The Color Connection
Here is a wonderful guest blog written by the highly esteemed Interior Designer Jeanette Knudsen, owner of Design For A Lifespan.
How Color Changes Your Outlook…and determines the mood of your home
Color does matter!
Sometimes you walk into a room and something changes. Maybe you were agitated and now feel calm. Or felt good, but now feel irritable – and you don’t know why.
Believe it or not, it could be due to color. Whether it’s the walls, a piece of furniture, even a lighting fixture – you’d be surprised at how much it can affect your mood.
Recently, people have moved away from boring neutrals to vibrant colors. People can make statements that differentiate them from their friends and neighbors. And being individual is good…most of the time.
Have you ever seen a freshly painted house that make you gasp – with horror, not delight? Hopefully it’s not next door, but even if it is, there’s nothing you can do about it.
What you do have control over is your own space…and here are three things to know…
Color is personal.
Color is emotional.
Color can be complicated.
It’s the last point that trips people up. You’d be surprised to know how many color consultations I do. Clients know what they like…they just need help putting it together.
Here’s a fun and interesting article you might find helpful. It touches on the psychology and use of color in your home. Just go to http://goo.gl/FIWRJ2
So, what is your favorite color? How do you incorporate it into your home?
Here are some fun tips. Knowing these helps you bring new life into your home by adding joy to your surroundings.
- This ONE tip is the simplest and most important. Work with a color you love! Think of what color supports who you are – and makes you happy!
- Pay attention to lighting. There are other colors beside the standard chrome, brass or bronze. You can add a fresh, crisp feeling to any room by installing custom lighting with different finishes and hues.
- Brighten up old furniture. For example, if you have vintage end tables that belonged to your grandmother…lacquer them in orange spice, such as Sherwin Williams Daredevil, or obstinate orange, to give them new life.
- Pillows can change a room. A vibrant throw pillow can transform an entire room by delivering a bold color statement. Use solid pillows for floral seating, or patterned pillows for solid furniture. This simple addition adds a splash of color, and at the same time…comfort.
- Maybe you prefer the natural look. Plants add fragrance, personality, and a sense of “feeling grounded”. It doesn’t matter if they’re flowering, or just green plants. They still add color. If you don’t have a green thumb, or spend time away from home, use artificial plants. These days, you can find beautiful foliage and flowers that are hard to distinguish from live ones.
Determining the right color, or combination of colors, can be mysterious and time consuming. If your change doesn’t work the way you want, you’ll be frustrated.
Too often, people think working with an interior designer means spending lots of money. Not so! As I mentioned above, I do color consultations with people and it’s all they need. By getting the colors right, they actually save money by preventing mistakes that don’t show up until the project is done.
Making a change, even if it’s minor, has a big impact. Don’t hesitate to call me at 480-695-1360 to discuss what you’re trying to accomplish.
About the author: Jeanette Knudsen, owner of Design For A Life Span and a professional Interior Designer, creates homes that offer the luxury of independence and timeless beauty; yet are forever functional. Whether you just need a simple consultation, or have a project designed from beginning to end, Jeanette can take care of all your needs.
For more FREE interior design tips visit DesignForALifeSpan.
Andrea Brundage and Simple Organized Solutions is happy to work with you to clear space and create a sense of calm in your home or office space. We are connected with quality resources, like Jeanette Knudsen, and we happily refer to ourselves as “A Source of the Resource.” Call today or visit our “Get Started” page.