*Each year our favorite paint companies release their color of the year. Keep scrolling to see the predictions for 2021! ​

Aegean Teal 2136-40
Take a moment to reflect and reset. Intriguing, balanced, and deeply soothing, the Benjamin Moore Color of the Year 2021, Aegean Teal 2136-40, creates natural harmony. Nourish the spirit with the comforting, sunbaked hues of the Color Trends 2021 palette, including Aegean Teal 2136-40.

Celebrate the simple pleasures—think the faded rumple of linen sheets in the morning and perfectly ripened fruits on the windowsill. The twelve hues in the palette radiate warmth and wellbeing. These are colors that make your home feel even more like home. Settle in.

​Urbane Bronze SW 7048
Tap into nature with a hue whose warmth and comfort breathe down-to-earth tranquility. The Sherwin Williams 2021 Color of the Year, Urbane Bronze, captures that simple sophistication every space is searching for.

Find Your Sanctuary

Now more than ever, our homes have become the backdrop to our lives, reminding us that the moments worth cherishing have always been right in front of us. As we're looking to create the ultimate retreat for reflection and renewal, we're turning to a hue whose natural simplicity and nature-inspired energy cultivate a sense of calm from the ground up.

Rooted in Nature
​
The trend for biophilia continues to shape our spaces, proving that nature is never far away. Urbane Bronze might be a color rooted in nature, but it also has a unique ability to ground a room through organic appeal. Whether it's accentuating window trims or accent walls, this warm hue draws from nature for a feeling of relaxation and serenity. It also works well with other biophilic elements including, light-filled spaces and foliage.

​Dunn Edwards October Color of the Month: Rosewine
​
Fall is well on its way come October and as the weather cools, our tastes naturally turn to more saturated, darker tones. Tones that envelop us in their warmth. October’s color of the month Rosewine (DE5019), continues the exploration into fall’s drama and depth, which began last month. As rose blossoms in the garden have given way to darkened rose hips, so too have our sights shifted from pinker hues of summer to velvety plums and reds reminiscent of the season’s impending wine harvest.

I’ve been choosing a lot of whites recently which has me so excited!This recent color and redesign project is almost complete, other than waiting on a new white leather couch and chair.

I get asked a lot about what are the best whites simply due to the various undertones and overkill of what seems like hundreds of shades to choose from. She, like many of my do it yourself clients, had several white squares painted on her walls (see before photo below) which most times only serves to confuse more as the color is skewed by the existing, surrounding color. This is what led her to ask around and ultimately be referred to me. 

When I visited her she had already selected a couch from Tema so she had the white leather swatch to show me. Based on her the swatch, her flooring, her lighting and what she wanted, I specified Sherwin Williams Snowbound for the walls which is a very clean white but not a stark blueish white. We still wanted a slight contrast between the walls and the baseboard and doors so I chose High Reflective White- one of the purest, brightest whites Sherwin Williams has with a lovely undertone. I also specified a different sheen from the walls.

She wanted to keep an accent wall so I suggested we change the wall to a different wall than her original accent wall. 

I chose the selected wall for several reasons:
1. It’s an open floor plan in the entry way, living room and dining room. The wall I chose is next to her dining table so it gives the feeling of a separate section.
2. When you enter into the living room from the entry way you see only white walls so it’s sleek and her artwork is the main focus.
3.  Anytime I do an accent wall the question is, is there something to accentuate? The original purple accent wall didn’t need to be accentuated.
4. The additional purple wall around the back door was on the same plain as the fireplace wall and at one time had been a corner that was a small reading nook. Without that nook it served no purpose as an accent wall. As a matter of fact it chopped up the look and drew your eye away from the fireplace and brought attention to the outside door instead.

She wanted a blue accent this time so I spec’d a beautiful, elegant blue from Sherwin Williams called Granite Peak. She ordered a blue chair from Tema.

Phase 1- She did bot hire a professional painter so I specified the type of paint to buy. She and a friend and a handyman did ALL the painting.

Phase 2- She and I went shopping for furniture and artwork.

(The current after pictures shown are the white leather furniture but when it came in she felt it was uncomfortable so she will be returning it.) We found a beautiful and comfortable white leather tufted couch and chair which are now on order from Tema.

The artwork and buffet are from Ethan Allen.

​I love “shopping” in other rooms to find the perfect accessories while keeping on budget -so the metal artwork I took from her hallway and switched up with some other artwork from her office.

Lastly, the metal vases and off-white statues on the buffet were regrouped.

More photos to come when the new furniture comes in! 

In the third of a three-part series, we are sharing some photos of some of the more popular grays and how different they can look according to the lighting and what surrounds them, like other walls, counter-tops, furniture and flooring. (Disclaimer- unless otherwise noted these are our own amateur iPhone photos from our jobs. We are great at choosing colors and painting, not necessarily photography!)

Sherwin Williams Argos (Photo credit Calvary Albuquerque)

Sherwin Williams Argos

Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray

Sherwin Williams Aloof Gray

Sherwin Williams Modern Gray

Sherwin Williams Skyline Steel

The next two colors are actually more of a greige than gray.

Sherwin Williams Shiitake 

Sherwin Williams Megagreige 

In the second of a two part series, we are sharing  some photos of some of the more popular grays and how different they can look according to the lighting and what surrounds them, like other walls, counter-tops, furniture and flooring. (Disclaimer- these are our own amateur iPhone photos.) 

Gauntlet Gray

Shown here: Anew Gray, Keystone Gray and Warm Stone

Drift of Mist and Modern Gray (Wall in reflection is Parisian Patina)

Gauntlet Gray 

Agreeable Gray (ceiling Gale Force)

Anew Gray

Anew Gray

Agreeable Gray (Ceiling Brainstorm Bronze)

Skyline Steel (Cabinet Gris)

Mindful Gray and Gauntlet Gray

Chelsea Gray and Anonymous

Intellectual Gray

Floor- Felted Wool

Modern Gray

Aloof Gray

Dovetail 

Gris

Warm Stone

Modern Gray

Anonymous Gray 

Agreeable Gray

Skyline Steel 

If you need help choosing the perfect gray and/or the perfect light bulbs for your space, contact me.

During a color consultation I look at your fixed elements and choose the right color(s), lightbulbs and sheen according to undertones, temperature, and light reflective value (LRV). I work with Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore and Dunn Edwards paints.  

Sherwin Williams 
CAVERN CLAY

"A warm terracotta color with ancient, elemental roots, Cavern Clay, is Sherwin Williams 2019 Color of the Year. Cavern Clay is a nod to midcentury modern style, but with the soul of the American Southwest, which together creates a desert modern aesthetic.

This warm, earthy hue is both casual and refined. It can be the backdrop of a playful, welcoming dining room or kitchen when paired with bright tiles, warm stone and sculptural greenery. Complementary materials include leather, simple woodgrains and indigenous cacti in contemporary, sleek gardening planters.
​
Cavern Clay is an easy way to bring the warmth of the outdoors in. Envision beaches, canyons and deserts, and sun-washed late summer afternoons-all of this embodied in one color." 
Sherwin Williams

Benjamin Moore 
METROPOLITAN

"Calm, composed and effortlessly sophisticated, Benjamin Moore's Color of the Year 2019, Metropolitan, exudes glamour, beauty and balance."

"Metropolitan AF-690 emanates nuance, harmony and extravagant ease. Always adaptable, it softens to matte or shimmers with sheen. It's neutral. It's understated. It just is. This is color, off-duty." 

-Ellen O'Neill, Benjamin Moore & Co.

Dunn Edwards SPICE OF LIFE

"Dunn-Edwards 2019 Color of the Year, Spice of Life , is inspired by a celebration of what makes life interesting and exciting. It's warm, inviting, adventurous and life-affirming. This strong, enticing, spice-market blend adds a complex, flavorful seasoning to design palettes. The elements of orange in the hue give a grounded, substantial feeling to design.

This strong, full-bodied and intense hue, full of passion and life, can look organic and natural or appear moody and sophisticated. In its organic and natural world, Spice of Life represents a colorful expression inspired by global crafts. When playing subtle and stylish, this lush, refined hue is eternal - historic, yet youthful." 
Dunn-Edwards

Pantone
LIVING CORAL

"Vibrant, yet mellow Living Coral embraces us with warmth and nourishment to provide comfort and buoyancy in our continually shifting environment.
In reaction to the onslaught of digital technology and social media increasingly embedding into daily life, we are seeking authentic and immersive experiences that enable connection and intimacy. Sociable and spirited, the engaging nature of Living Coral welcomes and encourages lighthearted activity. Symbolizing our innate need for optimism and joyful pursuits, Living Coral embodies our desire for playful expression.
Representing the fusion of modern life, PANTONE Living Coral is a nurturing color that appears in our natural surroundings and at the same time, displays a lively presence within social media." 
Pantone
​

 Whether you love it or hate it, you can't ignore that gray is one of the most popular colors in home decor today. If the trend is on it's way out, New Mexico hasn't gotten the memo yet.I still get many calls from people who are looking for the perfect gray.

There are many shades of gray, some warm, some cool and the average homeowner, if not skilled at seeing undertones and understanding lighting, can end up with blue walls, green walls or purple walls. That's where I come in; many people need help before they invest the money and paint the wrong color.

In the first of a two part series, I want to share some photos of some of the more popular grays and how different they can look according to what surrounds them, the fixed elements- like other walls, countertops, furniture and flooring- as well as lighting. (Disclaimer- these are my own amateur iPhone photos, so color is not as accurate.)

The following two photos are Anew Gray from Sherwin Williams on the walls and ceilings in the same home. 

Anew Gray

This dramatic staircase is Anonymous Gray.

These pictures of Agreeable Gray are at the same fitness studio- just a different amount of natural light shining on some of the walls. 

Not entirely gray, Balanced Beige is more of a greige. But for this homeowner, with the warmth of the fixed elements, this was their perfect gray. 
​
In the second photo (different house) the lighting shows a bit more of the beige while still retaining a slight grayish tone. 

These photos are from two different homes. They are all Dorian Gray. 

Stay tuned for Part 2, coming soon! If you need help choosing your color palette, give me a call!

The exterior of your home or business is the first thing that visitors see and should have a welcoming appearance. With a professional exterior paint job you can create an aesthetically pleasing house or office that creates a first impression that speaks volumes about you and/or your business.

The goal of color design in an architectural space is not for decoration alone. Humans react to color in very profound ways and make subconscious decisions based on experiences with color and the physiological responses in the body. For example studies have shown red stimulates our appetite and increases our blood pressure while blue suppresses the appetite and lowers our blood pressure.

We are also conditioned by nature and our environment. Take yellow and black, the colors of pedestrian crossing and other warning signs as well as police tape- which are meant to alert us to potential danger. This same color scheme is used for bulldozers and more than one brand of drills and tools- thus making it a powerful, more masculine color scheme. Yet, used individually, yellow and black take on very different meanings and reactions. Such as cheerfulness for yellow and sophistication for black.

For graphic designers, advertisers, architects, decorators and color consultants, choosing color is vital to achieving a desired outcome. Colors do create an atmosphere, a mood and influence buyers.

The right exterior colors in commercial projects can:

• Decrease vacancies in office buildings, restaurants and retail shops
• Increase the lease price
• Increase property values
• Increase top of mind awareness for a brand (think of The Home Depot or Tiffany & Co colors)
• Create curb appeal and draw the eye in (which is even more vital if a building is set back from the street)
• Keeps the business competitive
• Attract a higher end clientele

The right exterior colors in residential projects can:

• Increase property values
• Create a welcoming, aesthetically pleasing home
• Leads to significantly less time on the real estate market
• Promote feelings of safety, community and pride of ownership

And of course whether it is commercial or residential, getting the colors right the first time saves time and money.

Tips for using exterior color:

• Modulate or color the building to create movement, balance or rhythm. Rather than using different colors based on materials, look at architectural blocks.
• Exterior color is lighter and brighter- so go 1-2 shades darker than you think
• Because darker colors fade faster in intense sunlight, make sure you’re prepared to do upkeep
• Color points us in the right direction. Even without signage, color can be used to direct a person to the entrance.

If you need help with choosing colors or any painting projects, give us a call and we’ll get it done right the first time.

Our client loved her oak cabinets, tan colored tiles and dark Formica counter top-15 years ago. But like many of our clients she was ready for an update to brighten up her space. 

I worked with the client, visiting tile and kitchen stores in person and online to find the simple, white (vanilla) quartz countertop, the multi-gray backsplash, the cabinet pulls, and the wood look tile. Paint colors were chosen making sure the undertones worked perfectly.
​
PaintSmith, Steve and his team worked his magic and painted the cabinets with Benjamin Moore Advance Satin -color match to Sherwin Williams Alabaster White. Agreeable Gray, a warm gray, was chosen for the walls. 

If your kitchen or bath is ready for an update, let us help you from start to finish with your project.

Color Consulting
Redesign
Painting

Color and room layout can have a profound effect on your mood, your energy level and your overall life experience. How do you choose your perfect color palette?
 
While every color consult we do is a little different, here are 5 common things most people don't give enough consideration to when they are choosing colors.


1. Color Psychology - Think about places you spend a lot of time like your office, your favorite restaurant, your friends home, your home, your gym. What kind of feelings or energy level do you experience? Now think about the surroundings, light, color, furniture. Can you sense a connection between the color and how it affects you? Does it feel cozy? Relaxing? Stimulating? Does it make you feel calm? Productive? Creative? Powerful? Talkative? Sleepy? Energetic? And it's not just about moods or feelings, it's physical too. Studies show that blue can actually lower your blood pressure while red increases it.

 
The place to start with color psychology is to ask yourself what is the purpose of the room? Once you have determined that, you can begin to narrow your color choices down. (Even if you are painting a neutral white, gray, tan or beige, you'll still have plenty of color uses through your accessories.)
 
Here are some colors and the possible effects to them:
 
Black 
White 
Red 
Blue 
Green 
Yellow 
Purple 
Brown 
Orange 
Pink
 
Next ask yourself if there are there any colors you hate? Blue can create a spa like feeling in your master suite, but if you hate the color blue or associate it with bad memories, clearly it will not affect you in a positive way!
 
Don't choose by the color name. Names can be very deceiving. Here is an example of a color consultation I did for a couple who had chosen their own gray but once the color stared going on the wall it turned a blueish gray which was not at all what they had in mind. To get the color they wanted, I chose a color named  Accessible Beige. As you can see this greige appears totally gray on their walls! With beige in the name this wouldn't have been a color they would have chosen and they would have missed out on exactly what they wanted.

2. Temperature & Undertones- This is a big one that can make or break your look. Your first step is determining if your fixed elements (flooring, counter tops, etc.) are warm or cool. You will want to stay in the same temperature in order to have the most harmonious look. Using this photo again as an example, you'll see the flooring, the wood furniture and the rug are all warm undertones, which is why the original gray they chose didn’t work. It was a cool gray with cool undertones. So although you may think gray is a cool color, like all colors it has a warmer version and a cooler version. You may gravitate towards a cool gray but if your fixed elements are warm, you should opt for a warm gray. The fact that all colors have warm or cool versions is good news because you can still incorporate your favorite color into your palette by choosing the right temperature. For example if these homeowners wanted a blue rug instead of the red, they would just need to choose a warm blue and it'd be gorgeous!
 
3. Are you painting the ceiling too?
Don't assume that your white ceiling doesn't have an undertone. Many times it appears to be pure white but in reality it has a red, yellow, blue or green undertone that isn't apparent until you paint the walls a new color. Case in point- I had a client who wanted to change their light mocha colored walls to a light gold. Because the walls were mocha, the white of the ceiling appeared white. However, when I held up the 8x11 light gold color chip next to the ceiling, the red undertone was apparent and looked slighty pink. So although the ceiling paint was in really good condition and repainting was going to increase her cost, she wanted the new color so I chose Navajo White which has a yellow undertone (which like the red is indiscernible) and looks just like white on the ceiling.
 
4. LRV- Light Reflective Value is how much light reflects or absorbs. In other words how dark or how light a room will appear. What kind of look are you trying to achieve? Light, bright and airy? Or dark, cozy and dramatic? The LVR number is 0% for the absolutist blackest and 100% for the lightest white.
Most people prefer a color somewhere in the 45-55% range. However, you'll want to take into consideration how much light you get in your room. If it’s a dark room to begin with you may want to go as little lighter and lower on the LRV scale to get the color you really want. Or if the room is already very bright, you would be safe to go a little higher on the LRV scale.
 
 5. Lastly, do what you like! You are the one who will be living or working in your space so if something makes you feel good but doesn't follow the "rules" go ahead and be a rebel!
 
Like life, you will be more satisfied if you are surrounded by what makes your heart sing and have flow, harmony and purpose.
 
If you are still unsure about choosing colors and want to avoid costly mistakes, contact us to schedule a color consultation!