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 ;)
