neutral colors | Crestwood Painting

Chameleon Colors

We transformed the inside of a nice Brookside home and the homeowner ran into exactly what’s described here: colors that on one wall or time of day looked completely different than another. The homeowner was surprised, but Debby Zimmer at Paint Quality Institute explains what’s going on:

“Deep, highly saturated shades have been popular for years, but the palette that’s in vogue right now is just the opposite. Interior designers and colorists are favoring lighter hues that just tease the eye with subtle hints of color.

During the daytime, a wall color might appear to be in the pale green family, but at night, under artificial light, it may take on a yellow caste.

Vaguely reminiscent of the “pastels” of yesteryear, the light colors that are gaining popularity today are more sophisticated ensembles, often marrying three or more different hues to create soft color that is often hard to put a name to. Layering color in this way also produces some interesting visual effects.

Because the new tints are so changeable under different lighting conditions, a useful recommendation is to apply some sizable swatches of the paint color to several of your walls and live with them for a day or two before fully committing to the color.

Because the new tints are not pure yellows, greens, or whatever, many have a chameleon-like quality, shifting their appearance slightly when the light changes.

During the daytime, a wall color might appear to be in the pale green family, but at night, under artificial light, it may take on a yellow caste. Likewise, a light bluish tint might gravitate toward pale gray in dimmer light.

Because the new tints are so changeable under different lighting conditions, a useful recommendation is to apply some sizable swatches of the paint color to several of your walls and live with them for a day or two before fully committing to the color. That way, you can be sure you’ll like your new choice at every time of day or night.

The emerging trend to tints is part of the natural ebb and flow that occurs in the paint industry every five years or so, and this stage of the cycle offers some tangible rewards to those who jump on board.

For one thing, repainting walls, ceilings and woodwork in lighter-colored paint tends to “open up” the area, making any room seem more spacious.

Perhaps even more important is the psychological benefit that comes with a lighter indoor environment. Brighter surroundings can lift our spirits, no matter what the color. And soft tints derived from certain color families – green and blue, for example – have a restful quality that can be restorative after a stressful day.

If you’re truly serious about doing some interior painting, there’s no time like the present. Adding some light new paint color is the perfect antidote to winter’s shorter days and gloomier weather. You’ll be right in step with the latest trend in interior painting, and you’ll find 2016 to be a far brighter new year!”

For more information on paint color and painting techniques, visit the Paint Quality Institute blog at blog.paintquality.com or its website at www.paintquality.com.

About the PAINT QUALITY INSTITUTE℠

The Paint Quality Institute was formed in 1989 to educate people on the advantages of using quality interior and exterior paints and coatings. The Paint Quality Institute’s goal is to provide information on the virtues of quality paint as well as color trends and decorating with paint through a variety of vehicles, including television appearances, newspaper and magazine articles, and instructional literature. Please be sure to visit the Paint Quality Institute at www.paintquality.com. PAINT QUALITY INSTITUTE and PAINTQUALITY.COM are trademarks of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow.

CONTACT:

Deborah Zimmer
The Paint Quality Institute℠
Dow Coating Materials

Tips For Dark Paint Colors

‘Dja ever notice that deep paint colors don’t seem to cover as well as lighter colors? There’s a simple reason for this and it involves a recent post about titanium dioxide.

Let’s say you’ve chosen a deep orange for your living room – this really happened about three weeks ago (along with deep burgundy, chocolate brown, etc). Because these colors requires so much tint to achieve the deep colors paint manufacturers must remove some other ingredients to make room.

One of the things that’s got to go is titanium dioxide – the chief component that gives paint its hiding power. That means you’ll almost certainly see the original color through the first coat, probably the second, etc. I’ve heard of professional painters applying five coats (in addition to the old trick of using a gray primer coat) before they achieved deep and even coverage. Paint quality really comes into play here – low quality (and low priced) paint never covers very well; you’ll eat up any savings with increase labor costs. Or simple aggravation if you’re a DIY’er.

Paint quality certainly affects coverage, but at a certain point you simply bump into the tug-of-war between tint (deep colors) and hiding power (titanium dioxide or similar). As there’s only so much room in the can; something’s got to give.

This is why we always make a point to ask about colors when we first meet with a customer to discuss an estimate. Most people assume that paint is paint and colors are colors and they appreciate an open discussion about how their color choices can affect the cost of their project.

And not all paints are available in all colors. Manufacturers make different paint “bases” – some are formulated for lighter colors and others are for darker colors. So, for example, if a certain high quality interior wall paint isn’t available in an ultra-deep base so we’ll have to use a more commercial-grade paint for that particular color. Just some of the trade-offs that manufacturers make between product line, cost, sales volume, etc.

Color of the Year

New colors are declared “trendy” by those that know such things. Usually it warrants nothing more than a harrumph, but in this case it’s very clear that somebody got carried away with their Barney/Cookie Monster childhood.

Where would one use such a color? Options are limited as this color will likely induce motion sickness. Maybe a roller coaster? Primary school? Dandy sport coat?

Depending on your appetite for risk you might try this paint color in your living room – but understand the in-laws might not have a positive reaction. Last year’s color was a good bit more tolerable.

Crestwood Painting customers are a bit more courageous with color; nonetheless, this year’s color of the year might be a bit much. If you do find yourself so possessed please let me know – I’ll be over for a photo before we’re asked to repaint.

Paint Colors – Go Neutral, Or Not?

Interior paint colors neutral colors kansas city painter crestwood painting — Neutral colors in a traditional home.

Another update from Kansas City color consultant Diane Stewart at Color Sense Consulting. Interior colors can be tricky and, as Diane points out, too often a generic off-white is the not-quite-best choice. Here’s Diane Stewart:

There are many things to consider when choosing interior paint colors. It may seem easier to just pick beige, white, or gray. But, if you do, it should be because it’s the right choice for the situation, not the default.

One of the first things to mull over is whether the paint colors should be in the background, or the main attraction.

Assess your furnishings, artwork, and possessions. If you have many things in various colors, then it makes sense to have a quiet background. But, if you don’t have a lot of stuff, then you can make a statement by filling your rooms with color.

Another piece to take into account is whether you plan to stay, or are considering resale. If you plan on staying, you can personalize your home to suit your taste, and indulge your desire for color. But, if you want your home to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible, then neutrals may be the best choice.

Most people assume that choosing neutrals is easy, but that’s not the case. Every color has an undertone, or the color beneath the color. It’s easy to see yellow-green versus blue-green or orange red versus blue red. But what about beige, white or gray?

Did you know that Benjamin Moore offers over 140 variations of white? Or that beige can have undertones of yellow, pink, or green? And gray can have blue, green, or purple? Unfortunately, the ubiquitous pinky beige is the most difficult undertone to work with, and often shows up in tile and countertops.

If you feel overwhelmed looking at paint chips, you can take the guesswork out of the process by working with a color consultant. In an hour or two, you’ll have a great color scheme specifically designed for your house.

Color Tips for Exterior Paint

exterior paint colors kansas city — After: harmonious colors unify the whole.

These tips from Diane Stewart, Color & Design Consultant at Color Sense Consulting. With this home, Diane favors softer contrasts and warmer tones that help the whole to blend with the landscape. Older homes or new, Diane consistently delights her customers through both the color process and the final results.

Bright white paint for trim is overdone. It looks harsh and artificial, and causes glare in sunlight. Instead, off-white, cream, putty, or light gray will provide a softer contrast.

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Chameleon Colors

Tips For Dark Paint Colors

Color of the Year

Paint Colors – Go Neutral, Or Not?

Color Tips for Exterior Paint

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