When a Maine Interior Designer chooses paint color...for herself!

Chameleon Design....

Benjamin Moore Woodlawn Blue HC-147

This month I am finally working on a project of my own (which never happens). My bedroom. Of course I have all my fabrics and concept pulled together already. Narrowing the color down today.

I like colors that have depth and interact with light.  Enter the lovely shade of blue above....

This color is rather popular with designers. I specified for a client's living room in the west end of Portland, Maine last year.

This is not the simplest color to work with, it REALLY depends on the lighting in the space. Large amounts of natural sun make it appear quite vibrant. Examples below:

Rooms with LITTLE natural sunlight will see the color appear more demure blue-gray. Examples below:

photo by garrison hullinger interiors

Light is the most important factor in choosing paint color.  I don't receive much natural sun into this specific room, the color will appear rather mellow similar to the photo above. Prior to moving to Maine, I would not have chosen a color for the walls. I preferred beige, grays, or a mix of the two. However New England winters are sorely lacking in color and are LONG. Using more color inside meets the fundamental need for balance and makes those harsher seasons more beautiful.

As always, I will be using low VOC paint. If you do not know why that is important, let me know asap!

Fiore Interiors is a full service Interior Design company in Portland Maine. From simple paint color consultations to large renovations-we design spaces that are both functional and beautiful.

For more info: info@fioreinteriors.com

BOLD COLOR ALERT

I feel we need to look at some color to warm us in the midst of this New England snowstorm.

Same home, different colors:

My first reaction, was, REALLY? Who redesigns their own home and posts it as part of their portfolio? C'mon. Then after some thought I decided that design clients probably won't let us put pink/orange on the walls very often....and its's REALLY fun to see! I enjoy both interpretations and appreciate the layered color, textures, and overall eclectic style.

This is the designer's bedroom, she had no room for a headboard so created her own out of wallpaper (Chiang Mai Dragon from F. Schumacher & Co.) and framed it with molding (genius). Sconces eliminate the need for nightstands. Great solutions and style for a small space.

Coastal Color Palate-Gray

Creams and Taupe with gray (think stones) undertones.

Inspired by driftwood.

Cool grey-blues of New England rather than the tropical aquas of warmer climates...

Benjamin Moore options, above,

And Benjamin Moore's Chelsea Gray, below:

Chelsea Gray in an apartment-what a difference bold neutrals can make!

I was consulting inside a hair salon yesterday, hoping the owner will let go of her peach and green striped in favor of two shades of gray, with black, white, and ocean accents. Her work is quite chic and I hope she allows her space to reflect her work.

I spy silver, gray, and charcoal in this room.

photo via alkemie

Because LIGHT is the biggest consideration in choosing paint color, here are some shades to play with. Keep in mind the light in your space cannot be replicated inside a paint store, so tester pots are key.

Benjamin Moore's Elephant Gray for when you want more silver.

BM's Gray Tint

For a bluer undertone, which is often a nice way to go, try Benjamin Moore's Oxford Gray.

Do's and Don'ts:

DON'T Do this unless you are really good at visualizing:

Paint color (like all color) looks different when next to another color. It can take on a different hue. Narrow your choices to two or three, paint LARGE pieces of paper, and hang one at a time for a day or two.

DO:

Use healthy paint. Benjamin Moore's Aura covers like a dream. It can often take one coat, without primer, and is missing the nasty chemicals found in most big box stores.

 If you have little ones I recommend Natura. The chemicals, called VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) off-gas and irritate lungs and are linked to other diseases.