Adding Color
Our homes and our lives are an ever changing kaleidoscope of color and events. As the seasons change so do the colors in our lives. Now we move from the glorious greens of summer to the warm and somber shades of fall, into the clear and clean visions early winter. Still shades of rust and brown poke thru white patches of snow to create contrast in the landscape with shape blue as the backdrop. Its exhilarating to watch the changing palette of our beautiful eastern Sierra.
Our homes are the backdrop for our everyday lives, so they are a type of “stage” for living. How does your home provide your level of comfort or functionality?
Depending upon our lifestyles and choices, we live in a way that provides us with a retreat or a springboard to face each day.
When I’m working with a client one of my first questions is: how will the home function? Is it for entertaining, is it a showplace, does it provide lodging for large groups of friends and family? These questions help me to define what is the correct approach to provide the client with the choices that will make their home perfect for them.
In a resort such as ours, the function typically includes the ability to take care of many visitors and have them enjoy the home throughout all seasons. The information will lead me to help the owner find the best resources in all aspects of there home. If its a new home that would include all the finishes and details to make there home livable and durable for the harsh climate that we enjoy. If its a remodel or an update for a home I can find the proper contractors and I can complete the home to suit the clients needs.
Recently I have met with many wonderful clients who are just purchasing their first new homes in Mammoth.
Because of the current low prices in the real Estate market, many people who have been shopping for a long time are now finally purchasing their first mammoth home at a great price. Some of the homes are bank owned or short sales. I have had the great pleasure to meet some of the nicest people that have traveled to Mammoth in recent years. Its really refreshing!
Many of these new clients they are updating or replacing items in their new homes that may have been removed by the last owners who lost their property.
I just had a call this morning from a new client who needs a powder bath sink, as the one in the home was taken out by the previous owner and now she has nothing in that bathroom.
I am also being called upon to provide color consultation from new owners who want to update or freshen up their new homes.
As with any fashion, its always changing so staying current could be a challenge when it comes to one’s home.
My theory about color is to begin with neutral or a favorite color that is not overwhelming to the eye. If we have a palette that can be a comforting backdrop for our furnishings and for the people who live in the home, then what is added in a complimentary way will always blend to create the “put together” look, be it playful, elegant, or just functional, depending upon the nature of the home.
The colors I choose for neutral can be anything from cream, tan, grey, brown, gold, green and blues used in moderation (unless its at the beach).
So starting with a basic background you can “build” the colors and the design to create an “in depth” texture and design.
One of the most common mistakes that people become concerned with is “matching” anything. Styles, colors and textures need to compliment one another in subtle and creative way.
So with all things in life, its a layering and blending of colors and textures design that make it interesting to the eye. All things in nature do not match, but with subtle blending, coloration and textures, we find the most unique and fantastic visions.
Start with a neutral color, layer colors, shapes and textures creating balance and then don’t be afraid to throw in a accent color or piece of art to add the “wow” affect to make it your “own” signature style.
When adding elements that give it punch, think of one painted wall, pillows or a piece of art, then you can then change it out easily if you become bored with it or even with the change of season.
Color, textures and details make the house a home, so don’t be afraid to experiment with these, but keep the background of your life comfortable and serene so the other elements of everyday life are less intrusive.
Happy Holidays to everyone!
Robin
