nd r y r o om s, mudrooms, and any space that wants to feel bigger. Don’t let its name fool you. She’s a white with a barely-there gray undertone.

The Application: Beautiful on kitchen cabinetry.

The Disclaimer: Avoid this for makeup vanities. The gray undertones are less flattering than a warmer alternative.

The Color: BM AF-5 Frostine The Room: Modern spaces call for this. Its bold green undertones are perfect if you want a crisp feel.

The Application: Great choice for ceilings; it will draw your eye up and make rooms appear taller.

The Disclaimer: It has zero warmth, so only use if you’re committed to that showroom-esque aesthetic.

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design dictionary G R AYS

While I’ll admit that gray isn’t my first choice when it comes to palette selection, I respect the safety net that it offers.

Here are my top three grays:

s The Color: BM HC-169 Coventry Gray The Room: Exteriors and playrooms. A mid-toned gray that is versatile enough for indoors and outdoors.

The Application: Windows and front doors.

The Disclaimer: Test this in your space first as it can read differently depending on the light that’s hitting it.

The Color: BM HC-166 Kendall Charcoal The Room: Studies and dining rooms. Use this to give your study that moody look, or as a feature wall in your dining room instead of wallpaper.

The Application: Trim and millwork.

The Disclaimer: It really is dark and moody. Mentally prepare yourself if you plan to use this in large doses.

The Color: BM OC-20 Pale Oak The Room: Bedrooms and foyers.

This is a taupe-y gray that is chic and soothing.

The Application: Walls, walls, walls.

The Disclaimer: Its warmth will dictate the space, so don’t use this in a room if you plan to go icy gray with the furniture.

GREENS

I appreciate that green might not read as chic to some at first, but my job is to push people out of their comfort zones.

Green is one of nature’s neutrals, so while you may think It’s crazy to bring it inside, it won’t be as obvious as you might think. Hear me out, I’ll show you three.

The Color: BM CSP-760 Oil Cloth The Room: A cozy kitchen. This muted neutral will make any room feel effortlessly chic. See? Not so scary.

The Application: If you’ve dreamed of a green kitchen, she’s your girl.

The Disclaimer: This color wants to be in a casual space. Pair with sl ip c over e d l i nen f u r n it u r e, whitewashed oak, and black accents.

Nothing too fancy, please.

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The Color: Farrow & Ball #81 Breakfast Room Green The Room: A breakfast room or kitchenette. Also stunning in a dining room. It’s a rich pastel that’s not too bold.

The Application: Ornate paneling would look gorgeous here. Try it in a matte finish for even more sophistication.

The Disclaimer: Pair it with walnutframed pieces and lots of brass.

The Color: BM 2050-10 Salamander The Room: Living rooms. This hunter green works in the same way that navy would. Dramatic and dark, not loud or annoying.

The Application: Try painting a credenza in this shade. It’ll give you that pop of drama without committing to an entire room.

The Disclaimer: This would be stunning against cognac leather furniture.

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design dictionary B LU E S

Blue is typically the first venture into the world of pigment for someone “scared of color.” Here are my picks to entice you out of your monochromatic shell.

The Color: BM HC-154 Hale Navy T h e R o o m : Pl ay r o om s a nd bedrooms. It’s navy but elevated and not obviously blue.

The Application: Furniture! (Think DIY desk revamping.)

The Disclaimer: Try painting your casings in this shade. It will add a pop of sharpness to your hallways.

The Color: Farrow & Ball #205 Skylight The Room: Nurseries. This earthy blue is subtle and gorgeous.

The Application: Flood a room in this color from baseboard to ceiling.

The Disclaimer: She’s a chameleon who can read blue or green. Hold up your samples to a swatch to see which direction to take.

Finish It Off

There are no right or wrong answers here. Designers have different opinions about what finishes they like, so don’t get confused about conflicting information. Here’s my take: Flat: My go-to for ceilings because it won’t cast any weird shadows from your lighting.

Ultimatte: I love this for walls as it has zero sheen to it. However, if you’re worried about fingerprints, only use in rooms that don’t get much traffic, since it’s hard to clean.

Eggshell: The most popular choice for walls. It’s low maintenance and easy to clean. The low luster finish (like the surface of an egg) is shine free.

Semi-gloss: My go-to finish for trimwork. It also works well in damp areas. Easy to clean.

High gloss or lacquer: While these two are different, they’re used for the same purpose: to give one specific spot a standout moment. Beautiful on a study ceiling, or to wrap the walls of your dining room.

Enjoy Responsibly

Choosing paint is a process that requires thought.

Here are some items on my checklist that I always run through before finalizing a paint schedule.

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The Color: BM 2128-60 Beacon Gray The Room: Family rooms, especially with orange accents. This blue is subtle and soothing.

The Application: Walls with paneling or shiplap.

The Disclaimer: This pairs well with chrome and black fixtures.

1 Does the code match the name? Painters don’t double check this and will only use one point of reference when ordering paint. There is nothing worse than walking into your newly painted house that was meant to be white but is now a highlighter hue of tangerine.

Take it from someone who’s learned this the hard way.

2 Did I test the color in the space? Paint decks aren’t actually made from paint. Get a pint of the colors you’re considering and test two coats. Observe them in the morning and the evening.

3 Should the color be lightened? If there’s a color you

love but think is too aggressive, lighten it by at least 50 percent. This will give the same feeling but muted.

4 Paint your trim and walls the same color. Nothing

yells passé more than white baseboards and crown against gray walls. It cuts the space up unnecessarily.

Leia Whitman Karoly is the Principal

Designer at Gowans Whit-

man Design Inc., a full-service interiors firm in Toronto. Having graduated from the New York School of Interior Design, Leia has

Making It Your Own

I’m giving you a guide to some of my favorites, but that doesn’t mean another choice is wrong. Consider this a kickoff point to steer you in the direction of hues that speak to you.

eight years of design experience in New York and Toronto in high-end design, staging, and construction. Contact her at leia@gowanswhitman.com.

7/9/20 1:29 PM

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professional perspective

Saturated Scenarios Perfectly imperfect household updates

WRITTEN BY SHIRI FELDMAN ILLUSTRATIONS BY LEA KRON

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hen it comes to home updates, I often find that people think in extremes: do nothing, or go for a total gut renovation. But reallly, y, there are so many smaller changes that can be made to give your home a simple rejuvenation! With color being the multifaceted workhorse that it is, here are some scenarios where the subject requiring renewal is color focused:

Scenario 1

I’ve been dreaming of a hunter green kitchen. Is there a way to make this more timeless?

Hunter green is one of my favorite colors because it’s versatile and warming. Try adding in classic elements to tone down its trendiness, while enhancing its softness and diversity. > Put in a black and white (or gray and white) checkerboard floor. This is a classic pattern that will make the green pop. > Consider adding some brass hardware and a Carrera marble-look counter (porcelain is stain proof and has a similar feel), plus wood tone accents or seating to soften the room.

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Scenario 4

My kitchen is brown wood and not in great condition, but I don’t have the budget to start from scratch. I really want a fresh taupe kitchen. What updates can be done?

Here are a few ideas that aren’t too pricey: > Replace some or all of your cabinets with Ikea frames, which are simple and inexpensive and add custom fronts. > Update some of the kitchen cabinets, designing it so your kitchen has two different color cabinets. > Try replacing the finish and style of your hardware and faucets. This alone can make a huge difference.

If a transformative paint job is not in the works for you anytime soon, fret not. Creating a room that is special for you and your family is all in the details, those indefinable small elements that make your home uniquely yours. Don’t rush into a decision that doesn’t feel right for your taste, family, or lifestyle, regardless of how on trend a color is — because when it’s all said and done, it’s your house, and it should feel like home.

Scenario 2

The walls of my house are light yellow and not my taste, but we aren’t repainting all of it now. What can I do to make it feel more like me? I like cooler tones.

Scenario 3

We live in an older home, and the boys’ bathroom is pink. I’ve told them pink is the new neutral, but to no one’s surprise, they’re unconvinced. What can I do to make it feel more boyish?

Although pink is arguably a more feminine color by nature, there are definitely ways to balance it out. > Buy removable wallpaper and completely transform a basic pink bathroom for a fraction of the price of regular wallpaper. Consider black and white, or a neutral stripe. > Finish off the look with some old black and white photos of vintage sports. > Use dark and contrasting accents to create a more masculine feel.

Shiri Feldman

heads Shiri Feldman Interior Design, a full-service design shop located in New York City.

Having attended the New

You’d be surprised at how well yellow pairs with cooler colors to achieve balance.

York School of Interior Design and graduated from the Jane Packard Floral Design Program,

> Try pairing the yellow with a dark bluish-gray on a door or accent wall. (Check out Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy, in “The Primaries of Color,” as an example.) > Add in layers of grays and navies, in tea towels, tablecloths, and art, to give the space a more updated look. > Add a pattern to break up the color blocking, using the colors you’ve incorporated.

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Shiri has experience in highend floral design, set design, event planning, spatial design, landscape design, multi-family design, and more. Contact her at shirifeldmaninteriors or www.shirifeldmaninteriors.com.

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Color Blocks The fundamentals of color in interior design DESIGNED AND WRITTEN BY SHANA HORN-STEELE

PHOTOGRAPH BY BINA LE VITANSK Y

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olor choices in interior design can seem overwhelming, but with rudimentary knowledge they don’t have to be. Our choices can reflect our personalities: if you’re a vibrant and eclectic person, you may choose to go bold, whereas if you have a more subdued personality, you may want neutral.

Also, consider the feel you want in each space. Think about the time of day you’ll most often be in it, as well as its purpose — this will help dictate the environment.

Bearing these foundational concepts in mind, here are some pointers on making color selections for your home.

Misconceptions in Color

Myth: Dark colors shrink a space.

If you like an edgy look, don’t be afraid to go bold! Color and design expert Sharon Grech of Benjamin Moore says, “Dark wall colors tend to blur the edges of a room, which can make a space appear larger.”

Implementation Ideas 1 When doing a dark paint color, use a lacquered finish to create some translucency.

2 Mirror and glass decor elements are good tools to create openness in a dark space.

3 Natural lighting from windows or skylights is always a

plus. (If you don’t have natural light, you can always designate dark paint for a room that isn’t used very often.)

Myth: Ceilings need white paint.

A ceiling can be in many colors besides white. View it as your fifth wall!

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foundational ideas

Beyond the Paintbrush

An easy way to add color to your space is through accessories, which require little commitment and can always be switched around.

Implementation Ideas 1 A simple item such as a throw pillow or blanket can add a pop of color to a neutral sitting area or bed. HomeGoods, Target, Ikea, and West Elm are good sources for budget-friendly pieces.

2 Fresh flowers add a beautiful touch. When they start to

die, take the last few good ones and place them in a bud vase. Ikea and CB2 are great sources for decorative and budget-friendly vases.

3 Artwork is a great way to add color to a room that may be lacking.

Note: It’s very important to pick up one of the base colors from your space, like the color from your flooring. This image uses simple walls + trim + colored carpet + large statement art piece to tie everything together (see image to the right).

Placement Strateg y

In general, a home should have a flow to the design, with seamless transitions from room to room. This doesn’t mean that every room has to be the same color, though. You can have the same few base colors in every room, so the house has an overall cohesive feel.

Implementation Ideas 1 Focal point or statement selection: Making one item act as a singular statement to the room allows it to be the room’s main source of color without distraction.

This color can then be matched in neighboring rooms.

2 Like ceilings, trim doesn’t have to be painted white.

You can use it to create a new design element to a space.

3 Bookshelves and wall units are a great space to add col-

or. Simply paint or even wallpaper the wall that they’re on for a fun peekaboo effect.

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Color Pairings

When choosing color in interior design, think of it like putting an outfit together — try things on to see how they work. Paint stores offer free swatches of all of their colors and paint samples can be bought for under $5.00.

Unlikely pairings are a great way to make a space more unique, and different colors that have the same root tones and level of brightness tend to work well together. Some color pairing examples that I like: > > > >

Sea blue + lavender Hunter green + burgundy Classic black + white Cognac brown + blush

Remember, selecting your color schemes begins and ends with who you are and what you want to reflect in your design!

Shana Horn-Steele

is the founder and lead designer at Shana

Horn Design, a national design firm with current projects in Miami, New York, and Chicago. Her past work includes upscale residential, commercial, and institutional clients. For more info, see www.shanahorn.com or follow shanahorndesign.

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Pick Your Palette Hone your scheme using seasons as the teacher WRITTEN BY SHEVA TENNENHAUS

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ave you ever wondered why you’re attracted to certain things, while your sister can be attracted to complete others? Have you wondered why you get a lot of compliments in a specific dress, or why you struggle to find a cohesive and balanced look for yourself and your home?

In 1942, American fashion designer Suzanne Caygill came up with a theory that a person’s coloring, personal intensity, energy, and personality can be reflected into one of the four seasons: winter, spring, summer, and autumn. Every season comes with its specific energy, colors, and styles that we relate to. Figuring out what our season is can help us out in so many ways.

We were all created unique — our eye color, hair color, and skin tone are uniquely ours, so it’s not surprising that everyone’s color palette is exclusive to them.

Wearing colors that bring out our inherent features and energy makes us glow without much effort. You’ll

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MCGEEANDCO.COM

notice that you constantly get positive feedback when you wear your colors.

It’s not surprising that personal style and interior design are very interrelated — a talented interior designer will make sure that the client’s space reflects their essence.

In addition, some theories posit that you can be a mix of two seasons. We are complex beings, and sometimes one season alone can’t be dominant for us. If you find yourself connecting to more than one season, you may be a mix!

Here’s a synopsis of all the seasons and a glimpse into the palette world. Use these photos to clarify how they show themselves in interior design, and see if you can find yourself in one or two!

Bottom line: always go with your gut. If an item or style is lighting you up, there’s a reason for that, so trust yourself!

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stylist’s suggestion Summers

Summers are extremely graceful and feminine. Their colors are muted, representing how the colors of the earth during the summer are dulled by the heat of the sun. Think of twilight and its delicate colors. Summers look great in romantic yet simple styles and are often detail-oriented and organized.

Interior: Expect a summer’s interior to feel more monochromatic, filled with soft fabrics like velvet and beautiful drapery. You usually won’t find a lot of busy prints in their home; if they do have them, they’ll be a print-like toile or a diffused print that looks more like watercolor.

Winters

Winters are dramatic and regal. They tend to be more refined, favoring a less-is-more aesthetic, and are often drawn to bold and sharp silhouettes — much like a winter landscape, where there is a stillness that demands to be looked at. Writers have an inner drama; similar to the high contrast of the white snow, dark skies, and tree barks during wintertime.

Interior: Winter’s colors are deep and sharp, so it makes sense that a winter’s home will usually have higher contrast and pops of drama. A winter’s space will look more modern and minimalistic and will have materials like marble and velvet. Winters favor materials that feel luxurious and furniture that appears stately.

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These summaries are just a taste of the color palette world.

Think about which feels right to you, and find comfort in the knowing!

MEGCASSIDYCRE ATIVE.COM

Springs

Springs are full of life and creativity, just like spring is a time of renewal. Springs inspire us with clear and bright colors, like the freshness of florals and their rebirth in the spring. They usually look great in prints and will always have a sense of fun in their style, since they’re unafraid to experiment with new pieces.

LO N N Y.COM

Autumns

Autumns are passionate, forthright, and dynamic. Their style needs to have a sense of motion and character, much like their personality. Expect a lot of movement in their clothing, like prints or asymmetrical lines, and heavier or structured fabrics. Think of fall leaves and the warmth that comes during the autumn season.

Interior: A spring’s space will usually have pops of color, prints, and greenery. There will always be a sense of lightness, color, and whimsy in it — nothing too serious or heavy looking. You can expect to see light wood, pops of gold, and florals.

MY DA I LY S H E .COM

Interior: In an autumn’s home you’ll usually find patterns, rich colors, interesting pieces of art, vintage pieces, mixed metals, wooden furniture, and leather, to name a few.

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Sheva Tennenhaus

is a stylist based in Florida. Follow styledbysheva or

www.styledbysheva.com (soon launching!) to get more styling tips and inspiration.

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the interior of design

BY ASHLEY MONTGOMERY PHOTO BY LAUREN MILLER

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There’s an art in pulling a room together, in weaving elements that feel cohesive yet unexpected. Combining toned-down colors with warm woods and leathers; feminine florals with utilitarian stripes; small-scale tiles and patterns with larger ones — this study in contrasts is what creates harmonious design.

STRIPE

Drapery

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L INEN WEAVE Headboard WHITE TILE

A soft palette of green, blue, and cream feels fresh, but reads entirely familiar. This flat lay serves as inspiration for a bedroom or bathroom design.

Bathroom wall tile

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WOOD

Nightstand and bathroom vanity

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PAINT CHIP

Ceiling, walls, trim, and door in room and bathroom

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ANTIQUE BRASS

Hardware throughout

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LIGHT YELLOW TILE

Floor tile LEATHER

Accent chair or bench at foot of the bed

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WALLCOVERING PENNY TILE

shower floor F LORAL Accent pillows For sources please email usproduction@mishpacha.com

Ashley Montgomery

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has

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over ten years of experience in the design industry and started her own firm in 2014. She holds a business degree in hospitality and a degree in interior design.

Her team is based in Toronto and Barrie, Ontario, and includes designers, project managers, and drafting specialists, all working with Ashley’s signature style.

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