WHY COLOR IS DIFFICULT

Choosing a color seems like it should be easy, right? So why do so many people get it WRONG!

• Lighting: First, the light in the paint store is not the same as in your home. This is why you take home paint samples. But, the natural light in a Northern-facing room is different from that of a room that faces South. What’s the type and source of artificial lighting for the room? All these variables need to be considered when making a color selection. But, unfortunately, often they are not.
• Online vs Real-Life: Image colors on computer monitors, tablets and smartphones only vaguely represent how they will actually appear in person… in your room… in your lighting. It’s just a fact.
• Colors Are Complex: This is where “science” comes in. The only “pure” colors are Red, Green & Blue, the Primary Colors. ALL other colors are some variable combination of these 3 colors. This is called the color’s DNA. Color Selection experts are specially trained to see these subtle undertones & understand a colors’ complex DNA, It takes a trained eye to see that some grays are more “blue” or “green” than others grays which are more “warm” in tone with subtle reds.
• Putting It Together: A little biology… the human eye sees colors differently when put against other colors, textures & finishes. This is why all color decisions MUST be made in conjunction with your room’s planned furnishings, window treatments & decor. It’s the only way to assure that all relate to each other in the way desired.
• And… This is why Paint Colors Should be Chosen Last! But, for some reason, everybody wants to choose paint colors first. The most common interior design & decorating mistake. Just ask any professional.

HOW WE MAKE COLOR EASY

Professional training & years of experience allows us to offer you the following:

• Evaluation
  • You: We get to know YOU. We take the time to understand the vision for your project, your likes, dislikes, preferences, style, needs & wants.
  • Furnishings: We thoroughly review the color, texture & finish of any existing furnishings that will be staying and any new decor purchased. For items not yet purchased, we ask that you provide us with any pictures or product samples (e.g. wood finishes, fabrics).
  • Lighting: We evaluate the brilliance (lumens) of the room’s natural light as-well-as the color temperature (Kelvin), placement & directivity of its artificial lighting.
  • Function: We assess the room’s function and any expected undue stress or unusual wear that may be placed on it’s finishes. Is it an entryway?… a child’s room?… any high-traffic areas?… or, any high-use furnishings (e.g. kitchen cabinets, storage closets, etc.).
  • Measure: We measure your entire space, including ALL windows, doors & trim, enabling you to purchase the precise amount of paint for your project. No waste & no running back to the store for more.
• The Designer’s Reference: We bring the world to you! To this meeting we bring a complete & total selection of professional Color Samples and large Color Boards. No guessing. No uncertainties. Further, it saves you time & energy by not having to make multiple trips back & forth to the paint store to get more color samples, 
• The Envelope Please…: After putting it all together, we present you with our recommendations. A complete color palette w/ optimal finishes for your project and an itemized shopping list. If all is to your liking… you’re DONE! If however, there are questions about our selections and/or tweaks to be made to any choices, we’ll work with you to make it perfect.