The virtual café is back!

So sit with me a spell, and drink in some tips from our expert, interior-designer friends. Today we
chat with:

• Peggy Berk, of Area Aesthetics in New York, NY
• DeAnna Mackensen, of REDesign Interiors in Yuba City, California
• Toni Sabatino, of Toni Sabatino Style in the Greater New York Area

HomeWorkshop: When creating a color scheme for a space, do you aim to match OR
coordinate colors for the various elements?

What if some colors are close, but not a perfect match?

Peggy Berk: Color is such a powerful tool in interior design, affecting every element of design, and affected by so many variables – from the type and source of lighting, and the size of the room, to the textures of surfaces, fabrics and other finishes – that I shy away from a generalized approach to the components of a scheme.

I tend to use a lot of color in my interiors and usually develop my schemes by mixing color on a watercolor palette, in much the same way I would if I were preparing to paint.

The starting point is always the the individual culture of the client and the desired mood, but a
“live mix” of color will often yield some wonderful surprises and insure that harmonious undertones will integrate the scheme well.

The only time I approach color with the idea that a group of elements should match exactly is when I’m using color strategically, for example when it might be the sole means of defining a traffic lane or moving people from an entry to a particular point in the room.

In those instances we’re relying on the brain’s natural inclination to “connect the dots” and so the associative color points should match.

DeAnna Mackensen: When it comes to picking out a color scheme for your room the process can be very confusing (for many people).

Look for inspiration in artwork, a rug or textiles. I take photographs of the textiles, artwork and fabrics in the space. I study them carefully and come up with a custom color palette that works for the client.

I do not necessarily “match” a color in the space.
It isn’t necessary to have colors match perfectly. I tend to coordinate colors that are within the same family.

When choosing paint color, base it on your color scheme and remember that LIGHT is the primary factor in choosing a paint color. Now go have fun with color!

Toni Sabatino: When I am working on a project, I try to find some true inspiration for the
color scheme.

In a residential home, I like to take that inspiration from a client’s special piece of art, or love of nature or even their wardrobe. I like the colors to “dress” the client well and make her (or him) feel attractive and comfortable.

Once I have a general scheme, I love to use varying shades of the same color instead of matching a color for several elements. I feel that varying the shades creates a softness and interest that is missing from a true color match.

I think of the leaves on a tree or each blade of grass or subtle colors of the sand at the beach all complementing each other in nature. I love the harmonious feeling it gives me and I enjoy finding ways to incorporate that depth of color into my designs.

 
 
How do you approach creating a color palette or scheme for your designs? Comment below to join in this vibrant conversation!

 
Read past stories in the Designers Coffeehouse Series: