color selection - Colour Solutions

Rethink Color!

Everyone knows that changing your home’s interior paint colors is the easiest and most cost-effective way to update and upgrade. Over the last few years, neutral choices have become the trend. Muted shades of earth tones such as grays, beiges, and creams, along with calm blues and soft greens are very popular in southeastern N.C. homes. However, after a few years of living with a neutral color scheme, some homeowners may be ready for a little more….well, color!

Interestingly enough this year’s “Color of the Year” chosen by the Pantone Corporation is Radiant Orchid. If you’ve ever stopped to think where paint color choices originate, the Pantone Corporation gets the credit for its matching system. It was developed by a chemist, Lawrence Herbert, in the 1960’s. For over 40 years, the Pantone Color Matching System has been used in the creation of fabrics, paints, and plastics. Knowing that, it is no surprise that the color analysts at Pantone are highly regarded for their trend setting predictions.

Radiant Orchid-2014’s Color of the Year, is described as, “An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.”

See it here.

Now if this choice sounds a bit extreme for your walls, remember that painting doors, window frames, trim, ceilings, bookshelf walls, mantles, stairways and banisters, are several excellent ways to introduce some fresh color into your home.

Although painting is an easy and economical choice, the tough part is choosing colors we can live with. If you are hesitant to make a decision and worried that your paint choice will lack staying power, please schedule an appointment with one of our paint experts. Just call 910-686-3067 to choose a time that works best for you!

Exterior House Painting – Add Accents with Windows and Doors

February 22, 2013 By Rachel Joye

Home Exterior accent paint colors can help you achieve the look you desire, whether that be a more formal, casual or whimsical appearance.

As with interior design and fashion, choosing paint colors for your home’s exterior takes a little know-how. Highlighting a home’s front door in a contrasting color is a great way for a homeowner to express their creativity and boost curb appeal. In times past, the preferred color choices were black, green, and red. Today’s homeowners are faced with so many exterior paint choices that making a decision can be tough. In a recent article from This Old House magazine, architectural color consultant, Amy Wax, offered a few suggestions.

Before you zip out to the paint store, take a moment to consider these points:

the architectural style of your home
what the exterior is constructed of and its color or colors
the door’s trim
the exterior entryway leading to the front door-is it wood, stone, brick?

Wax explained that for homes with solid colored, neutral exteriors, the paint pick for the front door should serve to compliment and enhance. Siding that is pale, such as white, gray, or beige; practically begs for a pop of color. Formal, stodgy entrances take on a new attitude with an unexpected choice that is both bright and bold. Casual residences can look more sophisticated when the front door is painted a glossy, deep shade of a primary color such as blue or yellow. For a touch of whimsy, consider using ice cream colors or shades inspired from the Caribbean: turquoise, coral, and sea foam green.

Doors that incorporate glass are able to handle strong shades because the glass tends to soften the overall effect. Residences with darker exteriors benefit dramatically when the front door color is incorporated artfully. Wax suggests repeating a shade that is already present and playing it up. For example, is the perfect choice lurking in shade variations within the brick or stonework? The answer could also be discovered in the home’s surrounding foliage or foundation plantings.

If you are on the cautious side, don’t worry. Paint stores provide samples so you can try a color or two out before committing to an entire gallon. For inspiration, here is the link to the article and photos from the This Old House article: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20567862,00.html

If you want help choosing colors or for us to give you a quote for painting services, you can request a quote online or call us directly at 910-686-3067.

Rethink Color!

Exterior House Painting – Add Accents with Windows and Doors

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