The Power of Color: Picking the Perfect Paint Palette

By Vincent E. O’Connell

There are no foolproof ways to choose the perfect paint palette for a client. We can, however, follow some basic color theories to alleviate some of the pain clients may encounter when selecting interior and exterior colors. Many clients may become frustrated at the paint-picking process. Sometimes the paint must be chosen in order for the project to progress. It may also be the pivotal decision needed before proceeding with fabric selections and furniture ordering.

Most home exteriors use at least three different shades, one color for the siding, and up to six for the trim and ac- cents such as doors, railings, windows, shutters and sashes. The simpler your client's home, the fewer colors they will need. Light colors will make the home appear larger; darker colors or bands of trim will make their home seem smaller. Be cautious using dark colors, as they can highlight flaws, but will also draw more attention to architectural details beautifully.

Advise clients to choose a color palette based on colors that already exist. What color is the roof? What colors are in stonework or landscaping? The neighboring homes are also an important factor to include in the decision-making process. Blue may be the client's favorite color, but in a sea of earth tones and sand-colored homes, avoid using it as the body, but use it instead on accents and trims. In most situations, warm colors are the best choice. Cold colors tend to be too harsh and can make a home uninviting and seem less comfortable. In homes with a front porch, the main portions of the house should read a few shades darker. A lighter porch can appear to come out of a home, welcoming visitors visually, as well as giving dimension to the home itself. A light color for a home on a smaller lot might make the house seem shoved onto the space.

View with your clients their surroundings carefully before choosing the final paint palette. Suggest touring their neighborhoods and viewing paint combinations that work well together. Take your clients down a more adventurous road and advise colors deeper and richer. Have them look into their closets for color motivation. Colors they feel comfortable wearing are colors they will generally like to come home to. Remember to exclude black and white unless used for trim and accents.

Choosing color can indeed be nerve- wracking, which explains why there are so many white houses. Fortunately, paint companies are taking some of the work out of the process. Many offer color cards that may suggest possible combinations for the home. Some paint companies, such as Ralph Lauren, are offering "color testers." These 2 oz. paint packets are available in more than 500 colors, and cover a 2-foot x 2-foot section of wall. They are available on the website for $3.99 a packet. On interior walls, clients can now experiment with multiple colors on multiple walls, with- out investing in gallons and gallons of paint. When planning a paint schedule for the interior, paint patches on different walls that can be viewed from one vantage point. Begin perhaps in a place on the kitchen wall where you can also view a piece of the hallway, dining room and living room wall all at the same time. This will enable one to see how the colors will harmonize throughout the home. Let colors dry completely, and have your client view them at various times of the day, especially at night. Many deeper colors require primers and multiple coats to get the true color you desire. Paint will be different from the card sample after they are applied. Based on the preexisting color on a wall, lighting, flooring or furniture, it can look like the wrong color was purchased.

Remind your clients that painting is still the least expensive but most dramatic change one can make to their home. Painting in "patches" is an effective way to view the color in the space, and allows you to tint or to change the color completely if incorrect. Benjamin Moore dealers now offer color-matching software. The paint dealer now has the capability to scan a photo of the home and let the client experiment with color on a computer screen. You can also have the clients choose a house from the existing program that may be similar in style to their own. Benjamin Moore also offers color samples in 400 favorite, classic and preview colors for $5 a sample.

The goal of paint selection is to make your client comfortable and confident with their color choices. One of the most common concerns I hear from clients is the fear of putting color onto their walls. I try to reassure them that it is only paint, and the great thing about it is you can paint over it again and again until it is perfect. Have fun painting your clients' rainbows that can lead them towards a more colorful life.

Vincent E. O'Connell is one of the interior designers on staff at J. Hettinger Interiors at 200 Hartz Avenue in Danville, CA. He has 15 years in the design field, and welcomes comments at designers@jhettinger.com, or (925) 820-9336. ■

May 2006 Builder Architect Edition Issue

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