How to Pick a Color Scheme

You just rented or purchased your first home and are ready to move, but where to start with furnishings, decor, lighting, artwork, and most importantly, wall colors?

Furnishing a first home can be overwhelming and expensive, but of all the elements that comprise your new home, color is the least expensive and provides the greatest impact.

As I discussed in a previous article, upon purchase, the wall color is most likely some shade of off-white, and the floor a neutral shade of tan or brown. Alternatively, if you are moving into a fixer-upper or an older home, you may be inheriting someone else's color and design choices. In either case, before proceeding, it’s always a good idea to go on Pinterest or TikTok for inspiration.

When moving into your first home, friends or family members may want to gift you new or used furniture that may not be your ideal aesthetic. This presents a moment of truth: Would you rather sit on the floor or would you rather lounge on a bright floral couch that might not be your taste? These decisions likely occur prior to establishing a color scheme. Just remember that upholstered furniture can be slip-covered or reupholstered and wood furniture can be painted.

A word of caution, however, no matter how luxurious or immediately available a piece of furniture may be, if you are not sure about the color or tone, do not build your color scheme around it, for you will always be unhappy. A good way to experiment with color schemes is to accept gifted or even found furniture to see how it feels.

Monochromatic Schemes 

The simplest and perhaps most foolproof color scheme is monochromatic, utilizing variations of a single color. While this approach may sound simple, it can prove challenging to work with just one color, no matter how many different shades are available. Monochromatic schemes do not have to be monotonous or boring! Remember, even the White House features three monochromatic rooms: the Red Room, the Blue Room, and the Green Room, which are far from simple or stale.

The 60-30-10 Rule 

One popular approach for determining your color scheme is the 60-30-10 rule. It may be hard to believe, but decorating and math are compatible! This equation establishes a major color as dominant, or 60 percent of a space, whether a room or an entire house. Going all in with a bold color as your 60 percent takes courage, but if orange or turquoise makes you happy, why not paint the walls and ceiling in this color? Live with your decision for a few days; it can always be repainted.

The next color, or the 30 percent in this scheme, is the secondary color or texture. If the dominant color is very bright, the secondary color may be more subdued. Remember, the secondary color will support the main color, bringing some contrast into your scheme.

Finally, the 10 percent color is the accent color, which gives the space some pizzazz or character. Here is where you should be really fearless, as only a small portion of this color will be used.

Picking Colors Based On Your Closet 

Still not sure where to begin selecting colors for your home? Why not start with your closet? The colors that you gravitate toward in apparel, the shades that people compliment when you wear them, are very possibly good colors with which to surround yourself. One's skin tone, hair and eye color will designate whether you are labeled winter, spring, summer or autumn.

Winter looks best in bold cool colors with blue or pink undertones, while spring shines in bright clear colors like peach, turquoise and bright coral. Soft, muted colors like lavender, powder blue, or dusty rose are ideal for summer. And autumn, no surprise, is at its best in deep reds, golden yellows and earthy browns. If you feel at your best wearing certain colors, why not decide to live with the same colors in your home?

Room Exposure 

The exposure of each room, whether north, south, east or west, can also provide inspiration and guidance for a color scheme. All color is light, and as light changes throughout the day, so does color. Overriding hourly or seasonal lighting changes is the exposure or multiple exposures of a room.

Light in north-facing rooms is typically consistent, but can be muted and cool. There are two options for north-facing rooms: cool light is ideal for darker colors or utilize lighter colors with warm undertones, such as those with a yellow cast or peachy pinks.

South-facing rooms are brilliantly lit, ideal for blues, greens and violets that will cool off the color temperature. More intense, deep colors also shine and will not look washed out in a south-facing room.

The sun rises in the east, so a warmer, brighter light color works best. Starting the day in a room with eastern exposure and a pastel or soft color can be inspiring.

Rooms with western exposure, where the sun sets, are perfect for darker, cooler colors. A neutral shade with cool or warm undertones will also work well.

The Properties of Color 

Once you have settled on your color scheme, it is crucial that you pay attention to a few properties of color, such as the intensity or hue of the color you are using and the lightness or tint of a color you have selected. A shade of a color is a color that is darker than its original hue, as a result of adding black to it. Adding white to a color increases its lightness, making it a tint.

By experimenting with paint, starting with the three primary colors red, blue and yellow, you can refine the colors you work with by adding black or white. Depending on your skill set and willingness to experiment, a minimal investment of five tubes of acrylic paint can be both illuminating and entertaining.

By mixing the paints, adding white and black, it is possible to comprise your color scheme on paper, which can be helpful when shopping for furnishings and fabric. Color saturation refers to the intensity or vibrancy of a color. If all the colors you use are highly saturated, the result will be an active, emotionally uplifting room, such as a space used for entertaining.

Make Your Home Yours 

There are no good or bad colors, so experiment with a carefree attitude and see what you discover. Color, like room temperature or sense of smell and taste, is extremely personal. If you love a color, go ahead and use it, without seeking the approval of others.

Color is the fastest way to put your personal signature on a space. Maybe even stroll through a museum, observe art that speaks to you, and then visit the museum gift shop for copies of your favorite art pieces. The composition and color placement in the artwork can be a point of departure from your color scheme. Most importantly, believe in your color choices, for they will make your home yours and yours alone.

Read more at USnews.com

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Is White Boxing Really the Best Way to Prepare a Home for Sale?

For years, the general rule of thumb when prepping a home for sale that requires improvements has always been to just "white box" – essentially, paint everything white – from the walls and ceilings to the kitchen cabinets and built-ins.

The purpose is to clean the slate so the original condition no longer risks offending prospective buyers. White walls, cabinetry, doors, simple hardware and clean floors leave room for the imagination to run wild and attention to focus on the home's potential rather than the objectionable condition. However, many fail to realize this is not a one-size-fits-all approach. So often, white boxing a kitchen will draw unwanted attention to its flaws when an alternative color palate could easily mask the defects we aim to disguise.

Furthermore, buyers have grown somewhat tired of the stark and cool impact all-white spaces can have on the senses. Expectations and preferences are changing, and it's critical to be conscious of these changes. What was once a seamlessly reliable and failsafe system now risks coming across as profoundly ordinary and potentially undesirable altogether.

The Case for White Boxing 

While the white box approach may not be suitable for all homes, it still has its merits, particularly for those in poor condition that lack meaningful charm or character. Conceptually, whites are often synonymous with freshness and newness.

For homes that lack unique or special attributes, such as crown molding and wainscoting, arches, oversized windows or soaring ceilings, it is important to represent a blank canvas worthy of a buyer's artistry and personality. The intention is to avert deleterious first impressions so prospective buyers won't have to waste time struggling to see past neglect and dereliction.

Brutalized kitchens and bathrooms, paint peeling from the walls and ceilings, and lacerated floors are impossible to ignore and distract from the positive. Often, negative first impressions will linger and interfere with one's ability to consider a home's latent potential, ultimately leading to apathetic interest and lack of appreciation for the home's more resounding attributes.

Think About Buyer Preferences and Market Trends 

Most buyers today are focused on turnkey properties, unwilling to consider homes requiring even the most straightforward modifications. The goal for preparing a home for sale should focus on producing the best possible presentation for the smallest feasible investment.

In some cases, embracing the purity of white boxing offers a tantalizing blank canvas for eager buyers. However, for homes of distinguished pedigree that have not been maintained, a fervent dedication to restoration and revelation is imperative. It's not solely about the home's condition, but also about understanding current buyer preferences and market trends specific to certain style homes. Understanding when to restore timeless original parquet flooring in lieu of installing 7-inch wide oak planks or when to choose antique brass finishes versus polished chrome or nickel is paramount. By doing so, we can ensure that our strategies align with the needs and wants of potential buyers, increasing the chances of a successful sale.

Traditional Homes: Know What to Preserve 

Traditional homes, imbued with history, often require the most careful attention to detail. Making the appropriate selections to modify and improve the home's presentation properly will deeply influence how buyers respond. Knowing what to preserve and how to preserve it is critical. From crown moldings to wainscoting to parquet flooring to ornate doorknobs and gilded chandeliers, there are so many elements to a traditional home that must be gently safeguarded. Given that today's buyers seek the extraordinary, skillfully blending tradition with modernity can be transformative. Implementing rich jewel tones and contemporary wallpapers in kitchens, bathrooms and accent walls can achieve this dramatic effect. Jewel tones, such as emerald green, sapphire blue and ruby red, bring depth and richness, creating vibrant and alluring atmospheres. When paired with contemporary wallpapers featuring bold or textured designs, these colors can enhance any room's visual interest and character.

Using rich jewel tones for your kitchen cabinetry, or even just for the lower cabinets, can bring elegance. In bathrooms, these tones can add spa-like or hotel qualities, transforming a mundane area into an exciting retreat. Accent walls in living areas and bedrooms can serve as focal points, drawing attention and adding a touch of drama. Rich jewel tones and modern wallpapers can achieve a striking effect, blending traditional charm with contemporary flair.

Bring Out the Kitchen's Full Potential 

Let's consider a traditional rundown kitchen: Typically, you'll find dark and heavy but solid wood upper and lower cabinets in desperate need of sanding and restaining, with dark-speckled granite countertops sandwiched in between. Maybe you'll come across cracked tile flooring, worn kitchen taps and broken cabinet pulls and knobs. If we used the white box method, we would simply paint all the cabinetry white and replace the existing taps, basins and any other hardware with builder-grade polished chrome substitutions. While this would provide a necessary refresh, it may fail to highlight the kitchen's full potential and its most unique features.

Instead, by embracing the spirit of the home and leaning into its origins, we can offer something refreshingly different for buyers to consider. White uppers coupled with rich lowers will not only brighten the existing countertops but also facilitate the necessary fashion buyers are searching for. Choosing the simple yet sophisticated antique brass hardware for your taps and pulls will instantly tie everything together. Rather than installing your average run-of-the-mill flush mount ceiling fixture, opt for something with a touch of panache that complements your hardware selections.

Rich Hues in the Bathroom 

In bathrooms, similar principles apply. Instead of opting for a stark, all-white look, consider rich hues in the navy blue or hunter green families for accent walls or vanities paired with modern, patterned wallpapers to create a spa-like retreat. Updated brushed gold or antique bronze fixtures can complete the look, making the space feel current yet everlastingly luxurious. In bathrooms, more so than any other room in a home, light fixtures act as jewelry; it's the finishing touch. Carefully selecting the right jewelry is imperative; it can easily make just the right bold statement to intrigue buyers.

Consider Each Property’s Unique Characteristics

White boxing has long been a standard practice in preparing homes for sale. However, it's essential to recognize its limitations in today's evolving market. While it may work well for some properties, particularly those lacking in distinct charm or character, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Buyers' preferences are changing, and they often seek homes with personality and uniqueness.

For traditional homes with historical significance, preserving and enhancing their distinctive features is crucial. By incorporating rich hues, bold finishes and thoughtful design details, you can showcase the full potential of any space and leave a lasting impression on potential buyers.

Ultimately, the key to preparing a home for sale lies in understanding its unique qualities and aligning your approach with current market trends and buyer preferences. By carefully considering each property's individual characteristics and making strategic design choices, you can maximize its appeal and increase the likelihood of a successful sale.

Read more at RealEstate.USNews.com

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The Biggest Red Flag to Watch for If You’re Hiring a Painter

Some home projects are very obviously better left to a professional, such as roofing, electrical work, and plumbing, which all require specialized knowledge and skills.

Painting is one of those home projects that straddles the line. If you have the necessary painting supplies and a little patience, there are plenty of opportunities to DIY your own paint makeover. But there are also other times when you might want someone else to take on the task (think: rooms with high ceilings or an entire exterior that needs a freshening up). In those cases, you might consider hiring a painting contractor to get the job done.

But while you’re perusing the web and reading reviews, wading through the pros and cons of each business may prove difficult. So, how do you know if your chosen company is worthy of getting your business? To set your future painting projects up for success, four experts — two designers and two paint pros — weigh in on what’s considered a red flag when securing a painter. Their resounding top pick? The biggest red flag is when your contractor doesn’t have a license or proof of insurance.

Before you hire a painter, make sure they have a license and proof of insurance.

Just as with any situation, having insurance offers protection for everyone involved. In the case of pro painters, it safeguards you, your home, and the painting company from a variety of issues that may arise. “Without insurance, a homeowner is exposed if the painters get hurt on the job or if something gets damaged on the home,” says Paige NeJame, who owns CertaPro Painters of the South Shore and Boston in Massachusetts. 

Keely Smith, the lead designer at JD Elite Interiors in Vancouver, also warns of liability when working with an unlicensed paint contractor. “An uncertified painter might leave you on the hook for medical bills or repair costs from even a small mishap,” she warns. Additionally, a certified professional receives safety training, so you can have peace of mind that they’re qualified.

Be wary if painting contractors don’t have proof of insurance and certification readily available. “If a painter cannot produce an insurance certificate within a day, that is a sign that he or she does not have insurance,” says NeJame. “Most insurance agents, including ours, can produce a certificate of insurance within an hour.” She also adds that you should request the painter to add you, as the homeowner, as an additional insured person for added protection.

There are other things to look out for beyond licensing and insurance, though. Here are experts’ top watch-outs. 

Red flag: The painter won’t provide a specific outline for the scope of work.

You should always ask for a contract outlining the project’s parameters and approximate cost before signing a contract. Carla Bast owns a Minnesota-based studio, Carla Bast Design, and recommends always asking for a contract that lists specifics. “Request a written estimate that outlines the scope of work, materials used, timeline for completion, and warranty,” says Bast. She advises steering clear of any painters that can’t — or won’t — provide this information.

Red flag: The painter’s cost estimates are really broad.

Sometimes, a project estimate falls within a range instead of pinpointing a specific price, which isn’t a big concern unless the range is broad, as they may be trying to increase their profit margins. “For instance, if they note the brand name of paint they’ll use but don’t share the specific kind of paint, they can use a spectrum of quality with pricing from $14 to $100 per gallon,” reveals Bill Nishanian, who is the owner of Nash Painting in Nashville, Tennessee.

Red flag: The painter doesn’t specify the number of coats of paint they’ll use.

Nishanian also warns against contractors who don’t specify the number of coats of paint or how many colors they’ll use, as varying hues and multiple coats require extra time. “If that’s not clear in the initial contract, and you’ve paid a large deposit, they hold all the cards,” Nishanian says.

Red flag: The painter asks for a large deposit.

Nishanian says that deposits are another cautionary point. “Most of the time, they are making 40 to 60% profit on the job, and if they ask for 50% down, they guarantee that they will not lose money, whether you’re satisfied or not,” he says. On the other hand, companies that ask for a low deposit often prioritize the customer and their happiness. 

Read more at ApartmentTherapy.com

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How To Choose the Right Exterior Paint Colors for Your Home

Choosing the right exterior paint color for your home can be daunting.

After all, the color of your home is the first thing anyone notices, and it significantly impacts your home's overall curb appeal. But don't worry, we've got you covered. In this article, we'll walk you through how to choose the right exterior paint color for your home so you can be confident you've made the right choice.

Consider Your Surroundings
Your home's surrounding environment plays a crucial role when choosing an exterior paint color. Look at the color schemes of the surrounding homes, the lush landscaping, and the natural elements around you. You want to choose a color that complements and blends well with the existing colors to create a cohesive look. For example, if your home is surrounded by trees, you may want to choose earthy tones like olive green or brown that blend with nature.

Look at the Architecture of Your Home
The architecture of your home defines its unique style, and the right exterior paint color can enhance it. For example, if you have a Victorian-style home, you may want to consider soft, pastel colors like light blue, cream, or pink. Similarly, if you have a modern-style home, you may want to consider bold, vibrant colors like orange, yellow, or red.

Think About the Mood You Want To Create
Your home's exterior color sets the tone for anyone who sees it, so you want to choose a color that reflects the mood you want to create. For example, if you want to create a cozy, warm environment, consider neutral colors like beige, grey, or tan. Similarly, if you want to create a welcoming, cheerful vibe, consider bright, cheerful colors like yellow or turquoise.

Consider Maintenance and Durability
It's essential to choose a paint color that looks good, is durable, and is easy to maintain. Look for exterior paint that can withstand harsh weather conditions, resist fading, and is easy to clean. Consult a professional painter for recommendations on the best exterior paint brands and colors that meet your needs.

Test Out Samples
Before you commit to a color, testing out different shades first is crucial. Paint sample colors onto various sections of your home to see how they look in different lighting conditions. Observe how the color looks in the morning versus the evening or on a cloudy day versus a sunny day. This will give you a better idea of how the color will look long-term.

Choosing the right exterior paint color for your home takes careful consideration, but with these tips, you can be confident you're making the right choice. When choosing your home's exterior paint color, consider your surroundings, the architecture of your home, the mood you want to create, maintenance and durability, and test out paint samples. By considering all these factors, you'll be able to choose a paint color that enhances your home's style and personality and adds to its overall curb appeal.

Learn more at rismedia.com

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The Fifth Wall: Give Your Ceiling the Love it Deserves

When decorating your home, don’t forget about the fifth wall — better known as the ceiling.

An essential part of any room, the ceiling is arguably just as important as its floor-up counterparts. Ignore the ceiling, and you’re missing out on a prime opportunity to create a more unique space.

Manhattan-based architect, Lauren Rubin, of Lauren Rubin Architecture, shares her insights on why the fifth wall doesn’t get nearly enough play and the methods she uses to “zhoosh up” her clients’ staid ceilings — from making short spaces seem taller to adding depth to any space.

Why The 5th Wall Doesn’t Get Enough Respect

“Most people are scared of the ceiling because in some cases, such as wallpapering and adding architectural details, the changes are more permanent than a simple paint job,” Rubin says. “It’s just much easier to remain conservative with your choices and people just fall into that.”

Where Rubin sees a plain white ceiling, she also sees countless opportunities to make a space sing — especially in children’s nurseries, bedrooms, and playrooms. Parents are usually more open to relegating bold color and pattern to those spaces, initially. She first started her love affair with decorated ceilings by painting the ceilings of all-white kids’ rooms in bold colors.

“I prefer more interesting, whimsical spaces,” Rubin explains, “and kids’ rooms are perfect places to have fun.”

Start Small with Your Ceiling Treatment

In addition to kids’ rooms, smaller spaces like foyers and laundry rooms can be the perfect places to add a surprising pattern, detail or color to the ceiling. Since you and your houseguests won’t spend time lingering in those spaces, Rubin says, “One should be wowed upon walking in.” Their vibrancy won’t seem overpowering because presumably, they’re pass-through spaces.

Let the Architecture Be Your Guide

Rubin never adds ceiling details that aren’t meant to be there. “Be true to your home’s locale and its history,” she says. Ceiling medallions, coffers, wood beams, coved and crown moldings and plaster tracery are each indicative of prewar styles. Sure, tin ceilings look just right in a 1900s Irish pub, but in a postwar residence, they probably don’t make sense. In prewar homes, ornate and coved moldings look superb while at once, architecturally accurate.

Transform a Ceiling — and the Space Will Follow

Here are some general dos and don’ts:

• When walls are painted in neutral or lighter shades, add wallpaper to a ceiling. “Clients don’t feel as overwhelmed as they do whenever I suggest wallpapering all four walls,” says Rubin.

• Different decorative techniques produce a bevy of results: Embellishing a ceiling can mask or accentuate certain details and can create depth and interest in a room where once there was none.

• For a statement ceiling, Rubin creates a pristine mirror-like finish (sans paint strokes and imperfections) on ceilings via spray-on lacquer. Although the lacquer is somewhat costly and semi-permanent (you need to sand it off if you ever want to repaint), it reflects light beautifully throughout a space. But don’t think you can achieve the same result with high-gloss or metallic paints, which will show every blemish.

• For a more subtle look, Rubin uses white or neutral wallpaper with a raised pattern to create interesting shadows and depth via its texture. Likewise, wallpaper with a small repeating print on a white background, or a background that matches the wall color, can mask issues such as small cracks and uneven surfaces, too, while adding a “zen-like quality.”

• For uneven ceilings or awkwardly shaped spaces, use the same color paint as the walls — or the same wallpaper. “It tricks the eye into not understanding where the walls stop and the ceiling begins,” explains Rubin, “so you simply won’t notice flaws like a low ceiling or irregular lines.”

• Steer clear of adorned ceilings in kitchens and bathrooms. “Kitchens should be functional,” she says. “I’m not trying to draw the eye up and I’m not trying to make a kitchen overly fun, either.”

For more ceiling decoration tips, go to Corcoran Inhabit.

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