the color guide : color FAQ’s

We were so thrilled to {re}launch this series a few weeks ago, and we dove in last week, with where to begin. 

The first post was an intro of sorts, and the second breaks down color from the beginning, with how we view it: From the philosophy behind your home, to color psychology + theory {a glimpse} and from there, where to begin with inspiration. We thought it was a great place to start, so if you haven’t checked out that one, we highly recommend starting there. We think if you’re not familiar with all things color, it may help the way you’re thinking about it all. 

For our next installation, we wanted to go ahead and dive into a few FAQ’s before we move on to our next segment. We’ve discovered that we get more questions specific to reader’s homes, more than anything. And while it’s hard to dole out some advice without setting eyes on the space, {because sometimes specific color suggestions are what people need} we thought it would be great to answer a few of the most common FAQ’s we receive before moving forward. 

So without further ado, the color guide: FAQ’s. 

How do you recommend working with white? Is it okay to layer white on white?

This question is asked so much, we think we’ve answered it before, but for good reason – it’s a tough question. So forgive us if this one is repetitive.We say you can definitely layer white on white. Even in the same color. The key element here, is breaking it up and polishing it off with your finishes.

For example: We would go with semi-gloss on the baseboards, eggshell on the walls, semi or full gloss {or even matte, depending on the finish} on the ceilings. 

Or some configuration like that, since each paint brand calls its finishes different things. Either way, we say go for it. The key is diversity in your finishes. And speaking of more white…

My windows face East and West {or fill in whatever direction here} in my room. Which white {or color} should I choose? 

We would actually argue that you should choose colors based on where you live, instead of the direction of your windows. No matter what direction your windows face, the room will always change colors, so if you’re debating between two or three, you may want to try some samples on your wall and see which suits you best.

Each color will look so different in each environment depending on what is chosen. It’s crazy to us to watch how they can transform. 

All that aside, the most common denominator we’ve found is that people really choose their whites {and colors} based on their winters. It’s the simplest way to break it down. How long is it? How much snow do you get, if any? Color can really affect your psyche, and if you live farther north, you may not want white at all. That goes for colors, too. warmer tones for farther north, and cooler for those based on the south, is the general rule of thumb we see people sticking to.

Here’s an example for our home, personally: It may not sound like much, but for us, a move 4 hours north to a different state {from Montgomery Alabama to Nashville Tennessee} was a lot to adjust to. We went from very far south {almost year-long tropical} weather, to very rainy and cold {yes, we know this isn’t Alaska, but it was still a change – see this post for further explanation of our climate and my feelings towards it}. So I said all that to say, I love soft and bright with a mixture of punches of color that I can switch out easily. Color makes me happy. It gets me through the longer, cold months and sometimes seasonal depression, {hello, lack of vitamin D} which I like to refer to as the doldrums of winter. 

For what it’s worth {see note added JIC all of you are side eyeing me} if I lived in Alaska, my walls would be so bold and bright they may sear your corneas with all the care-bear-rainbow-bright love I can muster. Also, I would probs invest in a tanning bed. No, I’m not kidding. 

How do you recommend tying in colors or picking something that transitions seamlessly? 

We’ll be addressing this one more specifically, coming up. But our main tip would be repetition.

Reinforcing your colors in different ways will help more than anything in a space. Look for it in your fabrics, your furniture colors, tile and finish choices. Look for it in your bedding and art.

Clearly, it’s more than just paint colors. You can even layer nicely on op of neutrals and then switch them out easily. But the key is repetition/reinforcement. If you start with that mentality and look for ways to repeat them, it helps. 

I love color and want to use a lot of it. How do I convince my significant other that it won’t look like a preschool when I’m done? Also, how do I make it not look like a preschool?

We believe that it’s all about balance.

If you have a lot of color in your home, bring in some natural elements, too. Look for ways to repeat your color {as mentioned above} but in muted tones to keep said colors grounded. It doesn’t all have to be full-on rainbow bright to make a great statement. 

Balance it out with natural variety like wood tones, woven neutrals {an easy way to do this in a rug} and greenery. Hello, cork photo board on the wall. There are so many fun opportunities to bring in natural touches. {For example: Every space should proabbly have a plant – we’re still working on not murdering all of ours.}

How do I transition from a beige/cream house to gray tones without rebuying everything?

We did this in our last home, over time. So we know that the struggle is real. And we think that the solution will be different for everyone.

But depending on what you already own, we think it’s great to filter it in. Start small. You have to walk before you can run, baby steps, and another trite metaphor I can throw in here. ;} But start small. With fabrics, and accessories that are easy to switch out and generally inexpensive, compared to a large and in charge sofa. We say start small, and work your way up. Play with different combos in inexpensive ways to see what you like, first.

Then search for a paint color that lives happily between the two. You probably will have to replace some of it, but if you make a list of your priorities, and take your time to figure out what you truly love, it won’t feel like you’re eating the entire elephant at once. One bite at a time. {See? I managed another trite metaphor. Winning.}

One of our biggest hold-ups for us personally when making the switch, were our sofas. And eventually, we sold them. It just came down to that. It’s all about what works personally for you, but take it slow and integrate some of your new favorite fabrics and pillows in, {for instance} to begin.

Inspiration is key, and working it in, in the best way possible for you. Before you know it you’ll feel inspired and it’s kind of fun to switch things over when you see what a huge difference it can make. 

How do you get our of analysis paralysis?

We love the way that this question was worded by a sweet reader.

We want to answer this question from two perspectives: the designer answer and the home owner answer.

First, the designer answer: We’ve talked a little bit about this before, but it’s truly the biggest problem we encounter when working with clients. And it’s the fastest way to completely sabotage a project. There’s a lot to be said for trusting someone that you hired for a job. At some point, you have to let go, and trust the person you hired to do the job and if you didn’t hire someone… Most clients do. 

Let’s start with this question:

Where do you think analysis paralysis comes from? Do you feel like other people are questioning your choices? Are you simply afraid of making the wrong choice? Is it about money? Why all the pressure? There may be some bigger things going on there. 

Our answer is still the same from the perspective of the homeowner. 

You have to start small and work your way up with big decisions. It very much feel like If You Give a Mouse a Cookie and Subway {the sandwich shop} for your house. AKA overwhelming with all the directions and choices. But also go with your gut and what you love. See it as a possibility and opportunity to express yourself.

At some point, you have to stop questioning everything and be confident in your choices. It may take a lot of mental energy to do that. I liken the mental capacity to do this {sticking with your gut}, kind of like deciding not to be self-conscious about your body any more. {I know. Stay with me – Take this example or something else you may have struggled with in the past.} It will always be a struggle but I have to remind myself that I’m happy and healthy {and that I don’t need to pass a bunch of crap down to my daughter}. In the same way, make changes in your house because you love it.

When you live by the making your aunt’s-sister’s-cousins-dog’s-neighbor happy… you’ll never get anywhere. And aintnobodygottimeforthat. 

We believe in principles and guides that have been tried and proven over and over again. But at the end of the day there are also not many rules that really stick hard. It’s your house. You’ve got this. 

We hope this helps answer some of your questions!

We look forward to our next installation, where we’ll be covering why colors read a certain way. {AKA why that seemingly perfect grey now looks purple on your walls and what you can do about it.} So stay tuned! 

As always, let us know if you have more questions! We’ll do our best to address them in upcoming posts, or answer them below.

And if you have any gems of knowledge to share, please do- We always love hearing from you! 

Have an inspired day!