Thoughts on Color

I always enjoy reading other people's thought process on how they make decisions, so I thought I'd share my thought process when I had to pick a wall color for my studio . 

I had several, some would say difficult, requirements.  I wanted the room to be warm in winter, cool in summer, inviting and invigorating as well as calm and serene.  I also wanted a color that would be a nice background for all the different colored fabrics I have and for the many pictures that I take.  I decided on a pale turquoisey-blue because the blue tones meet my need for serenity and feel cool in summer and the hint of green makes it feel warm in winter and helps spark my creativity. 

I have usually had pretty good luck going to the paint store and just picking what I like but not this time.

I sampled a lot!  In some ways, because the room has a lot of light, it made it harder to find just the right color.  A color that I liked in the bright morning light would turn to a sickly glowing green at nighttime and one that I liked in the evening would disappear from sight when the sun was out.  After painting the complete room three times in different shades I was about ready to give up.  One day I noticed a dress hanging in my closet; it was one that my daughter had outgrown but I had saved because I liked the print and colors so much.  Aha!  It looked like the exact shade I was searching for!  I took it to the paint store and they did a great job of matching it for me.  I chose a semi-gloss finish so it would reflect more light and be easier to clean.  The color was perfect!

These vintage hankies were my inspiration for accent colors.  I love how the yellow contrasts with the blue and adds another layer of warmth and cheeriness to the room.  The wall color and soft yellow gingham I chose for the table skirt are mild enough that they don't conflict with all the other color in the room and doesn't make it seem too busy.   It's been about six months now and I'm still very happy with my choices.  Well, I hope you've enjoyed this little trip inside my head!

P.S.  See my new tea cup in the first picture?  I got it at Target and I'm in love!  The white saucer on the top is from Cost Plus and helps to keep it warm ;)

Comments

[Janelle]

I had to comment, because I wanted a similar color for MY study/craft room, but I went a little more teal-y. The color is Glass Green from Laura Ashley. I love it, and I love the accent colors you chose, and your mention of yellow gingham. I haven't put up curtains yet, and you've definitely steered my mind in a new direction. Thanks!

[Jo]

Your reels of thread look lovely against the wall colour

[Josie]

Your studio just keeps getting more and more beautiful.

[Toni]

Your studio is such a pretty place. I would love to see the dress that inspired the color. Maybe it would be cute to hang that dress on the wall in your studio? I have a dress of Hannah's that I'm saving for that very purpose...first I'm waiting for a studio!

[Lola]

Felicidades por tu blog.
Tus trabajos son preciosos y tu estudio ¡me encanta!

[Vasilisa]

Your blog is inspiring, especially the tea cosy. I'm stuck at home with two little boys who have stomach flu, but your blog really cheered me up.

[Tuesday]

I really enjoy reading your blog, and I don't know how I missed your studio post!! I love it! I love the fabric art you have on the wall as well, I *need* to do that in my studio!! What a great way to showcase your favorite prints.

[Catherine]

Thanks for sharing on choosing the paint shade, I love it but admit to being biased because it so happens that my living room and dining room are almost that shade. It is hard to pick out the right shade though, with the dining room it was of course the first shade I picked that was the winner but not until I had bought and sampled 10 others. With the living room the pale green shade of aqua origin turned pale blue on the walls. A happy accident for me but luckily my DH liked it and still likes it now.

[Scribbles & Bits]

I love reading the thought process at work! The process of decision making is so unique to each person.

[clarice]

Thank you Cassi for explaining your thought process. It is very helpful and your studio turned out so amazing. What a wonderful space to work with. I hope you have a wonderful, creative week. Clarice

[Rhonda]

What a beautiful studio you must have! I love the idea of putting up strips of color on the wall to help decide what looks best in all kinds of light. I do need to pick a color for our living room and I better do it soon. Thanks for the tip. (I love the vintage color samples by the way)

[Kim]

I always enjoy your blog....I always second guess wall colors, so it's good to know I'm not alone. The beautiful, cheery yellow of my kitchen in the morning often looks like melted butter at night!

How beautifully you have decorated your space...should keep all those creative juices flowing!

[molly]

i just picked paint colors for the baby's room. i find that as I stand in front of the color wall, that I REALLY like color, too many colors...and I also realized that I'm really influenced by the names of the colors...
but I walked away with something i loved.
your studio space is beautiful and definitely captures all the things you were going for!

[mimi k]

Thanks for the tour of your thought process- I have a terrible time with wall paint colors- always end up with many samples and often not quite satisfied. I like how picking a color from something that is not a tiny color sample often works so much better.

[Nina]

Wauw, what a lovley colour you have picked, it's great it went out so well!
I have been reading your blog in some couple of months, and I really enjoy it, you have so many bright ideas and pretty pictures! :)