Color is in the eye of the beholder

Choosing the right color is crucial for a space

Blue is associated with calmness, it works well in a bedroom.

For many people, color is not strictly a black and white issue. Most people see color slightly different, in different tones and variations. A lot of people are afraid of color.

I have been told that I have an eye for color. I have a talent for picking a scheme for a space and matching tones and hues with surrounding elements. It is a strength I have developed over time.

Selecting color depends on where you apply it: a bedroom, a living room, an office or a retail store.

When choosing a color, you have to make sure to test it in the lighting environment where it is going to be applied, for in both incandescent and artificial light. If you are choosing a color for an open floor plan be sure to test the color in different areas of the space as it will affect the tone of the color.

You surface, whether you are selecting paint or wallcovering, should be picked last. Select your flooring and/or fabric first. Go one shade lighter or darker depending on the effect you want to achieve.

Sometimes, by neutralizing the general color of the space you can bring out a specific color in accessories, artwork or furniture.

Neutral colors and an accent painting were used in this conference room

Color is a powerful design tool that can make a room feel calm, cheerful, comfortable or dramatic. Don’t abuse it. The current trend has evolved utilizing more neutral colors. I still like to have an accent color in the design.

I remember designing a chocolate store and I thought I found the perfect color scheme: orange and brown. Well, to find out that the client didn’t like orange. So, we changed directions and did a more neutral palette