The Moment of Discovery

By Erika Woelfel

Who knew plain old blue had a cousin called Periwinkle, or that green had a neighbor called Lime?

Royal blue walls above white wainscoting provides
a timeless backdrop for traditional furnishings.

Erika Woelfel understands the importance of color in the home. She is Senior Color Designer of the Colwell Color Studio, a company that produces color merchandising tools for the decorative products industry. Her insights on color trends and usage have won her international recognition as a speaker and writer.

Do you remember as a child when you graduated from the box of 8 crayon colors to the box of 48?

If you're like me, your memory probably doesn't go back that far. What I do recall is the new color possibilities seemed endless and I couldn't wait to try them all. Who knew red with just a touch of blue could be transformed into a brilliant new shade called Magenta? Or that plain old blue had a cousin called Periwinkle? Or that green had a neighbor called Lime?

My mother saved my box of 48 colors from when I was in elementary school. When I opened it to see what crayon I used the most, brown was a stump with no wrapper-(the best color to use for drawing horses)-green was broken in half and taped back together, and purple was virtually non-existent because it was applied to everything. Once you determine your palette of personal favorites, I think you carry that with you throughout your entire life. For example, I love wearing purple, and there is lots of green in my house.

So this is my question: As adults, how did we become so cautious about using color?

Think of your home as a giant coloring project. Paint, wallpaper, window treatments, carpet, upholstery and tile are your crayons, your tools. All of these products come in a universe of colors. The disappointing fact is most manufacturers admit their number one selling SKUs are shades of white or beige. My philosophy is this: Somewhere between being a kid secretly trying on mom's hot pink lipstick and as an adult, moving into that first apartment, we lost our nerve when it came to using color!

Don't worry; catching the color fever is quite contagious. Once you start experimenting with your favorites, it's hard to stop. I like to tell people: Use as much or as little as you are comfortable with. Some people approach color by researching all the rules; others break them with wild abandon. The only rule I can think of is: Use colors you enjoy! It makes them much more fun to live with!

If you think you've forgotten the joy of discovering color, the solution is simple. Try opening a box of crayons and pick your favorite. I guarantee it will put a smile on your face-and the crayon you pick won't be white!

Will the Right Color please Come Forward? Sometimes discovering which colors are right for expressing your personality is as simple as asking a few questions. Take the quiz below by circling your first choice answer. Refer to the chart (right) to find your perfect color match! The words that best describe my personal style would be: D ) bold and daring C ) eclectic and chic M ) sophisticated and precise T ) formal and classic R ) pretty and romantic I would like my living room to feel: T ) dignified D ) vibrant R ) cozy M ) uncluttered C ) laid back and comfortable I would prefer which activity: C ) a nature walk R ) a candlelight dinner for two M ) attending a cultural event T ) lunch at the country club D ) throwing a wild party My bedroom should be: M ) clean-lined T ) tasteful D ) passionate C ) peaceful R ) romantic I feel great when wearing: D ) bright, flashy accessory colors R ) feminine floral prints C ) blue jeans and tennis shoes M ) basic black, gray T ) navy and khaki The furnishings I have in my home are: R ) nostalgic, with soft detailing C ) like old friends, easy to live with T ) antique D ) whimsical M ) contemporary I would like my kitchen to feel: M ) clean and streamlined R ) light and airy C ) chic and functional T ) traditional D ) lively and fun   If you circled mostly D's, then you are an out-going, active person. You have no problem trying new colors. Bright red and sunflower yellow best fit your personality for the kitchen. Hot pink and chartreuse are fun colors for the living room, and try living it up a little with periwinkle blue and deep violet in the bedroom! If you circled M's, you are probably a color purist who prefers crisp white, sharp black and complex neutrals in all ranges from sage green to warm sand. For a dramatic feature wall, try using an accent of celadon green, chili pepper red, or chocolate brown and dark teal. If you circled mostly R's, then you are most likely a romantic: soft poetic colors suit you well... pastels in pale pink, sky blue, dinner mint green, downy yellow and fresh apricot create great backdrop hues for floral prints. If you circled more C's, you probably like colors from a natural setting, whether you live in the mountains or near the ocean. Jade blues, sage greens, caramel brown, camel, and sunset violets best represent your unfussy, but fun sense of style. If you circled T's, you tend to be more traditional in your color style: navy blue, shadowy green, and burnished gold fit your tailored sense of style. Jeweltones add a touch of luxury to your home in hues ranging from amethyst to sapphire to emerald and ruby red.

 

left: Dynamic red walls give this stunning staircase added impact. above: Traditional moss green walls are accented with floral wallpaper in jewel tones to fit the tailored furniture.