We’ve all been in the white wall phase for a few years now and it’s time to add some contrast! The new photos on my Paint and Wall Finishes board on Pinterest will give you inspiration to add a dark wall -charcoal, navy, purple? You may need a second opinion (like a great interior designer!) as not every area will be enhanced by this addition, but in the right place it adds the wow! Add it to unify space in the hall with the great pop of color at the end. Powder rooms are often conducive to a dark contrast. Bedrooms become cozy incubators. And there is always the man-cave / office with an alternative to dark wood. Take a look at your spaces and go from boring to brilliant!
The Joy of Yellow in Design
I have had a yellow room in my home during most of my adult years! This year every shade of yellow is big in women’s fashion. Which means we will see more and more of it in home furnishings. See some examples on my Paint and Wall Finishes board on Pinterest. A color often used to chase the gray of the Pacific northwest, it is a favorite of bright and sunny people no matter where they live! We have over 300 hundred days of sunshine in the Southwest but adding more inside just adds to the upbeat mood. It can be subtle: a light tint for a warmer off-white base color, a perfect backdrop for your blue and white dishes in the kitchen or dining area, a warm and inviting powder room or bedroom. With all of the gray tones currently in use, yellow is a perfect color to add. An accent pillow, a bowl of lemons by the bar or flowers on the table… the pop of color creates visual impact. It is also beautiful with white moldings. A classic! Always worth consideration!
Sherwin Williams 2019 Color of the Year
What color do you think of first when the Southwest is mentioned? Terra Cotta! With the tile roofs, Mexican tile interiors and patios, chimeneas, pots and sunsets, we are already there for Sherwin Williams new color for 2019 – Cavern Clay! Maybe it was a natural reaction to warm up the ongoing gray trend! Over the years many clients have preferred this color base in rugs for an inviting interior. Mexican tile patios have always been a favorite of mine as I can find pots to coordinate in all sizes and shapes. Although this is a departure from our current modern, mid-century trend those of us in the Southwest know our influences from Mexico and Spain will always be classic.
If you have changed to a more contemporary look, warming up those grays with textiles, rugs and wall hangings in this warm color palette will add the color and coziness you are looking for! Cavern Clay on the walls with white cabinetry is a fresh look. But right now – on with red (my fave) for the holidays!
Color Advice
So is everyone painting their interiors white? Your home is about your comfort so if you are in a small or dark space then white is great. But we have expansive homes and high ceilings in the spacious Southwest and warmer whites into darker neutrals give these areas a more inviting ambiance. White was the color of the year in 2017 but now we’re into other vibrant colors for 2018. The Sherwin-Williams’ color for the year is Oceanside and the Pantone selection is Ultra Violet.
When your favorite color is popular, stock up on sheets and towels. They are available when the color is in and may not be otherwise.
Most of my clients like a warm, comfortable space so white white is too institutional. Paint is the least expensive way to freshen up and lighten up.
If you have a favorite painting, use the most dominant color in the painting to expand the art and space.
Charcoal can be a dramatic change in either a small powder room (Do the ceiling as well.) or as an accent.
Check visual options at the LuxeSpecs.com and on my Pinterest boards:
Paint and Wall Finishes
Dunn Edwards Paint Made Here in Phoenix!
Dunn Edwards is California based with the production plant in Phoenix. Their paints are formulated for the Southwest and its intense heat.
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