IQ on Color--Questions and Answers

I've been getting lots of interesting questions and giving design and color advice to many people.  It's like what I remember from gradeschool--one person always asks the question that's on everyone's mind.

So, I'd like to share selected q&a with you all once in a while.  I'll title it IQ on Color (Interesting Questions on Color) so it's easy to find when you visit.  If you have questions of your own, please hit contact on the main page and send it in.

I'll do my best to get you through your design & color woes!

Here's one:

Q. Hi Sonu, 
I'm ready to start using color and move away from the whites and off whites.
I've visited showrooms and seem to enjoy the Chestertown buffs, Monroe bisques, Powell etc, sage greens yet when I get back home and I sample these on oak tag I shy away going "noooo these are too dark and my home is small and needs to stay light airy and neutral appear larger."  Possible creams, barely beige ... is it fear ? who is right me or the walls ? daunted ... I like light bright airy schemes ... but dream of some traditional richness. How do you decide what to choose is it room ,size , lighting or just plain old favorite colors. I'm starting from scratch ... Help I'm spinning ... lost in paint chips in new york.  

thanks for the advice,
Debra

A. Hi Debra,
First of all thanks for writing- I love your stream of consciousness below!  Secondly, your walls are always a reflection of you, so YOU are always right. 

Many ingredients go into the recipe of a successful interior and to give a simple answer would be too obvious and I'm sure you've already figured that out, anyway.  Remember that white also contains color.  A white can be toned with blue, orange, red, green, etc.  So don't be ashamed of your love of light and perhaps white!  Benjamin Moore has hundreds of whites (off whites really) because so many people love them.  

Now, if you're looking to move into a more color confident world, I suggest painting color onto a poster/foam board and leaving it in your room of choice for a while.  Look at it in the darkest corners and the brightest spots.  Look at it against your sofa and your woodwork.  But don't make a decision that you hate it for a couple of days.  Live with it to learn to love it.  

The colors you mentioned are part of our Historic Collection & you should know that those are some of the most popular colors after the off whites.  Take heart in knowing that many people (professionals included) specify those colors very often.  If you're concerned about light, that's great!  So many people don't realize the power of light unless they've been enlightened (haha- bad joke as it's quite late while I write this).  Consider your light source when selecting the color in your space.  Use a variety of lighting sources and types to keep your room light, airy, and interesting.  Light sources may be windows, lamps, overhead pendants, a night light--many things.  

Lastly, you mentioned your love of traditional richness--if you're not ready to introduce rich deep colors to your walls, look for softer renditions of richness--a powdery blue or a rosy coral can be quite sophisticated and elegant, I think.  Alternately, if you crave that crimson and moss combination, use it in accessories like a patterned fabric on pillows or a detail-rich area rug.

Wishing you the best, Sonu