The Magic of Color – By Cheryl von Tress

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One mantra of writing is “write what you know about.”  Color is a passion of mine as an interior designer, color consultant, artist and home decorator.  Every natural expression of color offers a palette to apply to our homes.  Warm, rich earthy browns.  Steely, solid granite grays and greens.  Airy, windswept and watery blues.  Soul-soothing, life-enriching greens.  Fiery, brilliant reds and oranges and yellows.

It isn’t only the primary pigments that excite me.  The undertones of pink, brown, gray, green or blue lend such challenge in finding that “just right” hue.  Then, what “value” (the amount of color in a hue) to choose and why?

With this month’s launch of Jacksonville Review’s FULL-COLOR edition, I’ve selected a few projects that express the impact color and finish choices make when re-imagining and re-designing living spaces.

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BLAND TO BEAUTIFUL KITCHEN

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An outdated, oatmeal and white kitchen took on amazing style and character through the application of espresso and warm wood finishes in the custom cabinetry and bamboo flooring.    Benjamin Moore’s “Jicama” was applied as wall and ceiling color.

WORLD TOUR ENTRY WAY

World trekking clients had a nice, yet unexciting travel photo display in their entry.  A committed Do-It-Yourselfer, she took my decorative direction and created a stunning showcase of 5×7 photos in simple frames.  The new entry wall color says “Welcome” from your first step inside and serves as the prologue for more colorful touches throughout the redone interior.

YOUR WALL AS MAT BOARD

There remains in some people’s minds that white walls are the best way to showcase artwork.  In some cases, this is still true.  However, currently in major art museums and galleries, the trend is to use wall color to focus the eye onto the image displayed.

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In my personal residence, rich hues are employed to enhance the palette and frames of artwork as well as to direct the eye to the view outside.  When the home offers views of the outdoors, especially sweeping valley, mountain or garden views, a great trick is to deepen the wall color and direct the eye to the view instead of the interior.  These photos show the conversation pit of our late 60’s home and the living room of an Ashland hilltop home.

THE CHILL

As Summer wanes and the chillier days of Autumn and Winter approach, it’s the perfect time to create zones to be nurtured through fits of cabin fever.  Identify one or more areas where you spend the most time.  Select wall and ceiling colors that make you feel good.  AND, take note:  white or beige walls just turn shades of dull gray on our foggy days.  Finding that “just- right” color scheme takes time.  The reward?  A beautiful space to dream, create, relax, reflect and enjoy!

Cheryl von Tress heads up Cheryl von Tress Design Group and owns Hospitality Centrale, an internet sales company.  Design consultation contact: cvtdesign@q.com or 541.951.9462