A relatively unknown fact is that architect Frank Lloyd Wright frequently designed clothing to match the colors, patterns, and style of his clients’ homes. (Hmmm… What a surprise it would be for the guest, after one too many martinis, to realize that he has been discussing the origin of man with the kitchen wall.) It has also been claimed that one way to determine a customer’s color preferences is to simply look beyond the skeleton in the closet to the colors in the hangars. This concept leads me to wonder why I haven’t been inclined to paint my house, as well as those of any of my clients, in a range of matte enamel black to high gloss or, alternatively, white with Ralph Lauren faux denim. (So ​​let’s assume that if this method really worked, the profession of residential interior design would quickly become obsolete.) But there is one last method worth mentioning as it has been claimed as the trendy answer and is found in the ancient art of Feng Shui. Here you can achieve the appropriate color and good karma simultaneously with maximum modern efficiency.

Allowing the cynic in me to subsidize, I don’t propose to completely abandon these methods, ancient and modern, but I would also like to consider other guidelines that will take into account natural lighting conditions, color effects, and recent color trends as another solution to selecting paint.

SELECTION OF COLORS THAT WORK:

Natural lighting: Clearly, more light illuminates and accentuates while less creates shadows and dulls color. However, one color on one wall can be completely different on another due to changing natural lighting conditions that affect color values ​​throughout the day. The direction of each room should also be taken into account, since rooms exposed to the north receive cooler blue tones, while those exposed to the south receive warmer reds and yellows. Although many color guidelines advise against using the same shade of color, this will, in the final analysis, be a personal choice. (De gustibus, non est disputandum.) Blues in east-facing exposures can also be bright and comfortable due to the natural cool effects of light. Fire red on a south facing wall can also create a high impact fit for a particular room that calls for dramatic effect. So whether or not you use a cooler color to tone down a southern exposure or a warmer color to support it will ultimately depend on the effect you’re trying to achieve.

Color intensity – Another challenge is how to imagine the effect a one-inch paint swatch will have on the entire room. If your room gets a lot of natural light, consider lowering the intensity by lightening or neutralizing it. Otherwise, the effect might be too extreme for comfort. Color Trends: Color impacts everything from cars to makeup, upholstery, clothing and well, just name it. Understanding these trends will help determine when to drop an outdated color and come up with new, improved alternatives. Right now, darker neutrals have replaced lighter ones, especially darker taupes. Also new to the map are slate and charcoal grays as a smart alternative to taupe and a subdued version of impossible black. Camel is and will continue to be the classic sophisticated neutral that works with all colors. All three options work beautifully with bolder on-trend accent colors in the range of red, orange, turquoise, and avocado. Let’s move on to color effects and some of the many recommendations provided by Benjamin Moore.

Psychological effects of color:

While color affects our mood and behavior, it also reflects our personality and desires. First, consider what effect you are trying to achieve. Initially, many answers can be achieved simply by describing how you would like to perceive your room. Below are some of the symbolic associations associated with color with some of Benjamin Moore’s fashion color recommendations.

Red: Love and warmth. Aggressive and bold. Brave. A color of good luck and fame in Feng Shui. It attracts attention and creates excitement, while being expressive, rejuvenating and passionate. Try Benjamin Moore: Fuchsine 1343 or Coral Essence 2007-40.

Pink: Femininity, softness, sensitivity, fidelity. Try Benjamin Moore: Victorianna 1263 for a more subtle pink.

Orange: A bold, high-energy color of nature. It is the extroverted color: friendly, cheerful and happy. Create order without being too controlling. It can also decrease irritability. Try Benjamin Moore: Tangerine Zing 132, Tangerine Fusion 083, or Peach Brandy 112.

Yellow: Great color to promote study. It is cheerful, optimistic and stimulates memory and mental clarity. However, like the sun, only minimal exposure is required. This is a difficult color for the eye to process. Try Benjamin Moore: Firefly 299 or Malton 1073. Green: Life and nature. A powerful and popular color that is easy on the eye. It is a color of relaxation and comfort, balance and harmony. The darker green represents ambition and prosperity, envy, rejuvenation, restraint, concentration and security. Try Benjamin Moore: Glacier Lake 867, Four Leaf Clover 573, or Trailing Vines 1505.

Blue: Tranquil and inspiring like the clear blue sky. Like water, it is refreshing and renewing. Symbolic of confidence and longevity, also associated with leisure, authority and strength. Light blue reflects patience and dark blue impulsiveness. Try Benjamin Moore: Waterfall 2050-50, Tropical Teal 734, Blue Jean 2062-50, or Ash Blue 2057-40.

Purple: The color of royalty. It contains romance, imagination, passion and spirituality and encourages wisdom, reverence, inspiration and tranquility. This is the color of elegance and mystery. The color of the season is Benjamin Moore: Frozen in Time 1448.

Black: No commitment. Color of sophistication, elegance, dignity and power, while reflecting distance and mystery.

White: Perfect balance and color with hidden values. It indicates purity, sterility, sharpness and spirituality. Covers the entire color spectrum. Tone it down with Benjamin Moore: Super White 02.

Gray – In both black and white, you lack assertiveness, but make up for it by revealing intelligence and a sense of discipline and self-confidence. Try Benjamin Moore: Ashland Slate 1608.

Brown: transmits warmth and comfort, authenticity, solidarity and masculinity. Try Benjamin Moore El Cajon Clay 1260 or the neutral choice of Grege Avenue 991.

Home is undoubtedly a true reflection of ourselves, our beliefs and aspirations, so take care, choose wisely and know yourself!