A “Primer” on Colors

Seems that one of the things that every one of my interior design and remodeling clients ask me about is “what designer colors are ‘in’ right now?” 

I must admit that I do have my favorite “go to” colors, but there are so many factors involved in color decisions:  the lighting of a space, the colors already in the room that can’t be changed, the homeowner’s favorite colors (often the colors found in their wardrobes), and many other factors influence which colors work and which ones don’t.

Sherwin-Williams regularly publishes a list of their most popular colors, which is an interesting way of learning what colors other people are using.  The most popular SW colors of 2009 were:

Dover White	Kilim Beige	Antique White	Navajo White	Softer Tan
Alabaster	Pure White	Latte	Nomadic Desert	Divine White
Macadamia	Interactive Cream	Moderate White	Believable Buff	Biscuit
Creamy	Ivoire	Blonde	Sand Dollar	Snowbound
Accessible Beige	Whole Wheat	Bagel	Camelback	Basket Beige

Lots of beige and cream – all good colors.  And, of course, we are now enjoying a resurgence of all things gray – it’s the “new black,” so to speak.

"A 'Primer' on Colors" by Julie Risman

2011 Color Forecast: Hard Times Call For Soft Colors

Want to know what colors will be "in" next year? Check out Sherwin-Williams Colormix 2011 before beginning any interior design and remodeling project.

Gentle Medley: Fresh. Airy. Innocent.

Hard times call for soft colors: the hint of green in a spring leaf bud; the chalky blush of a seashell; the time-etched beauty of a vintage fabric or photograph. Fashion has turned a romantic, nostalgic corner, bringing pastels and parchment-pale neutrals back into the palette. The hues are innocent without being sweet — flirty, yet not feminine. They reflect not just a yearning for youthful innocence and gentler times, but also a refreshing honesty and lack of pretension that are thoroughly modern.

Sherwin-Williams Colormix 2011 - Gentle Medley

2011 Color Forecast: The City Never Sleeps. Neither Do Its Colors.

Want to know what colors will be "in" next year? Check out Sherwin-Williams Colormix 2011 before beginning any interior design and remodeling project.

Bold Invention: Experimental. Artsy. Expressive.

The city never sleeps. Neither do its colors. These high-energy hues vibrate with spontaneity and rebellion. Neon bright, graffiti bold and digitally enhanced to 3-D luminosity, they’re the colors of technology, of avant-garde art and of the entrepreneurial spirit that celebrates shaking off dull routine to do what you love. The eclectic global influences range from the Cynical Realism art movement of urban China to the carnaval spirit of Rio de Janeiro, host of the 2016 Summer Olympics. Anything goes, and self-expression is the new metropolitan mantra.

Sherwin-Williams Colormix 2011 - Bold Invention

2011 Color Forecast: An Eclectic Global Design Stew

Want to know what colors will be "in" next year? Check out Sherwin-Williams Colormix 2011 before beginning any interior design and remodeling project.

Restless Nomad: Sultry. Exotic. Primal.

Thanks to the Internet, everyone now has a passport to wander the world, soaking up its flavors, images and colors, and stirring them into an eclectic global design stew. Morocco and Turkey are making their presence felt, but there’s no need to stop there. Today’s adventurers feel free to sample from anywhere and everywhere, pairing Persian paisleys with exotic animal skins and Indonesian batiks. Colors, too, wander all over the palette: from dusky darks, to hot vibrant pinks and reds, to earthy food-influenced hues that evoke eggplants and cabbages.

Sherwin-Williams Colormix 2011 - Restless Nomad

Terrible blogging experience with Tumblr #tumblrsucks

Awful customer service. Avoid like the plague.

2011 Color Forecast: Pared Down is the New Upscale

Want to know what colors will be "in" next year? Check out Sherwin-Williams Colormix 2011 before beginning any interior design and remodeling project.

Purely Refined: Elegant. Tailored. Understated.

True luxury doesn’t shout its presence with glitz, glamor and bling. It whispers, revealing its pedigree through clean, classic lines, exquisite tailoring and handcrafted heirloom quality. Pared down is the new upscale, and its color palette demonstrates similar restraint, filled with understated neutrals, yet with nuances and undertones that interact in intriguing ways. Layering, organic textures and subtle detailing add to the natural elegance of this timeless look.

Sherwin-Williams Colormix 2011 - Purely Refined

6 Great Reasons Why Your Kitchen Needs An Island

Islands really are an essential aspect of any kitchen interior design and remodeling project.

In every kitchen there is the potential for great storage, display, and functionality. The sad fact is all kitchens don’t have enough of any of these. A kitchen island solves these problems and looks beautiful doing it. If you think a kitchen island is just for show, you now have legitimate reasons why your kitchen can benefit from one.  From storage to additional seating, any sized home will love the versatility a kitchen island offers.

6 Benefits of Having a Great Kitchen Island by Ronique Gibson