Adding This Can Change Your World

Photo courtesy of Leonie Freeman / Hardie Grant Books

One of the most talked about words I can think of is - color. Maybe it's because I'm a designer and I select colors almost every day for my clients. Yet, I notice at parties, events and chats with friends, that color almost always comes up in the discussion. 

We could be discussing colors for the upcoming wedding, the color of a sunset or the color of a new puppy. We select fruit, vegetables and even meat, fish or poultry based on how the 'color' looks. 

However, one color I never seem to wear is the color 'green'. I think it goes back to years wearing a green school uniform. It's not that I don't like green (our bedroom is a forest green), it's just one of those things with my wardrobe. 

In our home though you can find lots of green as an accent color. Mostly it's the green of the hydrangea leaves or the green of a large fern in a basket. I can't imagine not having plants in our home. The most beautiful homes I've visited have plants like orchids with their wide leaves, or ficus trees with shiny leaves, or beautiful rooms with leafy design wallpapers. Plants 'complete' a room just like jewelry completes an outfit.

Photo courtesy of Thibaut 

Beyond the beauty of the plant is what it does for your emotions. According to NBC News the article states that "Studies have also proven that indoor plants improve concentration and productivity (by up to 15 percent!), reduce stress levels and boost your mood — making them perfect for not just your home but your work space, too." 

Imagine that! You can bring some beauty into your home, reduce your stress level and boost your mood at the same time with the addition of plants. 

Today add a plant to your desk or cut some stems from your garden. Visit garden centers like Terrain to get inspiration you've never experienced before. 

Mary Alice Smith - 732 608-7583

M. A. Smith Interior Design 

Residential and Commercial Interior Design

E-mail: masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com 

Allied Member ASID

Member of Kiwanis Club of Greater Toms River 

Website:  http://masmithinteriordesign.com

Blog:  The Coastal Confidante Blog 

Serving Coastal New Jersey homeowners and businesses for 20 years

Do You Need Help With Choosing Paint Colors For Your Home?

How do you know if you need help with choosing paint colors for your home? If any of the situations below resonate with your present dilemma, maybe it's time for a little help from the experts.

• You have a bulging file of paint chips from your neighborhood paint stores that are now weeks, months or even years old.
• The topic of most of your conversations with friends or family about your home revolves around paint colors.
• There are enumerable samples painted on your walls and none seem to work just right.

If you nodded your head to any of the above, take heart there is hope! Many of my clients were exactly where you are now. They want so badly to pick just the right color, but cannot find the answer and it's driving them crazy.

So, if you know it's time to call 'in the troops' to win the war on paint color selection, here is what to expect when the designer arrives to help you find the perfect color:

1. Upon arriving at your home (during daylight is best), the designer will want to see your home to get a feel for the style of décor that you presently have.
2. The designer will ask you questions and listen to what you have to say about your color preferences or dislikes.
3. (She will not start suggesting colors yet!)
4. There will be a discussion about how you want to 'feel' in the space (For instance, relaxed or energized) with the new color.
5. Concepts about color and the effects of color in a room will be discussed.
6. The designer will take note of the present furnishings, flooring, lighting, etc. because they all affect how a color will look in a space.
7. Armed with paint chips and sometimes paint sample boards, the designer will start to show you some sample colors, tints or shades to see your reaction (good or bad) for reference.
8. After ruling out certain colors, you and the designer will begin to fine tune the selection.
9. A selection may be made at that point, and the designer will record your selection with suggested finishes (flat, flat matte, satin, etc.) and leave you sample color chips.
10. If you're still not sure - Your next step is to return to your paint store and order (yes, one more time) a quart or two of sample paint. With paint in hand, you should test the paint either on the wall, or my favorite - on a 20 x 30 piece of foam-core from Michaels, A. C. Moore or other art supply store.

Of course, the designer may do the legwork on #10 and return with the painted sample boards in hand, if that works for you and your busy schedule. The beauty of the sample boards is that you can move them around the room and keep your walls neat and tidy till painting day.

The whole point of working with a designer is to lay your fears, anxiety and worries to rest so you can enjoy your home as soon as possible.

Still on the fence about what all this will cost in time or money? Look for my next blog post where we'll talk about how long it takes to get to the right color and how much it will cost to hire a designer.

In the meantime, if you have a question about paint colors - please leave a comment and I will get back to you before you can say 'paint'!