Color Isn’t Just Another Pretty Face

Color Branding Affects YOUR Bottom Line

Part 2, Red & Pink

North American color associations

Red: blood, fire, heat, competition, emotion, life, energy, passion

Red is the longest color light wave. It raises your blood pressure, increases the heart rate and produces adrenalin, essential for “Fight of Flight”. Red gets our attention like no other color; it’s aggressive and ready for action. For these reasons it’s a familiar color for branding. 

Pink: sweetness, romance, innocence, femininity

Pink stimulates our sugar cravings, making it a “must have” branding color for all things sweet. Pink's message varies depending on its value intensity. Hot pinks convey energy, youthfulness, sexy, fun and excitement. Light pinks are romantic and childlike.

COLOR TURNERS helps businesses and manufacturers make the best decisions where color choices are critical. We provide accurate and tangible ways to significantly reduce your business and manufacturing risks and turn their knowledge into increased sales and customer satisfaction. http://www.colorturners.com/ denise@colorturners.com

Color Isn’t Just Another Pretty Face

Color Affects YOUR Bottom Line Part 1

Color is the master communicator. It stimulates all of our senses and conveys messages like nothing else. It warns us of potentially dangerous situations, which is why street warning signs, school busses and fire trucks are painted OSHA Yellow. Additionally Mother Nature’s most venomous creatures are yellow.

Color plays an enormous role in conveying your business’s image. Not to mention affecting your bottom line. According to CMG, (Color Marketing Group) research the “right color” can increase your brand recognition by 80% and it’s also the reason why people decide to buy 85%.

Just ask these corporations, of the importance of creating a strong color brand. Starbucks is green; Coca Cola is red and any woman will tell you that sparkles come in Tiffany Blue boxes.

Some things to consider when selecting your brand’s color:
• Tie to your brand promise.
• It should represent your image and industry.
• Cultural colors and color psychology are greatly important. One color may be appropriate for one market and a disaster in another.

COLOR TURNERS helps businesses and manufacturers make the best decisions where color choices are critical. We provide accurate and tangible ways to significantly reduce your business and manufacturing risks and turn their knowledge into increased sales and customer satisfaction. http://www.colorturners.com/ denise@colorturners.com

Color Blind

Seeing Their True Colors

As a colorist, whose lively hood depends on the ability to differentiate between colors and all their subtleties, I’m intrigued with the ten percent among us, known as the “Color Blind.” My curiosity with the Color Blind began as a child, when my friend Ronnie invited me to his grandmother’s farm and apple orchard.

His grandmother said “here’s a pail. I’ll give the person a prize that comes back first with a full pail of Red Delicious Apples.” This immediately became a challenge. With pails in hand, we trudged off in opposite directions into the orchard. He yelled “I beat you; my pail is full” Ronnie proudly carried them into his grandmother’s kitchen. Instead of his grandmother praising, for picking apples in record time, she scolded him for picking green (unripe) apples. Little did grandma know Ronnie, was color-blind; he couldn’t differentiate between red and green. Color Blindness is an over looked disability; it gets little notoriety or finincianal support. Sadly, it’s also something that people, tend to poke fun at.

Did you know that this dog can’t see as many colors as humans? But isn’t he cute?

Color Blind Facts:


• Eight to ten percent of men are color-blind; only five percent of women are.


• Less than one percent of the color-blind can only see black and white.


• A male inherits his color-blindness from his mother, whose vision is normal.


• Everyone is color-blind at birth.


• Bulls are color-blind. It’s the movement of the bull fighter’s red cape, is what angers them and not the color its self.


• Color-blind men, during World War II, were sent on special missions. Their inability to see green, led to an increased ability to see through camouflage.


• Color Blindness can be acquired through injury or disease. However in most cases it’s hereditary and present since birth.


• Hereditary Color Blindness is caused by the chromosomal differences between males and females, in which the condition typically is passed from a mother her sons.

Famous Color Blind People:



• John Dalton, developer of the atomic structure theory


• Bing Crosby, singer


• Mark Twain, author


• Matt Lauer, TV news caster


• Bob Dole, politician


• Mr. Rogers, actor






COLOR TURNERS Turns the art of color into profit


denise@colorturners.com

Haint Blue

What’s A Haint & Why Do They Have Their Own Color?

According to paranormal experts, Haints are restless deceased spirits, who have not moved on from the physical world. They exist as non-physical energies that are stuck between the physical and the after-life dimensions. This particular spirit is nothing like Casper the Friendly Ghost. He’s/She’s more like a cranky, mischievous, teenager who has nothing better to do than wreak havoc in the house. Which is why you don’t want them hanging around.

Haint Blue is a historical color with great significance. In cities such as Savannah, there are many homes with blue painted door frames, shutters, porches and window sills. This blue/green color is woven into Southern folk lore; its purpose is to ward off evil spirits. It was first used by African slaves, to secure the entry of their homes from unwanted spirits; it represents water which spirits cannot pass over.

Here’s how you can get the right blue for hue.  

Although Haint Blue’s hue varies from city to city “authentic” regional historical paint color formulas are available. Color Strategies offers custom formulas for seven, authentic versions of Haint Blue. They have observed samples from original sources and custom color matched them using Benjamin Moore colorants mixed in MooreGard Exterior bases. http://www.colorstrategies.net/

For a customized color schemes and interior design consultations, contact the VIRTUAL COLOR CONSULTANT. We’ll help you overcome your color and interior design dilemmas. We’re the Paint Color & Interior Design Coach. We’ll collaborate with you to create the ideal color palette and be your supportive ally through your home decor projects denise@colorturners.com

Blah or Boudoir-Bedroom Colors

Even the most beautifully designed homes have a dirty little secret: a cluttered, dull and dreary bedroom. Since the bedroom is a private space, it’s generally the last to be designed. On the other hand, it should be designed first as it’s the occupant’s escape from the world. Bedrooms should be tactile and sensual. We spend one third of our lives in bed — we might as well do it in luxury.

TIPS:

• Use high thread count linens.
• Neutral, earth-based color schemes are nurturing; medium to dark browns are ideal because they soothe the soul. But if you’re looking for excitement, consider “RED”. Red stimulates the adrenal glands and other passions.
• Selecting furniture in the right scale is critical. Make a to-scale drawing of your bedroom before buying furniture.
• Remember, bedrooms should support the three R’s: Rest, Rejuvenation and, let’s not forget, Romance.

For a customized color scheme and interior design consultations, contact the VIRTUAL COLOR CONSULTANT. We’ll help you overcome your color and interior design dilemmas. We're the Paint Color & Interior Design Coach. We'll collaborate with you to create the ideal color palette and be a supportive ally throughout your home décor projects. denise@colorturners.com

Colorful Bathrooms

Think color and light in the bathroom doesn’t matter? Think again! Have you ever applied cosmetics, walked outside and said….EAK!! Blame it on your bathroom.

TIPS:
• Fluorescent lighting may be energy efficient; however they aren’t created equal. Install quality lighting in your home prior to selecting colors.

• Complement colors to your skin tone. When creating custom interior color palettes, I place paint chips next to my client’s face to find their ideal color. Latte with pink/red undertones work for most, unlike sage green and teal.

• Dark, dramatic colors are fine for guest baths. Lighter hues are better for primary baths. Bathrooms should support our daily routine and serve as refuges from our busy lives.

For a customized color scheme and interior design consultations, contact the VIRTUAL COLOR CONSULTANT. We’ll help you overcome your color and interior design dilemmas. We're the Paint Color & Interior Design Coach. We'll collaborate with you to create the ideal color palette and be a supportive ally throughout your home décor projects. denise@colorturners.com

Denise Turner’s Seminar Schedule

Black Belt Business Tactics
Recession-Proof Your Interior Design Business
.1 CEU
The current economy has knocked the wind out of our businesses. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up the fight. Even though money is tight, we have to maintain a strong presence in order to attract new business and maintain our existing. This seminar will give you tips and techniques, to slay this fire breathing economic dragon and win.

Colors Unveiled
What Your Favorite Color Say About Hue
.1 CEU
Everyone has a favorite color. Everyone also has a color they dislike and grimace at the mere thought of it. But do you know why? This seminar will demystify color’s hidden meaning and help you quickly gain insight to your client’s personality, saving you valuable time and money. This seminar is a fusion of Color Physiology, Cultural Color and Color’s physical effects on the body. It will give you a greater understanding of what is going on inside someone’s mind, (including your own) just by studying their color choices.

DATE: September 25, 2010
LOCATION: Hilton San Diego Resort
1775 East Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, California, United States 92109
TIME: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

These seminars are open to interior design professionals and students as well as the general public. Course credits are 2 hours CCIDC; 2.0 LU HSW and .2 CEU HSW. The early bird registration fee, prepaid online no later than Wednesday, September 22, is $30 per person. At the door, registration is $40 per person. For a complete seminar description or to register online, visit http://www.ccidc.org/register-ceu.html.
Many thanks to our valuable sponsor: CCIDC


As The Colors Turn
2011 North American Color Trends
.1 CEU
Please join us for lunch and a 0.1 CEU class by Denise Turner, ASID, CID, CMG an international colorist, Certified Interior Designer, color and design trend forecaster, author and speaker. In the class, designers will review fundamentals of Color Theory, Color Physiology and learn how to use colors/trends to improve their bottom line.

HELD AT 2 LOCATIONS & DAYS:

DATE: Thursday, September 30th
LOCATION:  ProSource of North Orange County
2342 E. Valencia Drive, Fullerton, CA 92831
TIME: 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch/1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Class
PHONE: 714-773-9331

DATE: Tuesday, September 28th
LOCATION: ProSource of North Hollywood
12625 Sherman Way, North Hollywood, CA 91605
TIME: 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch/ 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Class
PHONE: 818-764-3944
 Many thanks to our valuable sponsors:

• Pro Source, Wholesale Floorcoverings
• Fabrica, Fine Carpet & Rugs
• Masland, Carpet & Rugs
• Porcelanosa
• US Floors, Manufacturer of Unique and Sustainable Floors

Mix Patterns Like A Pro

Home Décor Coordinating Tips
Do you love the professional look of coordinated colors, patterns and textures in fabrics and wallpapers for home decor? But does the idea of combining patterns and colors make you break out in a sweat? Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. By following these simple rules, you’ll become a pattern pro in your home.

Think in threes! Whether designing home décor or planting flowers, odd numbers make it look right, especially number three. Three is the minimum number of patterns that should be used. The key to successfully mixing patterns is to vary the scale from small to large. If you choose two dominate patterns of the same scale, they will fight each other for your attention.

TIPS:

Pattern 1 Select the first pattern carefully. It’s your inspiration and anchor that pulls all the patterns and colors together. Choose something out of the ordinary to express your personality. Typically it’s larger scale pattern with multiple colors. Note: Keep in mind that this may not necessarily be used in the final scheme. It might be replaced with something else; however, it will be the inspiration for the fabric choices to come.

Pattern 2 Select a different pattern that’s half the scale of the first one. If the first pattern is a floral, the second one could be a geometric, such as plaid or stripe with some of the colors that are in the first pattern.

Pattern 3 This can be similar to either of the other patterns and use two or three of the consistent colors. For instance, a smaller floral could work well with a plaid and a larger floral.

Pattern 4 and more: This can be small scale texture or solid, with one of the coordinating colors.

Cheat it! Don’t have the confidence to mix and match the fabrics and wallpapers on your own? Don’t worry! Many textile manufacturers have done the hard work for you. They’ve created color schemes in two, three and four patterns which can all coordinate in one room.

Whites are tricky! Just ask any woman who’s tried to match her off-white shoes with her purse. When selecting whites, keep them in the same color family; this includes yellow-white, pink-white or bright white. View whites by placing other materials that are in the color scheme next to them, as they influence the white’s color. White is typically the last color to be introduced to the color scheme.

Patterns have personality! Pattern can make a major impact of how a room feels. Busy patterns raise the energy level, while simple, pale patterns calm the room. If you want the room to feel harmonious, use large patterns. Use small patterns if you want to draw attention to one part of the room.

Don’t forget the windows! Drapery fabric samples are best viewed with the light behind them rather that facing the light. This will give you a better representation of how the material will appear when hung in the window. Bear in mind, not all fabrics are designed for windows; do your home work. When selecting drapery lining colors, consider how the windows will look from the outside. Off whites are generally the safest colors for lining.

Fabrics have style! There’s more to fabric than just another pretty face. All fabrics have a style and a personality. Most would identify damask as a formal fabric, even if they don’t know its correct name. Most would also agree that gingham, muslin and plaid are informal fabrics. These levels of formality come into play when mixing patterns.

Watch your weight! It’s more aesthetically pleasing when patterns and solids are distributed throughout the room. Avoid putting all the pattern pieces on one side of the room; it will feel off balanced. Also consider the patterns of the other elements in the room, such as wood flooring, fireplace and granite counter surfaces.

Shed a little light! When selecting patterns and colors consider the room’s light source. Natural lighting, fluorescents, incandescent and LED affect colors differently. Bright daylight reflecting off a blush pink or sky blue creates an airy feeling; lamplight and candlelight reflecting on Moroccan Red produce a rich glow. View your fabrics with all the colors that will be in the room, such as carpet, fabric, wood tile, and solid surface as they influence the overall color palette.

Check your patterns! View them from a distance, at which they will be seen in the room. Whenever possible, get a large sample (memo) to see how the patterns play off each other. Keep in mind that small patterns viewed from a distance will merge and appear plain.

For a customized color scheme, that you’ll love, contact the VIRTUAL COLOR CONSULTANT. We’ll help you overcome your color and interior design dilemmas. We're the Paint Color & Interior Design Coach. We'll collaborate with you to create the ideal color palette and be a supportive ally throughout your home décor projects. denise@colorturners.com www.colorturners.com

Selecting Paint Finishes

Have your interiors gone flat?

So!....You’ve selected that “perfect paint color”; now it’s time for another important decision. Yes, it’s time to select that “perfect paint finish.” Paint finishes are designed for specific surfaces and use. These tips will you help you find the appropriate paint finish for the job and eliminate the confusion. Note: Some paint manufacturers have their own name for these finishes. If this is the case, refer to the manufacturer’s literature or ask the person mixing the paint.

TIPS:

FLAT- is just like it sounds; it’s a matte finish. Flat is the first finish choice for interior ceilings and exterior walls; it’s the second choice for interior walls. Flat does not reflect light and is the best finish to camouflage small wall bumps, cracks, or other surface imperfections.

EGG SHELL- is also as it sounds; it’s a very low sheen similar to that of a chicken’s egg shell. With its slight hint of a shine, is good for walls; it holds up better for cleaning than a flat finish paint. Is it any wonder, that egg shell is the first choice for interior wall finish?

LOW SHEEN- is a smooth and velvety with a bit more gloss, than egg shell. Low Sheen finish, is specially formulated to hold up to cleaning and light scrubbing, which is why it’s particularly suitable for kids' room walls, kitchens, or bathrooms, hall ways or in any area that get a lot of traffic.

SEMI-GLOSS- is nice subtle shine, without being too glitzy and is glosser than low sheen. It cleans easily, which is why semi-gloss the first choice for interior trim, doors kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Spend the extra time and elbow grease, in your pre-paint preparation work. You’ll thank yourself later, because a poorly prepared semi-gloss surface will highlight the surface’s imperfections.

GLOSS- is the most reflective finish; it mimics plastic and enamel. Though not widely used for home interiors, it does remain the preferred finish for the very contemporary of environments. Gloss is most commonly used to add a dramatic or formal look to cabinets, trim and furniture. Gloss finish magnifies all of the surfaces imperfections, so careful preparation and sanding and priming is essential before painting with high gloss paints.

More things to consider

Clean ability & Durability
As a general rule the shinier the paint finish, the better it will stand up to multiple washings. Refer to paint manufacturer’s cleaning specifications.

Kid-Friendly Finishes
When painting children's rooms, consider using an eggs shell or low sheen paint on the walls and semi-gloss for doors and trim. These finishes will withstand repeat cleanings.

Ceiling Finish
The ceiling finish for most rooms are painted with flat finish. An eggshell finish is fine, provided the ceiling surface is flawless. Choose a glossier finish for good light reflection, but only if the ceiling is in flawless condition.

Kitchens & Baths
For any room that’s exposed to water, steam or splashing, such as the kitchen and bathroom, it’s best paint with a semi-gloss paint. If the guest bath or powder room isn’t frequently used, they can be painted with lower-gloss paint, such as satin or eggshell finish.


For a customized color scheme, that you’ll love, contact the VIRTUAL COLOR CONSULTANT. We’ll help you overcome your color and interior design dilemmas. We're the Paint Color & Interior Design Coach. We'll collaborate with you to create the ideal color palette and be a supportive ally throughout your home décor projects. denise@colorturners.com http://www.colorturners.com/

Remodel Survival Tactics

So you’ve finally decided to remodel that 1970s kitchen - out with the Avocado Green and Harvest Gold tile. Wait! Those colors are back.Presuming you have a design, licensed contractor, building permits, architect and Certified Interior Designer, there are some things to do before bringing in the wrecking crew:

• Set up a temporary kitchen. Patios are ideal. Water and drain lines in exterior walls can occasionally be temporally routed to a utility sink. It beats washing dishes in the bathtub.

• Stay out of construction zones. It’s for your safety. Think ahead of where you place items to make them accessible and out of the way of the remodeling crew.

• Be flexible! Unexpected situations WILL HAPPEN!

• Contractor’s Aid. Designate a bathroom; keep the snacks and nonalcoholic drinks coming. Keep your sense of humor! You’ll soon have the home you desired.

For a customized color scheme and interior design consultations, contact the VIRTUAL COLOR CONSULTANT. We’ll help you overcome your color and interior design dilemmas. We're the Paint Color & Interior Design Coach. We'll collaborate with you to create the ideal color palette and be a supportive ally throughout your home décor projects. denise@colorturners.com

10 Tips-Select Ceiling Colors

Look up! Have you forgotten something?

Ceilings represent one-sixth of a room’s space, but far too often they’re forgotten.
Ceilings are either ignored or get nothing more than a coat of white paint. Now, there’s nothing wrong with white ceilings. In fact, for years, white was considered to be the only choice for ceilings; fortunately that rule no longer applies today. If you dare to step outside your color comfort zone, you’ll add drama and excitement to your interiors.

TIPS:
1. Ceilings are typically lighter than the walls, which make the room feel brighter and more spacious.

2. White overhead tends to disappear calling our attention to the furnishings and walls.

3. White ceilings also offset highly saturated wall color, making the walls look crisp. However pure, non-tinted white tend to look too stark and clinical.

4. Tinted ceilings can dramatically change your room’s appearance.

5. Darker ceilings visually lower the space; evoking a cozy intimate interior.

6. Consider a Mono-Chromatic color scheme by painting your ceiling the same color as the walls. Depending on the hue, it could be very southing color scheme. By painting the walls and ceilings the same color, it makes your job easier; you won't have to tape off the molding at the ceiling line.

7. As with the other colors in the room, ceilings need to echo, other elements in order to integrate it into the scheme. Such as cabinetry, carpet, window coverings, furniture, otherwise the room will feel unbalanced.

8. What’s the best white? That depends on the walls. For example, if your walls are green begin by looking at green-tinted whites.

9. Here’s a fail-safe way that a painter taught me years ago. To get the perfect ceiling white that coordinates with the walls, dilute the wall paint with “non-tinted white” in a ratio of about 80 percent white to 20 percent wall color.

10. As with all paint colors, test them. Purchas a couple quarts of paint or tape a few paint chips together, of the same color and live with the test for a couple days; view them in different lighting conditions.


For a customized color scheme and interior design consultations, contact the VIRTUAL COLOR CONSULTANT. We’ll help you overcome your color and interior design dilemmas. We're the Paint Color & Interior Design Coach. We'll collaborate with you to create the ideal color palette and be a supportive ally throughout your home décor projects. denise@colorturners.com

Color Blind- Their True Colors

As a colorist, whose livelihood depends on the ability to differentiate between colors and all their subtleties, I’m intrigued with the ten percent among us, known as the “Color Blind.”

My curiosity with the Color Blind began as a child, when my friend Ronnie invited me to his grandmother’s farm and apple orchard.

His grandmother said “here’s a pail. I’ll give the person a prize that comes back first with a full pail of Red Delicious Apples.” This immediately became a challenge. With pails in hand, we trudged off in opposite directions into the orchard. He yelled “I beat you; my pail is full” Ronnie proudly carried them into his grandmother’s kitchen. Instead of his grandmother praising, for picking apples in record time, she scolded him for picking green (unripe) apples. Little did grandma know Ronnie, was color-blind; he couldn’t differentiate between red and green.

Color Blindness is an over looked disability; it gets little notoriety or financial support. Sadly, it’s also something that people, tend to poke fun at.

COLOR BLIND FACTS:

• Eight to ten percent of men are color-blind; only five percent of women are.

 

• Less than one percent of the color-blind can only see black and white.

• A male inherits his color-blindness from his mother, whose vision is normal.

• Everyone is color-blind at birth.

• Bulls are color-blind. The movement of the bull fighter’s red cape is what angers him and not the actual color.

• Color-blind American military men, during World War II, were sent on special missions. Their inability to see green, led to an increased ability to see through camouflage.

• Color Blindness can be acquired through injury or disease. However in most cases it’s hereditary and present since birth.

• Hereditary Color Blindness is caused by the chromosomal differences between males and females, in which the condition typically is passed from a mother her sons.

FAMOUS COLOR BLIND PEOPLE:

• John Dalton, developer of the atomic structure theory

• Bing Crosby, singer

• Mark Twain, author

• Matt Lauer, TV news caster

• Bob Dole, politician

• Mr. Rogers, actor

Does Paint Color Scare Hue?

For my first blog entry in Color Talk Colorfully Inspired, I pondered on which article to select. So, I went to my foundation.. PAINT!

Selecting the "right paint color" should be adds to the list of "Things That Fear People The Most", just after dying and public speaking. This is unfortunate because paint gives you the biggest bang for your buck; it protects your largest investment and it's the easiest way to conceal a multitude of challenges.

NO BUDGET TO:

• Replace that odd colored bathroom tile. Then use a coordinating paint color to down play its undesirable features.


• Completely furnish that living room. Then paint the walls in warm hues and the unfurnished room won't look quite as empty.


• Replace that tattered, hand-me-down sofa in the living room. Then paint the walls in a color similar to the sofa; it will virtually blend into the background.


• Replace that weathered, garage sale patio furniture. Then hit it with a can of spray paint; it will bring it back to life.

COLOR TURNERS Turning the art of color into profit