| | Published April 10th, 2013
| The Home Designer Color Blind
| | By Brandon Neff |  | | Deep blue walls add a warm and dramatic background in this art-filled living room. Photos Brandon Neff Design
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Nothing seems to freak out my clients more than choosing paint - color, finish, brand - you name it. It seems that for some, picking from myriad color chips and options turns a creative endeavor into a nightmare. My patent response to individuals struggling with the "paint" conundrum is, "Don't panic - if you don't like it, you get a do-over." Paint is one of the least expensive ways to update any room, and is never permanent. With that said, I'm here to offer a bit of solace and help you get it right the first time. Here's your paint primer (so to speak) - a few tricks-of-my-trade designed to guide you through one of the most gratifying elements of a room.
Color Me Mine. For many, color is subjective. Most people looking to make a change to their walls and ceilings gravitate toward either cool or warm hues - color hits us viscerally and in a very personal way. Some choose white (or a variation of beige), as a way to stay neutral and non-committal. However, it's been my experience that deep down everyone has a passion for one color over another. But where to begin? I often tell clients to look to their closets for inspiration - colors you wear in the world are colors you like to have around you at home. It's no coincidence that denim jeans and the color blue are two of America's favorites. I also like to use fabrics and rugs to help determine a wall color - a little trick is to search out the least dominant color in your pillows, bedding or area rug, and choose that as your wall color - an easy way to create continuity in your space.
Finish Line. Beyond color, choosing the right finish is essential to both the look you're trying to achieve and for lasting results. Here are a few key things to remember: Flat Latex is best for living rooms, bedrooms and ceilings, or for anywhere you want a more matte finish. Flat emulsions offer a beautiful, "powdery" look to walls, and are the most flattering to walls with surface imperfections and cracks. However, flat paint offers only minimal protection against scuffs and scratches. Low Sheen (Eggshell) is great for rooms with higher moisture such as bathrooms and kitchens. I also recommend low sheen paints for kids' rooms, family rooms and anywhere fingerprints and stains are more likely to happen because it's easier to clean. If your walls are heavily textured, or "orange peeled," I would suggest sticking to a flat finish. Semi Gloss (Enamel) is your hardest wearing - great for doors, window trims and mouldings. Enamel paints offer a durable hard shell finish that's easy to wipe clean and accentuates any interior architecture. And, don't think all trims must be bright white either - try a semi-gloss black for doors to add major drama to any room. High Gloss (Lacquer) is a proven winner for painted furniture, high gloss finishes also bring luminescence and depth to walls and ceilings. Since many layers need to be applied, and the walls need to be prepped properly, I recommend hiring a professional for this application.
Inside Job. Keep these insider tips in your back pocket when starting your next paint project: To blur the lines of uneven walls don't be afraid to take the wall color up onto the ceiling - no one said all ceilings must be white. Wrapping the entire room in one color opens up a room and expands the space. Great for darker colors! Take a cue from the sky and add a touch of light blue or gray to your white ceiling paint - I figure if it works in nature it'll work in the home, as well. Looks especially sharp when combined with bright white crown moulding. For a dreamy, flattering light in a dining room choose a metallic paint for the ceiling. New colors in gold, silver and platinum are adding a candlelit look to rooms, and bathe you and your guests in a warm, romantic glow.
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 | | A rich wall color highlights both the leather chairs and mercury glass accents.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA