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PAINT: MY FAVORITE TRANSFORMATION TOOL

Picking the right paint color can seem daunting to most people. I know because this is the question I get asked the most. In fact, I keep a record of all the paint colors I have selected for my clients because inevitably, someone will call for the color to repeat it. The easiest way to transform a space is with the color of paint. By far, my favorite tones are light taupes, a mix between beige and grey. This color works well with everything. It sets of white baseboards, ceilings and wood trims without being to dark. It is the ultimate neutral and is much more versatile and livable than say a yellowy beige or stark greyish white.

WHAT COLOR IS RIGHT

For color selection, remember that warm tones, such as red, yellow, and orange project. These colors are "Yang" or expansive by nature. They are also stimulating and exciting to the viewer, so they can be great in a place where activities such as dining or playing will occur. By contrast, cool colors, such as blue, green, and turquoise, recede or "Ying" and create a more calming sensation. These colors are great for reading, sleeping or relaxation spaces. Ask yourself, how do I want to "feel" in this space and based on your answer, pick your color.

LIGHTING AND PAINT

Don’t forget to analyze the lighting in a space to be painted. How much light and the lighting type influence the final color the paint will reflect. Usually lighting falls into 2 basic types Incandescent or typical bulbs, which automatically bring more yellow or pink tones to a space, and fluorescent bulbs which will add a grey, blue tint to the colors you choose. These 2 types also create drama or depth for the incandescent type or flatter uniformity for fluorescent. When all else fails try out the color in the space with a small swatch before committing to the grand scale.

ACCESSORIZING 101

Group things together, usually odd numbers are better than even, meaning that 3 or 5 objects will look better together than 2 or 4, unless of course you have an even pair.　 Try to vary the sizes beginning with the tallest and stepping down to half the size of the tallest object and then lastly the shortest in kind of a triangular placement Most importantly have fun with this, it takes practice to hone your accessorizing skills, but with these simple tips and some keen observation, anyone can decorate with any budget.

BOOKS; THE ACCESSORY YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU HAD

Hardcover books are one of my favorite accessorizing tools.　 They can be stacked vertically or horizontally and smaller items can be placed on top, using them as a little platform.　 In fact everything looks better with a base; vases, sculptures, etc.　 I always order little platforms in wood or acrylic to help make something look more important, but books can serve a similar purpose.　 If you have shelves or coffee tables screaming for something to dress them up books are the answer.

If you don’t have any hardcover books to create beautifully filled library shelves, don’t panic.　 Visit your local thrift store and you’re sure to find a wealth of affordable books that will do the trick.　 My tip is to remove the book jackets and they take on a more serious look.　 Or you can color coordinate the books with their jackets on for a neat effect on shelves, kind of like grouping colors in your closet.  One last thing, even if you have photo albums or old yearbooks, you can quickly give them a makeover with solid colored contact or wrapping papers, and you won’t have to spend any money.

TRAYS; THE GREAT ACCESSORY ORGANIZER

　

I always ask my clients if they have any nice trays because this item is the single most versatile accessorizing tool.　 Almost any group of smaller objects look better on a tray.　 My favorite is liquor bottles, decanters or glassware on a console, instant bar!　 In the bathroom, think perfume bottles or a collection of creams and toiletries. Voila you’ve got a great practical accessory.

 

Most people think they have to spend a fortune on accessories for their home, but I’m here to tell you that with some basic tips of the trade accessorizing can be fun, easy and inexpensive. 　

　

The Doctor is in

     I often find myself at a home improvement store, a baby shower or even a grocery store line and inevitably the question of "what do you do?" comes up.  When I say with a broad smile, "Interior Design" it always conjures up the most interesting reactions. Usually a combination of excitement, wonderment and then all of a sudden, just like similar consulting professions, the questions will start to flow.  Somehow everyone has a design dilemma which they can articulate in a matter of seconds. Which is how I often find myself as a sort of Design Doctor offering up advice and recommendations without even visiting the spaces that these problems "live" in.

      I enjoy offering advice and helping solve these problems while honing my design and consulting skills.  Now I have an even better way of expanding on this skill set, Blogging.  I would like to welcome you to my blog.  I hope it will be received with the same enthusiasm as I have had creating it.  I encourage those of you with design dilemmas to send questions and even photos, to take advantage of what my closest family members and friends have appreciated and used for years. Free professional design advice; The Design Doctor is in!

 

Submitting Your Design Dilemmas!

Be as specific as possible. Remember to include details such as materials already used and dimensions of furniture and overall space. Photos must be included with your submission.

 

Send your design inquiries to: Submit@BPilaDesign.com