Tag Archive for: color

Home Design Lesson – Color Flow

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Color is one of our favorite techniques for creating beautiful flow to a home.  The skillful application of color will unify interiors for a cohesive design statement.  Here are a few ideas to help you establish a color palette, all accompanied by examples from talented designers used by Lowell homeowners.

Introduce Your Color Palette at the Entry

Interior Design and Photography by The Design Coach Phillip Sassano

We love the idea of introducing a home color palette at the entry.  This can be one favorite color to set the tone, or a colorful area rug introducing a variety of colors soon to make an appearance.  Interior Design by The Design Coach

Use a Thread Color

Interior Design by Elizabeth Drake, Photography by Victoria McHugh

Using a thread color will unify your design.  Taken from Greek mythology, the red thread was used by Theseus as a connection that guided him to safety through a labyrinth of rooms.  Today, interior designers often use the concept to unite space by weaving a common color room-to-room.  This creates a stunning visual transition.   Using the thread color, in diverse proportions, will add variety and interest.  Interior Design by Elizabeth Drake

Consider Sightlines

Interior Design by Homeowner, Photography by Shanna Wolf

Be aware of the view as you gaze across your space.  Aim for continuity in every direction within your line of sight.  This can be achieved with a consistent wall color or furnishings and accessories that express your color palette.

Color Inspired by the View

Interior Design by North Shore Nest, Photography by Aimée Mazzenga

When the view is amazing, it’s natural to want to bring outdoor colors in.  A  scheme can evolve organically by duplicating colors found in nature. Selecting the watery blues from Geneva Lake or relaxing greens from woodland property is lovely inspiration for a home palette. Interior Design by North Shore Nest

Color to Reflect a Mood

Interior Design by North Shore Nest, Photography by Aimée Mazzenga

Color can express a mood. Blues and greens naturally cool and relax.  Reds and oranges and warmth and vitality.  When applied to a suite of rooms, the color scheme will unify and define the space.  Interior Design by North Shore Nest

Color to Energize

Interior Design by Michelle Hackworthy of Zander’s Interiors, Photography by Shanna Wolf

When you live for color, we encourage you to use it with abandon!  Try out bold colors with small pops in artwork or accessories on a neutral background.  When ready for a grand color statement, splash it on the walls or commit with larger furniture or fixtures.  Interior Design by Michelle Hackworthy of Zander’s Interiors

Add Wood Tones to the Mix

Interior Design by Lowell Custom Homes, Photography by Shanna Wolf

Don’t forget that woods have undertones of color. While matching wood from room to room is not the goal, keep in mind that common undertones can help you establish a warm and inviting flow.

 

Just remember, there is no longer one color-trend that everyone must follow.  Your home palette should work with your very personal color preferences.

For more tips on choosing your home paint colors visit our past blog by clicking here.

Connect with Lowell Custom Homes here

or call 262-245-9030

 

 

 

Photography by Aimée Mazzenga

Photography by Shanna Wolf

Photography by Victoria McHugh

Top 5 Tips for Picking the Perfect Paint Color for Your Home

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Back away from the paint chips until you consider our Top 5 Tips for picking the perfect paint color. The first impression of your home is greatly influenced by color. In fact, humans have an actual physiological response to color which is known to influence emotions. Get it right with our easy guidelines and capture the ultimate feel-good at home!

Lowell Custom Homes How to Pick a Paint Color Mood

Tip #1 Choose Your Mood

  • Think about the mood and feeling you want for each space. The color scheme of your home can lead you through the day with bright colors for high energy areas or subtle colors in relaxed spaces.  This brief overview on Color Psychology & Your Moods will help you decide with colorful room images.

 

2 Inspiration PIX

Tip #2 Inspiration

  • Every great artist works from inspiration. Begin with something you love and expand on the idea to create a color palette.  Develop a harmonious flow from the exterior to the interior and throughout your entire home with an appealing common thread.  You can even use a home from the Lowell Custom Homes Gallery as inspiration.

 

3 Color and lighting PIX

Tip #3 Lighting

  • Hold on to your paintbrush, these three spaces are all painted with the same color, Benjamin Moore #962 Gray Mist. The difference is lighting. For this reason it is critical that you choose your color in the actual room where it will be used, or at least in a space with identical light.   The following are key factors for how color is perceived.
    1. natural light
    2. artificial light
    3. room size and
    4. architecture
  • Our Interior Detail Gallery has wonderful examples to demonstrate the interplay of natural and artificial light in a variety of spaces.

 

4 Whites with lowell entry

Tip #4 White is a Color Too

  • There is no such thing as “just paint it white”. White is actually one of the most difficult colors to get right. Trim and ceiling colors must have compatible undertones to the wall color. While you’re thinking about undertone, be sure to also apply this concept to the  stained finishes in every rooms.

 
whitest white land of color PIX

  • If you are searching for the whitest white possible, take a look at the recommendations from Land of Color.

 
 

CR-BG-Paint-Neutral-Wall-Swatch Benjamin Moore

Tip #5 Always Test Your Color in the Exact Finish You Need

  • You know the drill, paint swatches on sections of your walls around the room. Check the swatches out at various times during the day and be sure you can live with any variation caused by changes in natural light. *Time Saving Tip – Often a designer or the paint store will be able to order larger paint sample sheets that you can tape directly to the walls.
  • Be sure to test the color sample in the finish you will be using. Matt, eggshell or gloss finishes all reflect light differently and will influence the final color impression.

 
Don’t be afraid of color,  but respect the pitfalls of a rushed decision. Start with these 5 Top Tips.   If you need extra confidence, definitely rely on the opinion of experts.

Lowell Custom Homes 

Hello Shadow! The 2017 Color of The Year from Benjamin Moore

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Color of the Year 2017 Benjamin Moore paints
Flashback October 2015: Benjamin Moore names Simply White as the Color of the Year and we experienced a visual cleansing of the palette.   We were swept away with the elegant simplicity of white. But this year, to remind us that there is no one-size-fits-all solution; Shadow, a deep amethyst, is named the 2017 Color of the Year. It is a sultry hue that will drive our sensibilities in a new direction for 2017.
Don’t worry if you’re not the dark brooding type, there is a full palette of complimentary colors introduced by Benjamin Moore to work beautifully with Shadow. And those of us who are clinging to the light airy ambiance of white will be pleased to note that it has not disappeared from our color radar.
Benjamin Moore 2017 color trends
While Benjamin Moore uses a dramatic entrance photo to entice us with Shadow’s moody nature, don’t let it frighten you. This sophisticated color can be introduced in small ways for an on-trend update. In fact the complex color composition of Shadow allows it to act as a neutral to be paired with colors you may already have at home.
The complete 2017 color direction includes delicate hues that can be accented by the gem stone qualities found at the deeper end of the palette. If you love drama, go ahead and wrap a room in you favorite passionate shade. For those of us who can’t commit, refresh your colors with accent and accessory pieces.
We’re not telling you to be a slave to fashion, in fact we love the classics. Think of this as a heads-up for colors that will be popping up in stores in 2017. Use what you love and give the others a knowing nod of recognition. Remember, every color and idea we know as a classic, began as a trend.

Color Trends 2017 Benjamin Moore Shadow

Shopping Links below


Adjust your eye to Benjamin Moore’s  Shadow by introducing artwork, area rugs or an accessory piece for an instant update. The entry door is an ideal place to go deep for major impact.
2017 Color Trends Benjamin Moore color of the year
If you are completely infatuated with the 2017 palette, make a stronger commitment with granite, tile or cabinetry. This selection of cabinet finishes from Wood-Mode is available from Geneva Cabinet Company. They are true classics that take on a trendy attitude when paired with Shadow and the other deep companion hues.
Benjamin Moore Color Trends 2017 Shadow Color of the Year
Benjamin Moore shares this video to explain some of the research behind this year’s choice for Color of the Year.
When you build or remodel with Lowell a team of experts will guide you through every detailed decision. Whether your style is timeless or trendy, our AIA architect and interior designer will support you with the latest updates and information for everything from architecture to color.

Lowell Custom HomesShopping Links:

Benjamin Moore Paints Color of the Year 2017
Geneva Cabinet Company
Trowbridge GalleryCharlotte Morgan Watercolour Tulips
Surya Rugs
Macy’s Bradbury Sofa
Ultimate Globe
LeCreuset Braiser in Amethyst
KitchenAid Mixer
Wood-Mode Cabinetry
Notting Hll Hardware
Merlin Glass
 

2016 Color of the Year for Your Home

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How excited are you about the 2016 Color of the Year?
Even if you have not been breathless with anticipation, there is a value to watching as the 2016 Colors of the Year develop into trends that help you  freshen up the look of your home.
There is not much controversy between the two leading paint companies, Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams. Both select a version of white consistent with the current cultural desire for calm and simplicity.
bm and sw color of the year 2016
Benjamin Moore Simply White Video      Sherwin Williams Alabaster Video
From the standpoint of architectural integrity and composition, we agree with the importance of the color white in all of its variations.
However, when Pantone pioneered two interacting Colors of the Year 2016, Rose Quartz & Serenity, a new understanding of color direction emerged.

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Pantone Colors of the Year 2016 Video


Interplay or the interaction of color becomes the theme running through the 2016 color predictions.
Interplay is a technique we often use when creating interior and exterior architectural statements.  Here are some of our favorite ideas that will help you update the color impression of your home.
1 subtle layering nuance depth add fitterer millwork

Layer subtle shades of white to create dimension and refined nuance.


defining texture contrast white

Define architecture with white as a brilliant contrast to exterior color and material schemes.


Create restful space by applying the meditative quality of white or a pastel.


contrast with white trim on molding

Energize by contrasting a bold wall color with crisp white trim.


culbertson round staircase copy

Emphasize texture and enhance natural rustic materials with the calming contrast of white.


The Pantone 2016 Colors of the Year were selected with the intention of pairing calm harmonious hues. The specific color is not as significant as the fluidity of the pairing.    Keep balance in mind when applying color to your home and you will be on track for 2016.
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