Renovate with Color

Work Continues on Asheville Mural Project's Gateway Mural

2011-09-30T21:43:00.002-04:00

The next stage of The Gateway Mural, which depicts a chess match in grand scale, has been progressing over the past few days.

Having installed a large section which was pre-painted by two of AMP's senior members, Molly Must and Ian Wilkinson, using a technique called "marouflage", AMP's artists are now painting sections directly on the bridge.

The affect is amazing, and is already beginning to draw attention.

Dobra's Wall of Tea

2011-09-30T21:20:00.000-04:00

New "Wall of Tea" at Dobra Tea House in Asheville, NC. "Tea" in 5 languages (Hebrew, Czech, Chinese, Russian and Arabic) designed and painted Scott Courtenay-Smith of Renovate with Color.

Gateway Mural Continues

2011-09-15T10:08:00.000-04:00

Work continued yesterday on the next phase of the Gateway Mural Project under I-240 in Asheville, NC..

The new section of mural, on the north side of Broadway, continues the local love theme by depicting a chess match in grand scale that features two actual residents of Asheville often seen facing off at Pritchard Park.

The design for this stage of the project, which has become a showcase for the talents of The Asheville Mural Project, was by Molly Must-- who has been a creative force behind the Gateway Project since the start-- acting as the director of AMP during the Lexington Avenue phase. Ms. Must and current AMP director, Ian Wilkinson are the layout coordinators for the piece with Mr. Wilkinson also acting as a lead artist and Ms. Must as Charge Artist. Kurt Thaesler is acting as support artist.

The installation, which is moving along quickly, will continue over the next couple of weeks, and will include some detail work by other members of the Asheville Mural Project which is a branch of Arts2People and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization-- existing to beautify and diversify Asheville’s urban landscape.

Asheville Mural Project Begins New Section of Gateway Mural

2011-09-13T23:49:00.002-04:00

Ian Wilkinson and Molly Must are seen here beginning to piece together the next stage of the Gateway Mural on Broadway under I240 in downtown Asheville. The large mural, when finished will depict a chess game in grand scale across the supports for the overpass.

Now a member of the Asheville Mural Project, Scott Courtenay-Smith of Renovate with Color is watching the progress and offering moral/ physical support as needed. He hopes to contribute artistically at some point to this world class project, but at this point he is happy just to be involved in an amazing organization/ collective.

How to Paint a Mural of Your Big Greek Vacation

2011-08-22T23:39:00.000-04:00

This is a recently completed residential mural project. The clients had visited the Greek Islands and wanted to do a mural in their guest bath to commemorate their trip. Luckily one of them is a great amateur photographer and had a lot of source images to work with. (Otherwise, I might have been forced to travel there for research) ; )

So here's how you do it:

1. Draw "cartoon" in pastel

2. Prime walls

3. Chalk up composition on walls

4. Block in under-painting. (Shadows first).

5. Begin to add color

6. Take picture of self in mirror.

7. Finish adding color/ take crazy panoramic photo with iphone app. (Photosynth).


8. Clean brushes

Where does your vacation need to be immortalized? Give us a call (828) 318.3519

Doctor Dave's Fantastic Retro 70's Customer Lounge

2011-07-27T23:36:00.000-04:00

As some of you may know, we have been working with the amazing Dave Anderson of Doctor Dave's Automotive for some time now. Back in February we created these huge painted plywood letters and installed them on his roof:

Wow, there were so few cars back then!

More later on the exterior...

For now, Dave asked us to come up with a design for his waiting room, which he decided to call "the customer lounge"-- its got a nice ring to it, huh?

"Nobody really hangs out there now", Dave said, matter-of-factly. Not surprising considering the way it looked in its leftover-from-previous-owner state, with the same blazing yellow as the exterior:

So, taking this sentiment into consideration and also the fact that DDA is a unique business-- specializing in Mercedes Benz restorations and alternative fuel (primarily veggie oil) conversions-- we set out to create a distinctive design that captures all of this.

Dave had already started a collection of vintage 70's furniture including a pleather sofa and easy chair set, so we decided to continue the theme and come up with a retro 70's look that would set it apart from any other mechanic's shop in town.

This started with some some stripes, and a really fantastic green (Tequilla Lime from Benjamin Moore):

Next we added a distinctively 60's/ 70's era Merc Coup (in brown, of course-- we wanted the colors to be retro 70's but in a "Mr. Natural" kinda way):

Then, (and I really don't remember where this came from)-- we added pine trees. It's partially the nature thing, partially air-freshener-- don't know-- probably came to me in the middle of a bout of insomnia...

Put it all together and here you have it-- Doctor Dave's Fantastic Retro 70's Customer Lounge:

Come on down to 1022 Haywood Rd. to take in it's full splendor. And why not get your ride tuned up while you're there?

Doctor Dave's Automotive Customer Lounge Sneak Peak

2011-07-25T21:49:00.001-04:00

Here is a sneak-peek of our make-over project for Doctor Dave's waiting room-- photographed from outside the windows. More to come...

How To Paint The Paint Store

2011-07-01T22:24:00.001-04:00

Whats the first thing you do when you move to a new town? Find the Benjamin Moore paint store, of course. Which is what we did almost a year ago when we relocated Renovate With Color to Asheville. We sought out the fabulous Mountain Paint and Decorating-- a full service paint and sundries store independently owned by Mr. Ted Hughes.

As we got to know Ted and his business, and he ours, we began to discuss ways to help his business stand out with color and artistry.

Beginning with our See It In Color digital concept process, we were able to show Ted what it could look like. He loved the concept immediately, and chose one of our most vibrant versions.


Here is the (digital) concept. As you'll see we pretty much nailed it in the finished product.

All of the colors are, of course, Benjamin Moore.

Scott lays down some details.

Ian gets tricky.

The Finished Product!

Side View

And the best part was the shortest materials run ever!

Insider's View of The Home of the Week

2011-05-17T09:42:00.000-04:00

As you may know, the house that we have been working on was chosen as "Home of the Week" by the Asheville Citizen Times on Saturday. Things being how they are, we were not quite finished when the photos were taken. So I am posting some more here as we are finishing up (for now, anyway-- isn't every home a work-in-progress?)

Here is the mural wall with the accent color that we chose for the cut-out windows-- 077 Firey Opal-- which worked great under the kitchen soffets as well.

How to create Primordial Chaos, a mural

2011-03-05T19:47:00.000-05:00

Primordial Chaos Mural Complete

2011-03-03T21:38:00.000-05:00

Finished mural for private residence based on 700 year old scroll painting (The Hunlun) by Zhu Derun (China).

Sneak Peak of Dr. Dave's Big Letters

2011-02-15T20:54:00.000-05:00

After long hours of layout, scale up, cutting, putty, sanding, priming and painting of Dr. Dave's very awesome big plywood letter signage, installation finally happened today!

Here is a sneak peak of the installation. We called in Charlie Pierce of Green Mountain Construction to help with the carpentry. Man's a genius!

Charlie pictured with the amazing frame that he invented/ built to hold the letters in place during adhesion.

Stay tuned for the final product. You'll be amazed at how well we nailed it compared to our "See It In Color" concept.

S-

Bean Werks Continues Makeover With Interior.

2011-02-07T21:50:00.001-05:00

We recently completed the next phase of our makeover project with Bean Werks Coffee Roasters on Haywood Rd. in West Asheville.

Building on the colorful exterior that we created last fall, we've continued to help Bean Werks to define their brand and increase their customer experience with color and design. Very little has been done to the space since moving in 15 years ago. Long overdue for a makeover, the space had become cluttered and eclectic.

Before

Working with the owners, we came up with a design that is very colorful but clean and focused-- pulling colors and design elements from their existing logo and labels. The result maintains the fun/ unpretentious approach of this locally owned business, while also giving them more clarity of design and branding.

After Renovate With Color

How to "Renovate" Your Home with Stencils

2011-01-13T14:37:00.000-05:00

I'm continuing the theme of my previous post to show some more ideas of decorative treatments that can add color and vitality to your home.


This star-burst design is very "mid-century atomic ranch", but when used with the right color palette, the effect is more contemporary than retro.

These ideas came out of a file that I keep called "Vision Juice". All of these are variations on what can be done with stencils.

I love how this room blends Country Home with Modern Design, and I love how this wall treatment blends randomness with formal order.

Far from "country craft" ideas of stenciling as a decorative treatment, these designs are actually very modern/ contemporary ideas that lend themselves to today's homes.

The color choice (green with orange accents -- one of my favorites) and the simple art on the cabinets make this kitchen distinctive and interesting. The designs are actually not stencils, but free-handed in a graphic style. (I also like the random "every-so-often" colored tile accents and how they relate to the roman shade).

Of course, any of these ideas could be adapted to your home using your color palette. The sky is truly the limit to what can be done.

What is Faux Finish/ Decorative Painting?

2011-01-05T20:40:00.000-05:00

When I tell people that we offer Decorative Painting, they often say "Oh, do you mean faux finish?" I answer "Yes" reluctantly, because I think that there is an idea about "faux" that has become out-dated. "Faux" is French for fake and used to mean decorative simulation of natural materials (marble, wood, fabric, etc.). Now it's a generic term that gets used for any number of things, so I prefer to say "decorative treatment" (thought even that is vague, but I digress).

Now Don't get me wrong-- there are certain Old World "faux" techniques that have been used for centuries, and they are perfectly suited to certain homes and situations.

However "faux finish" is just the tip of the iceberg of what can be done to add beauty, charm and personality to your home. There are a lot of new ideas about decorative elements for your home that go way beyond faux, and are frankly more suited to our contemporary homes. Today's decorative painters pull from many different disciplines (such as graphic arts) to create designs that are well suited to modern and contemporary homes.

Here are a few examples that I have found during my searches for interesting home paint/ color design: (apologies to the designers- I didn't note the names- if this is your work, please comment and I will try to get better in the future).


This is a very simple idea of a way to break up a high ceiling with a two color palette and a clean white divider. Notice how the art overlaps in order to add depth. This is fairly simple and inexpensive to install, and when done right (perfectly straight and parallel), it looks fantastic. Make sure your installer knows how to do "paint joints" well- simply taping doesn't work.


Another fairly simple idea that has a stunning effect. This feels like it actually adds architectural detail to the room. The key is the way that the stencil remains consistent despite the doorways and windows. Your brain actually completes the missing image- making this a very dynamic design without overwhelming the room (less is more).

This somewhat more artistic design for a stair is warm and intriguing, while somehow creating a sense of history and ownership for the home.

These are just a few of the many things that can be done to add artistry, color and vitality to your home. And that is "faux sure". (Pardon requested).

What areas of your home would you like to Renovate With Color? Post them here, and I will respond with my suggestions.

Art, Color, Design, Paint Newsletter To Restart

2011-01-03T12:08:00.000-05:00

We will be restarting the e-newsletter soon (in a couple of days), so if you haven't opt-ed in yet, make sure to do so right now (form is on the top of the right sidebar).

This is an informative and inspiring newsletter that we will be sending out once a month with ideas and links about color and design for your home as well as painting tips and featured art/ artists.

We will also be making some exclusive offers and including some give-aways from time to time.

Besides all that, its completely spam-free, and you can unsubscribe any time.

So don't wait-- sign up now!

Scott

The Doctor Is In

2010-12-28T09:12:00.001-05:00

This is a magical "See It In Color" digital concept that I made for Dave of Dr. Dave's Automotive on Haywood Rd.. I did this to help him conceptualize the big letters on the roof, which I am in the process of making for him.

If you look closely, you'll see that I even made a second Dr. Dave, which he is really happy about-- now he'll be able to get twice as much work done. ; )

The Doctor is in the building where the window tint shop used to be-- a couple of doors up from Waking Life Coffee. He works on many different makes, but specializes in Mercedes, and does bio-diesel conversions.

Super nice. Super honest.

The Awesomest Day of Local Love

2010-12-17T14:06:00.001-05:00

First of all, I found my lost cashmere scarf on the melting snowman at West End Bakery. (Left it there at the Local Social thrown by Asheville Grown weeks ago).

Then I won tickets from Ashevegas for a show at Magnetic Field. Remembering that we have guests coming tonight and can't go, I offered them to my neighbor who said that she has guests coming and can't go, but would I like a tub of ice cream that she got for free at Earth Fare? Then I sent an email to someone who commented on and followed my blog to offer her a free pound of coffee at Bean Werks. She said she's not local-- give it to somebody who is.

The scarf is thawing by the heat vent.

I still have those tickets... and the coffee credit-- any takers? No ice cream necessary-- only love.

Post a comment and follow my blog to win it all.

Cheers,

S-

How To Add Life to a Staircase

2010-12-17T10:27:00.000-05:00

I've been seeing some really great staircase design ideas lately. This simple stencil design from Benjamin Moore's website, for instance, is at once unorthodox and elegant.

What would you want on your staircase?

How to Paint a Mural of Primordial Chaos

2010-12-16T22:10:00.003-05:00

So here's how it happened: our wonderful clients in North Asheville, recently took a trip to China. They came back full of inspiration for decorating their home, and had some photos of a beautiful screen that was in the Shanghai airport (nice airport, huh?). They requested that we create a mural for them based on that screen. Of course, we said yes and immediately began designing.

This is the screen in the airport

As we moved along with the planning, I recommended that they get the calligraphy translated just so that they were sure that it was something that they wanted on their living room wall. So Chris emailed his colleague in China. She responded with a link too a Wikipedia article that explains that the art on the screen is from a 700 year old scroll painting called "Primordial Chaos" by Zhu Derun, who was a renowned artist, poet and administrator.


This is what the original looked like

We were blown away by this news-- especially when we read this article, which explains that the image represents the Hunlun, which is the Daoist concept of the undifferentiated matter out of which the cosmos was formed-- nice! we had guessed that it was contemporary due to it's expressionistic, gestural lines. But no-- that's been going for centuries it seems, Mr. Pollack.

Needless to say, we are deeply honored and very excited to be working on this piece.

Here's is what the process looked like so far:

We used our old friend Photoshop adapt the scroll to the wall and to add a grid for scale up.

Next we created a big rectangle with Ben Moore's "Vanilla Ice Cream" as a base.


Glaze mixing

We made a glaze of mostly yellow ocher-- mixed with some of the Vanilla Ice Cream base and plenty of extender,

and added a Strie texture to simulate paper fiber.

Then we added another slightly "dirtier" glaze for aging.

Next we did the drawing in ocher chalk,

and then began to paint the first layer of the tree.

Thats it so far. Thanks for reading. I'll post more as it progresses...

I'd love to hear your comments.

S-

New Mural Project Approved

2010-12-07T14:36:00.000-05:00

This is a sneak-peek of the sketch for a new residential mural in North Asheville that has just been approved. I begin work on Monday. The piece is based on photographs that the client took of a decorative screen during a recent visit to China.

Have an idea for a mural that you'd like to bring into a reality?

828.318.3519 or
Email Me

Free Saturday Color Consultations

2010-12-07T14:12:00.000-05:00

Beginning this Saturday, December 11th, and continuing every other week, we will be on site giving free 15- 20 minute consultations at Mountain Paint and Decorating (The Benjamin Moore shop) 110 Merrimon St., Asheville, NC 28801.

Bring your questions, ideas and photographs and we will get you started in the right color direction to make your space shine!

Call 828.258.5385 to schedule an appointment, or just show up. We will be there from 9 am until Noon.

Feel free to Contact Me for details.

Special Offer for Asheville Area Businesses

2010-11-18T17:38:00.001-05:00

I am offering a special deal for Asheville Area Businesses. All you need to do is call me before December 5th and schedule an Initial Consultation for a Pre- Holiday, New Year or Spring Makeover/ Spruce-up.

The Initial Consultation is FREE.

During this Initial Consultation, we will discuss the possibilities for your shop. I will then work with you to create a design and color palette that will:

Make your business stand out like a jewel-- the goal being to bring you more business.

If you decide to go forward with the installation, and book your project before March 2011, I will not charge you for the design --AND-- I will give you a 20% discount on the installation. (I also like to barter).

Let's see what Renovate With Color can do for you! Call 828.318.3519 or email me before Dec. 5th, 2010 to schedule your FREE Initial Consultation.

And, since pictures speak a thousand words, here is what I did for Bean Werks Coffee Roasters on Haywood Rd.:

This was what they looked like before.

Here is my proprietary "See It In Color" digital concept that I created for them (and will for you- for free).

And this is the final, painted product! Owner, Jeff Bosch says that until now, people from the neighborhood would still come in and say: "When did you open? I've never noticed you here", and he'd say "15 years ago".

Let's see what Renovate With Color can do for you! Call 828.318.3519 or email me before Dec. 5th, 2010 to schedule your FREE Initial Consultation.

Sneak Peak of Jarrett Rutland's Commission For The Hop West

2010-11-18T16:18:00.000-05:00


Sorry, Ma'am-- can't let you see this yet.

This is a little peak at a beautiful commission that was done by Jarrett Rutland for The Hop West on Haywood Rd. in West Asheville. The opening is tomorrow (11-19-2010) at 6:30 pm. Jarrett will unveil this gorgeous 4' x 5' piece (now property of The Hop) as well as display more of his great work.

What's behind the purple curtain?

Scott installs with the security hooks.

Some of you might not know that Renovate With Color can also install art (and design custom framing). Check back for a tutorial on how to install security hangers for artwork. With this sysyem, the piece is locked to the wall, and won't come down unless you take it down with a special tool- great for restaurants and cafes- (or any semi-permanent installation that you don't what to keep straightening).

A New Jack's View of the River Arts District Studio Stroll

2010-11-15T11:23:00.000-05:00

This is my first "Stroll" since moving to Asheville in July from Oakland, CA. It is, in fact, one of the reasons that I moved here. I'm well-steeped in San Francisco's First Thursdays and Oakland's amazing "Art Murmur" extravaganzas, however, so the bar is definitely high.

I'm happy to report that I am pleasantly impressed by what AVL has to offer.

Here's my newbie photo essay:

Loving the Phil Mechanic Bldg.

Third Floor-- lingerie, art glass, paintings and...

... gorgeous clay art by Heather Knight

Great work in the Flood Gallery. I like the way it's just sort carved in the middle of the artist's studios. You can feel the flow of energy from all of the work going on...


"Strange Fruit" -Cory Bradley (love it!)

I love Eric Knoche's burnt orange glazes!

Down the street at Clayspace, I saw some great work and met some artists, who told me that their clay was locally sourced (dug out of the Carolina earth) by the artists. How local is that?

Work by Matt Jacobs

A word about localism: As we strolled, I was noting to my buddy, Tipton, of Portable On Site Photgraphy, how important the arts are to the local economy. Artists can take a neighborhood that was seriously lacking in vitality and turn it into an asset for the city. I've seen it before, and I see it here. Can I get a witness?
Hallelujah! Amen!
S-

Some Inspiring Color Ideas From Pottery Barn and Benjamin Moore

2010-11-12T11:48:00.000-05:00

Here are a couple of inspiring color palette photos to help you when you are choosing color for your home. These are complements of Benjamin Moore Color and Pottery Barn's 2010 catalog.

French Beret 1610

I like the way the warm accents (reddish-brown wood furniture/ yellow ocher pitcher) work as counter points to this rich gray that is almost graphite. It brings out just the slightest suggestion of blue. The creamy whites of the sofa cover, artwork, and trim and mid-tone of the rattan rug help to lighten this deep, masculine color. A very well-balanced palette.


Chrystalline AF-485

This clear, crisp green has a hint of gray that warms in sunlight. Very conducive to work, I would think. I like the way it pairs well with the white desk and natural baskets and chair, and the way the hints of color pop in this palette.

I might just try this out in my office...

Wood Wisdom

2010-11-12T08:54:00.006-05:00

I discovered this artist on Cool Hunting. I love the mix of literary/ fine/ craft art. This guy is going to be busy.

Here's my favorite. What's yours?

I'm Really Sorry-- Sighn

Autumn

2010-11-01T10:26:00.000-04:00

This is a vision that I've been seeing out my back window for days. So yesterday (Halloween), I snapped it.

The Girls (mine and the neighbors) have been building a "hideout" down in the woods past the enigmatic iron gazebo that lives there. I think the older girls dragged the chaise lounge there for my 2 year old so she was safely out of harms way while they worked on their project, and then they of course left it there.

It just felt like a really poignant fall image to me. Somewhat melancholy and dream-like-- intense color one day, bare and stark the next-- Autumn in a nutshell.

This is a great time to work on your interior space and store some of that color inside for the winter-- (the way Grandma would press leaves with wax in a book). Here's a little home design inspiration along those wholesome lines from a cool mama blogger: Annie at Home.

Have any inspiring fall photographs/ ideas to share?

Palette of the Month

2010-10-18T12:14:00.002-04:00

To create this muted fall color palette, I went to Color Hunter, a great color inspiration site where you can "hunt" for palettes based on photos pulled from Flikr! (Give it a try-- it's kinda fun).

Next, I translated these colors into Benjamin Moore Affinity Colors, which were created to be used expressly with their Aura paint. Here are the colors (left to right): Tamarind AF-120, Masada AF-220, Tumeric AF-350, Lush AF-475, Solitude AF-545. (Note that due to variation in monitors, etc. the above image will not match the paint chips exactly.)

By the way, if you like Ben Moore, and are in the Asheville area, definitely check out Mountain Paint and Decorating.The folks over there provide excellent, friendly service.

If you or someone you know would like help choosing some Affinty colors for your home, give me a call: (828) 318.3519.

S-

Max's Fool-proof Color Chart

2010-10-18T09:42:00.000-04:00

This is an amazing color mixing chart created by my friend's 8 year old son, Max. It says: "Code Letters... to make colors!!!".

What you do is take a color from a row (down the left hand side), and a color from a column (across the bottom), and then find their intersection, and that is the new color from mixing the two. And IT WORKS! The letters and numbers are a coding system for the resultant colors (e.g. "3yo" is yellow- orange #3). At least that's the way I understand it.

Pretty basic, unless you are 8, and then it's pretty damn amazing.

Anyway, just had to share this.

If you need more explanation, or more in depth color assistance, give me a call (828) 318.3519 or email-- I'll try to put you in touch with Max.

Smiley With a Likelihood of Delicious

2010-10-14T15:35:00.000-04:00

Greg and Ashley Garrison are officially opening their second location of The Hop Ice Cream Cafe in West Asheville, NC this Friday, October 15th. Their delicious, homemade style ice cream and kid-friendly attitude will be a welcome addition to this hip, family-rich neighborhood.

They got their color scheme from a banner designed by their graphic artist Jane Ware and enlisted the help of their friend/ interior designer Chan Shapley for the placement.
(Apparently Chan stood in the middle of the room with a pointer stick and dictated: ''Orange there, green there, blue there, etc.)

When I asked Greg to describe the palette in a word, he decided on "smiley", which definitely sums up the overall feel of this this vibrant, friendly, community oriented business.

Part old-school parlor, part modern, hip-family hangout, the whole look will be pulled together with the artwork of Jarrett Rutland, whose whimsical, saturated color illustrations (concept sketch for The Hop West pictured) will meld perfectly with the Saturday-morning-cartoon feel of this wonderful local business.

A Few Quick Tips

2010-09-30T10:27:00.004-04:00

Beige will never be the new black. Don't do it. Try harder. Believe. Color will not let you down. Try subtle, ashier colors instead like Pratt and Lambert's Argent (1322) or Bejamin Moore's Nantucket Gray (HC-111) as in the cabinets pictured on the right.
Try an accent wall for starters. If it's working, let it keep going around the room. We recently did one accent wall of Benjamin Moore's Dinner Party (AF-300) in a dining room. We liked it so much, we are going to do another wall-- maybe all of them eventually. Here's a great article from This Old House about using accent walls and choosing color for your home in general.
There is no "white"-- there are actually hundreds to choose from. Try Ralph Lauren's Pocket Watch White (WW11) for a white that, according to designer Johnathon Adler, will make a room look "gracious and young at the same time".¹ And for a look at someone who takes white to a beautiful extreme, check out: Paint Me White.

For more on Choosing Home Colors, see my post on the topic from last year.

¹House Beautiful Colors For Your Home, Hearst Books, New York, 2008

Great book! (RWC)

Store Front Make Over

2010-09-27T16:36:00.001-04:00

Bean Werks Coffee Roasters, (West) Asheville, NC

"Before"

Before our make over, the owners of this 15-year-old premium coffee roaster in West Asheville said that people still come in and say that they had no idea that they were there.

Seeking the single source, fair trade and organic beans that we've grown accustomed to living in the San Francisco Bay Area, we discovered Bean Werks ourselves by the delicious aromas constantly billowing out of their 30 year old roasting machine on Haywood road.

Though their exterior was well camouflaged, we were pleasantly surprised to find that inside was a bustling wholesale and retail coffee business. This, we quickly decided, was a business that could use some curb appeal, and that Renovate With Color was perfect for them.

"See It In Color" digital concept

The first step was to take some photos and create some concepts for the owners to see what it could look like using our proprietary "See It In Color" process. They loved the concept, so we moved forward with the installation, first testing actual Benjamin Moore paint colors. We custom-mixed the yellow to just the right shade for the situation.

The Finished Project

The final product came off wonderfully. People in the neighborhood have already started to notice the transformation. Bean Werks is now on the visual "map".

Reader Poll: Would You Be Interested In a Faux/ Decorative Finish Demo?

2010-08-30T17:00:00.000-04:00

It's time for a reader poll... Would you be interested in a free 1 hour to 1 1/2 hour faux and decorative finish demonstration at your local paint retailer store? This would be a casual class/ demo where you would see a faux/ decorative professional demonstrate the steps of creating color washes, sponge techniques, ragging, etc..

Would you sign up?

What technique/s would you want to see?

Please comment.

Design Inspiration for Your Bath: Moroccan Dream

2010-08-23T12:07:00.002-04:00

This gorgeous photo of a spa/ pool in Marrakesh was taken by Jennifer MacDonald in Asheville, NC.

I find it to be a fantastic inspiration for a bath.

I like the floor to ceiling linen curtains-- think shower curtain here-- and, yes, go floor to ceiling to add some height to your small bath. You could add another curtain in front of those ugly cabinets in the corner. (Take the doors off and paint them white).

I also like the tile half-way up the wall (why not do the floor, too?). If tile is not in the budget or unavailable, simply paint them (I can help with this).

Now, as for the swimming pool blue, paint the ceiling Benjamin Moore's Blue Seafoam (2056-60).

To finish, add a carefully selected branch or stick bundle in the corner painted half way up like the tree in the photo,with a base of river rocks on the floor. The paint is apparently an arborist's technique that prevents sunburn of the tree bark. I like the way it fits in aesthetically-- relating to the white chairs and column's and adding to the cool, clean feel. In your bath, a porcelain pedestal sink and vintage toilet could complete the look.

Now, fill a bath, make a glass of mint tea, kick back and dream of your next vacation to Morocco.

2010-08-18T10:40:00.001-04:00

The Ultimate Make-Over

Thinking about old brick buildings and make-overs, I can't help but go here-- The High Line in New York City. This is such an inspirational story of re-purpose and re-use.

Before

After

What are you doing with your old brick building? Need ideas? Give me a call. (828) 318.3519

Exterior Consultation Using "See It In Color"

2010-08-12T16:04:00.001-04:00

This is a recent consultation done in Oakland, California. The clients wanted to see placement options for the decorative details of their "Craftorian" (Victorian/ Craftsman) duplex. Our "See It In Color" digital visualization service was perfect for the job.

This is the home "Before".

Here it is in our "See It In Color" report. Paint names and numbers are specified. This can double as a guide for the installer.

Here is the finished home (installation by Cydney Ortzow Painting Co.).

After seeing the digital concept, the clients opted to do some custom mixing to come up with just the right color. As one of them is an artist, she was able to do this herself. However, if you are not comfortable doing this yourself, it is a service that we do offer.
If you'd like to get started on a project and could use some "See It In Color" help, give us a call for a quote: (828) 318.3519. Our services can be scaled to any project-- big or small, and we can work from any location-- near or far.

Torward a more Colorful Future

2010-04-13T02:36:00.001-04:00

Not to pick on anyone, but aren't you tired of this and simlar generic/ beige color schemes in the urban environment?

Wouldn't you rather live here, or at the very least, see some variety in your neighborhood?

(This is the same building after my See It In Color (tm) process).

To find out how you can have this service done for your building or home, give me a call at (828) 318.3519.

Taking The Art 2 The People

2010-04-13T02:34:00.000-04:00

Last month, I visited Asheville, North Carolina, which has to be one of the most liberal and progressive cities in the south east if not the whole country. There is green building going on everywhere (I saw several solar-powered restaurants), and there are murals in abundance.

One amazing piece (3 details pictured ) was created by a group called the Asheville Mural Project. It contains gorgeous depictions of the demographic and historical make-up of the city, and it was created by local artists-- many donating their time to complete the project.

Imagine what our cities could look like if we supported the arts wholeheartedly.

Age, Dignity and Color

2010-04-13T02:27:00.000-04:00

I recently toured a building that does things right in more ways than one. Age Song in Emeryville, CA is an elder care community whose philosophy shows through in it's design. Architect, Kava Massih, of Berkeley, CA, sought to"redefine the concept of "eldership" with architecture and landscaping that affirm the residents’ dignity and wisdom.

This approach shows through in the material and color palettes and the way that they blend seamlessly from the exterior to the interior-- creating a strong connection between the inside and outside of the building and supporting a core element of the AgeSong philosophy which is that residents remain connected to the larger community.

From the warm yellows of the walls to the natural browns of bamboo cabinetry and lush greens of the numerous plantings and gardens, the building radiated life and well-being-- something usually not associated with senior homes.

Here are some other distinctive features of the building:

• The design was inspired by and incorporates the philosophy of the 19th century Bavarian priest Sebastian Kneipp who believed in the five pillars of wellness: water, plants, nutrition, exercise and balance. This philosophy is reflected throughout the building in its wellness pool, a green-planted rooftop and lushly planted courtyard with raised planters for gardening, exercise and balance and strength training facilities, meditation rooms, gourmet dining facilities, and arts and leisure activity spaces

• Oakland artists created beautiful architectural details for the building. Dorothy Lenehan, Lenehan Architectural Glass, created a large glass canopy for the building's entryway and hanging sculptures in the interior. Sculptor Dennis Luedeman created a steel and wood cantilevered staircase in the building's two-story lobby and outdoor planters of sculpted steel

• A "green" roof is planted with native vegetation that filters out particulates from rainwater runoff prior to entering the storm drainage system. A rooftop deck offers sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay

• All cleaning supplies are non-toxic and environmentally friendly, recycling is part of the waste management program and an employee trip reduction plan has been recognized and approved by the city of Emeryville

Overall, a truly inspiring design.

“The International Color Reference Series”: Barbara Holmes at Compound Gallery

2010-02-17T23:47:00.000-05:00

Be sure to check out this intriguing installation by Barbara Holmes at Compound Gallery in Oakland. (Closing Tea is 3-6 pm March 14th).

During her residency at the S.F. Dump, Barbara created this whimsical and poignant series of small pieces that is a great commentary on the universality of color.

Counter-posing found objects from the dump with paint chips and names that have an astonishing relationship to one another, there were many instances when fellow artist, Martin Webb, and I were in disbelief of their authenticity.

It's difficult, in fact to convey the true power of this little collection in this format-- you have to go in person.

I have to admit that my first impression was that it was gimmicky.

But, upon further inspection, I was taken by the obsessive and well-crafted nature of the installation.

Check it out if you can and let me know what you think.

How To Choose Color For Your Home's Exterior

2010-02-17T15:12:00.000-05:00

Choosing attractive paint colors for your exterior is probably the most cost-effective thing that you can do to improve what is commonly referred to as "curb appeal" in the real estate world. This is, after all, the "face" of your house.

Even if you are not interested in selling your home or gaining some equity, it's a great thing to do to improve your own outlook about your place.

Now, we've all seen the standards: yellow or white with green trim, brown with white trim, etc. But add a third color to some carefully chosen accents, and you can have a great effect.

Pictured here is a home that I have admired for years for it's beautifully unorthodox exterior palette. I like it so much that I based this month's palette on it.

And what I like most is where they chose to put their colors. Notice the railing stiles-- and how the red-orange is on just one side of each stile, and that it is opposite on the other run so that they converge at the post. Brilliant!

And why not paint your stove pipe or mailbox the same color as your trim accent? Picking out a few architectural details with a third, complimentary color can really make a palette work. Just be selective and don't go overboard-- err on conservative when you are using a bold accent color.

If you have a Victorian, you've got tons of options, but even a ranch or a craftsman has some possibilities. Here's an example of the latter using my "See It In Color" digital service:

"Before"-- your basic white with green trim-- pretty boring (and the red steps/ chimney are doing it no service).

This is a "See It In Color" with a warm green body and a creamy white trim color. The third, brownish-red color is a compliment of the green and can be used for the chimney, corbels, window lites, door, mailbox, etc.

Additionally, I added in a deep green to ground the home and accentuate it's colorful landscaping.

Ultimately, the idea is just play around and feel out what works. And, as always-- buy lots of samples, or call me to "See It In Color" first. (510) 388.6331.

Master Bath Gets "Renovated With Color"

2010-02-15T15:09:00.000-05:00

A classic example of how to "renovate with color". The client had a bathroom that, although it had nice high ceilings and plenty of light from the skylight over the bath, it just needed something more.

"Before"

The bath had too much white and too much light (yes-- it's possible)-- due to the skylight. Everything just ended up getting washed out and somewhat bland. The existing deep forest green counter and tub accents were too bold a contrast to all that white. The cabinets frankly just looked pre-fabricated.

"Renovated With Color"

By adding color to an accent wall, we were able to give the room much more character, and control some of the bouncing light. The cabinets received a deeper version of the accent color-- giving them and the room much more character.

The end result: a whole new bathroom without lifting a hammer or taking out a second mortgage.

Have a room that "just needs something more", but you don't want to break the bank? Let's Renovate It With Color.

Call to find out how. (510)388.6361.

Random Mural Sighting

2010-02-12T14:57:00.000-05:00

Recently sighted in the San Francisco. I love the way this piece flips your sense of reality on its head. I also love the use of basic black and white with just a touch of yellow. A lot is being said with so little.

I could see something like this as a wall stencil or decal in a loft space. Call me to find out how it can be done (510) 388.6361.

House, Pickup, Firewood, Cactus, Brick Driveway

2010-01-25T14:01:00.000-05:00

Saw this place on a recent walk in my neighborhood. There's something about it that I just really like.

Not entirely sold on the house body color (I'm working on a new one), but there's a nice overall feel.

Nicely placed old Chevy(?)... Guess thanks goes to the flat tire on that one.

One for the inspiration file.

2010-01-20T23:31:00.000-05:00

How to Choose Colors for Your Bedroom

When you are considering a color change for any room of your house, it's important to focus your ideas before getting started. A great way to do this is to borrow from what is referred to by interior designers as a presentation board for your project. These are visual collages of the objects, materials and colors that will become the finished design project. What I suggest is a combination of one of these and what's called a "vision board" in the life and career coach world-- a visual way to manifest your life goals.

Start by collecting magazines, catalogs, photographs, fabric swatches, and anything else that evokes the mood of what you want in your bedroom.
Grab a pair of scissors and a glue stick.
Get a piece of foam core from your local art store (I like black) and have some fun. Michaels has a wide selection of papers to choose from that make great background color/ texture.
Try not to be too literal or picky at first-- if you like it-- cut it out. Once you have a bunch of images cut out you can edit it down to what you really like.

A recent client of mine told me that he really likes the feel of the rooms of a certain hotel in New York (it happens to be designed by a really hot designer). If you have a favorite hotel,

"Google it" (image search) .
Print the pictures out and put them on your vision board.

This process will really help you to narrow down what your color preferences are, so that you or your color consultant can then choose paint colors that match your vision.

Hotel Exterior Color Says: Come Stay Here

2010-01-20T23:20:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post to point out this great color palette that I discovered on the Hotel Essex on Ellis and Larkin San Francisco. I love the combination of grays in the body with basic, "dove white" window trim and sashes. Just the perfect amount of the right orange makes it a handsome and distinctive building. Rather than chase down the contractor, I had a go at matching the colors myself, using my favorite major paint brand-- Benjamin Moore. Here they are:

Body: Pigeon Gray 2133-50 and Stormy Sky 1616
Accents: Golden Vista 0308

I don't know anything about the hotel, but the color makes me want to stay there.

Palette of the Month January 2010

2010-01-19T19:55:00.000-05:00

This month's palette is taken from this gorgeous bedroom design I found in Benjamin Moore's Nuance magazine. It's an extremely simple and clean palette of earthy tones invigorated by a touch of vibrant yellow-green (Limelight 2025-40) on the ceiling, and pure the white accents of the painting and bedspread. The whole thing is grounded by the ebony finish of the flooring and end table, with great mid-tones of the natural stick head board and Timid White (2148-60) walls. Overall, this is a gorgeous, calming palette that is not boring-- minimal without being stark or cold.

How To Choose Paint Colors for your Bathroom

2009-12-16T15:31:00.000-05:00

A place of simple necessity. A quiet retreat. A spa. These are all ideas that might come to mind when you think of your bathroom. When choosing colors for your bathroom, first try to envision what it is that you want it to be. One way to do this is to create an idea board with magazine and catalog clippings, fabric swatches, paint chips and anything that inspires your vision for the room. Also, try coming up with some descriptive words. "Soothing" is usually the best choice for a bathroom, unless you want to make a statement or impression-- but you might want to save this for other rooms of your house.

If you do, in fact, decide on soothing, try this month's palette, which has a lot of natural undertones. You could use Timid White as your main color, then do an accent wall with one of the other colors. And you don't have to use all of the colors for paint-- 1 or 2 is usually enough for an average size bathroom. Pick up the other colors in your palette with shelving or accessories. For instance the "Baguette" color could be picked up in the undertones of bamboo (such as in the set pictured below from Crate and Barrel). This also adds a little extra warmth to the palette, which is only a framework by the way-- you can bend it as needed.

Use the darker colors to "ground",the room-- meaning in the flooring or lower cabinetry-- keeping the lighter tones up higher. By the way, if you have a tight budget, consider painting your existing cabinets rather than ripping out and installing new. You'll be amazed by what a change of color can do. Also remember that there are numerous ways to bring in your palette without major renovation. For instance: rugs, drapery (including shower curtain), accessories, artwork, etc. Give me a call (510) 388-6361, or contact me if you have any questions about your project.

Palette of the Month 12/2009

2009-12-16T15:24:00.000-05:00

Palette of the Month

This Month's palette I call "Beach Glass and Driftwood". The colors are (left to right) "Muddled Basil", "Baguette", "Mountain Road", "Agate Green", and "Willow Tree" from Sherwin Williams. This is a great modern bathroom palette with its natural, cool, soothing tones. These colors could be balanced with a nice, warm white. "Timid White" from Benjamin Moore is a great trim and ceiling color that I have used in my color consultations (see "Mid Century Update").

*As monitor colors can differ greatly, let me know if you'd like me to send you actual paint chips for these colors.

Gypsy Carnival Growth Charts

2009-11-17T01:07:00.000-05:00

Hand painted fantasy Children's Growth Charts done in the "Gypsy Carnival" style-- (as if they were discovered somewhere in an antique painted wood caravan). Each is an original piece of art on a re-purposed/ up-cycled cabinet door.

A distinctive, functional art object for your child's room or anywhere in your home. You can pencil in the date and child's name for a beautiful record of their growth that you can keep for ever (even if you move). Who knows-- may even become a family heirloom.

Hanging hardware and instructions included. Signed one-of-a-kind originals. $110.

Available at Ruby's Garden in Temescal, Oakland, or by commission directly from me. Contact me, or call (510) 388-6361 to order yours in time for the holidays.

"Gypsy Carnival" Table

2009-11-12T19:17:00.000-05:00

Upcycled solid wood (maple?) table made in USA (marked on bottom). Hand painted/ stenciled/ faux aged furniture by Scott Courtenay-Smith of Renovate With Color. Wings fold down individually. Has original brass hardware in excellent condition. Sturdy.

Great as children's tea table or as a distinctive accent. Can be an end table with one wing folded down. Available for purchase at Ruby's Garden in Temescal, Oakland ($225).

Contact Scott (510) 388-6361 if you are interested in purchasing or to commission something similar.

How To Choose Paint Color for Your Home

2009-10-28T18:17:00.000-04:00

Thinking of doing a home color makeover? There are many methods and systems out there for choosing paint color for the walls of your home using the color wheel. And, though some of them can be helpful guides, none of them is a silver bullet. Your home, after all, is an expression of your individuality. Why would you use a cookie cutter approach to choosing it's color?

And so, even though I've studied the color wheel as an artist and designer, my method for choosing color has always been instinctual. None-the-less, here are some guidelines that will help you in this rewarding process:

Decide what overall mood you would like to create for your home. Is it Passion? Austerity? Restfulness? Passionate colors such as saturated reds, yellows, oranges and pinks paired with their complementary colors-- greens, purples, blues can make a bold and warm statement in your home (think Mexico, India, Spain). Afraid of over-doing it? Use only accents of these colors (one wall instead of 4), with the remainder in simple white. Prefer something more austere and modern? Find ashier/ grayer tones of the colors that you like.

Do lots of "research". This is actually more fun than it sounds. Look at lots of magazines (Dwell, Architectural Digest), catalogs, watch HGTV, go to open houses, etc. and pay attention to what you like. Get a blank journal. Make notes. Cut out pictures, paste them in. Note the wall color, trim color, and accents (curtains, floor coverings, furniture).

Learn about the architectural style of your home. Is it a Craftsman? Eichler? Mid-Century? Edwardian? Each architectural style has a color palette that pairs well with it (and you can find these "historical" palettes). Just remember, this is only a guideline, however, as rules are meant to be broken-- it is your house, and only you have to live in it.

Test it out. You can get quarts and often pints custom mixed (and you should) before you commit. Test a patch or two in the room and notice it at different times of day (give yourself a minimum of 24 hours) before you go for the whole room.

Finally-- have fun. Enjoy the process. Breathe deeply, exude confidence. It's only paint-- you can easily change it if it doesn't come out the way you wanted the first time.

As always, if you decide that you'd like some help, give me a call (510) 388-6361

Custom Painted Children's Room Cabinet

2009-10-20T17:17:00.000-04:00

An example of my children's room furniture, this custom painted cabinet was recently finished and installed at Ruby's Garden, a kid's shop in Temescal, Oakland. I do these pieces, as well as children's room murals on a commission basis. Call today to start your project. (510)388-6361.

Full Service Color Consultations

2009-10-09T14:17:00.000-04:00

By the way, I do house calls. My See It In Color service is great if you are outside of the San Francisco Bay Area or just need a little assistance to make your decision about colors for your home.

But if you prefer a hands-on, personalized color consultation service, and are in the greater S.F. Bay Area (Oakland, Berkeley, Walnut Creek/ Contra Costa, Palo Alta/ Peninsula, Marin, etc.) I can do that, too.

My consultations incorporate my proprietary See It In Color service along with an in-depth discussion in your home and color testing on your walls. I can then make suggestions for and install decorative or faux finishes, stencil work, murals and hand painted furniture. Furthermore, I can make suggestions for color and placement of furniture/ fixtures/ accessories. The service can be as basic or custom as you like-- according to your budget or whim.

You might call it Interior Decorating/ Design-- I call it Renovating With Color.

Give me a call to get your Renovate With Color started today! (510) 388-6361.

Cheers,

Scott

See It In Color Helped San Francisco Client Choose Paint Colors

2009-10-06T00:41:00.000-04:00

Recently, I was called by someone on Kansas St. in the Bernal Heights neighborhood of San Francisco to do my See It In Color service. The client had recently done a kitchen renovation and called to say that she now needed help choosing paint colors for her walls.

She had her colors pretty much decided, and her painters were ready to go, but she was not quite sure of the placement of colors in a couple of key spots-- specifically the beautiful box beams in her dining room and the walls of her patio.

My See It In Color Service helped her to see what the color would actually look like on her walls, and she was able to easily make her final decisions. In fact, she said that it was an "enormous" help.

If you also need help choosing your colors, give me a call: (510) 388-6361. Or simply click the Buy Now button in the side bar to get your See It In Color Service started today.

Cheers,
Scott

See It In Color Explained

2009-09-19T02:12:00.000-04:00

Here's how my new See It In Color service works:

You take a digital photo of your room that needs renewing and send it to me (along with a questionnaire that I provide).
I create two different color concepts by digitally painting your photographs based on your questionnaire.
I tell you what paint colors correspond to each concept.

Its that easy!

At that point you can order more concepts for the room (for a nominal extra fee), or you can buy concepts for more rooms.

See It In Color is an excellent and affordable way to envision your ideas for your home.

Click the "Buy Now" button on the top right of this page to begin. Or call me at (510) 388-6361 if you have any questions.

Cheers!

Scott

A Religious Experience While Flying

2009-09-04T19:48:00.001-04:00

On our recent trip to the East Coast I passed the time watching HGTV-- something that I have not been able to do before as I do not indulge in cable TV (I know-- I'm a Luddite).

Anyway I'm considering signing up just so that I can watch Design on a Dime.

Seriously good stuff-- well most of it. I love the idea and here is why: there are so many inspiring ideas of what to do if you want to update your space but don't want to do a full-scale renovation.

"Why wouldn't I want to do a full-scale renovation?", you ask. Well here are some reasons:

It's expensive. A new kitchen in the Bay Area will run you a MINIMUM of $50,000.00 (and that's if you do most of the work yourself).
It's a headache. The only thing worse than having your kitchen torn apart for weeks is, well, the only things I can think of are too gruesome to mention here.
It isn't Green. There are lots of sustainable materials out there now, I know, but what about all of the old stuff that you tear out? Hello landfill.

So that's why I like the spirit behind Design on a Dime (granted I didn't have headphones on, so I'm just guessing)-- you can do a lot of great things with a good designer, some paint and a few good finds.

So if your interested in what can be done at your place contact me. Or call me (510)388-6361. I have great service that will allow you to see your ideas before we even buy paint.

Removable Murals

2009-08-12T12:18:00.001-04:00

I recently found out about a product that allows me to adhere a mural painted on canvas to a wall-- and later it can be removed. The finished effect is that it looks just like it's painted on the wall. This is great news for you if you are renting, but want to do something special for your home without risking your security deposit. It could also be transported when you relocate or buy that home that you've been dreaming of... After all, a mural is a work of art-- why leave it behind when you go?

Interested? Contact me or give me a call (510)388-6361.

Cheers,

Scott

Classic Children's Room Mural

2009-08-05T13:24:00.000-04:00

This is a "before" shot of a child's room that was painted a pretty intense orange by the previous occupants for their young son. Not a bad orange-- definitely exciting. My client, (the new occupant), however, has a sweet 2 year old daughter. She favored something prettier and calmer, and had an idea about a classic sun and moon with two colors of blue-- a "sunny" one, and a "moony" one.

I suggested that we blend around the corner between the two colors and made digital concept sketches of the whole idea for the client to approve.

The concept sketches are virtually "painted" over digital photographs of the client's space. This process allows further discussion before paint and materials are purchased. This is a service that I offer for Color Consultation, Decorative Paint and Mural clients.

We chose two colors of blue ("Calm", and "Sea Glass") from Mythic Paints. This is a no V.O.C. paint that was ideal for a child's room. I mixed the two colors to make a third and then blended the transitions. After I was satisfied with this, I added the sun and moon.

This is the finished "sunny side".
And the finished "moony side".

I added custom designed star and butterfly stencils that helped to draw the two elements together. This also served to "enlarge" the mural without taking too much time or materials.

If you or someone you know are interested in a children's room mural, please contact me (at the top of the page) for an estimate.

Cheers,

Scott

Anything Goes-- With Harmony/ addendum

2009-07-21T00:05:00.000-04:00

Something that I would like to add to my previous post about the Tanzillo residence at 1695 Grand. The thing that I like most about this project is how little the architects really did (by way of construction), but that they made it look like a new place entirely. When speaking with David Weingarten and Lucia Howard of Ace Architects (aceland.com) about it, they pointed out that really it was mostly about color.

Hmmm-- color can do that much. Magic that is, I tell you-- magic.

This is exactly what I have found with the interior work that I have done-- some well chosen color and well-applied paint backed up with good design can make a world of difference. And you don't necessarily have tear anything out to create some positive change in your life.

The added benefit to this is the green aspect. Many materials for Ace's project at the Tanzillo house came from the property. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle-- it's all there. And that is all very, very good.

Anything Goes-- With Harmony

2009-07-17T16:22:00.000-04:00

Ok, first of all, I want to talk about the power of color. This home at 1695 Grand Avenue in Piedmont has caused some controversy-- because of the color. Yes-- that's right-- the color.

My wife and I have been talking about this home for some time now. We love it. The colors look Indian to us (who was it that said; "Pink is the navy blue of India" ?). As it should turn out, we were wrong-- but that's not the point.

The point is that this house, with its 8+ color palette is stunning! And the reason why is harmony-- balance. These colors work together. And this home serves as a beautiful illustration of my primary philosophy of color-- "Anything goes-- with harmony". It's like a jazz musician friend of mine once said about those notes that step outside the chord structure of a song-- as long as they are balanced or resolved by other notes (knowing which ones is where the art comes in) it will work.

When I stopped by to photograph this place, I got more than I bargained for-- the architect (David Weingarten of Ace Architects in Oakland) was on site. When I asked who chose the colors, he laughed; "Oh, that was me". He explained that the palette had dual inspiration-- Italian homes of the late 1800's and the fauvist color choices of early California Impressionist painters (see Seldon Gile, Society of Six etc.), who painted their shadows purple. Works for me.

If you'd like to see more palettes that push the color envelope, check out: www.aceland.com.

S-

Mid-Century Updated

2009-07-14T22:33:00.000-04:00

This is a handsome, mid-century "Hollywood" modern home in the Oakland Hills above the California College of the Arts. It has a clean, rectangular-ity that is grand but comfortable. Three rooms have floor to ceiling windows, and there is a definite presence of the surrounding landscape-- the beautiful yard and gardens as well as views of the San Francisco Bay. The original owner was a marble worker, so the house is full of his "collection" of stone.

We sought to find a color palette that fit the tastes and desires of the owner as well as the feel and era of the home. Through our discussions, we arrived at a natural palette-- blue (for sky), gray (for stone), brown (for wood), green (for foliage) and yellow (for sun). All of these colors were kept very muted, but warm. All colors used are Benjamin Moore.

Two rooms received decorative paint techniques-- the dining room and the master bedroom. The master bedroom headboard wall (pictured above) received a suede-like rag technique that is "Ivy League" over "Baby Turtle". The remaining three walls are "Flowering Herbs".The entire dining room is a color wash of "Golden Tan" over a base of "Manilla".

Worth noting, also, is the outdoor dining area-- contained on one side by an orchid display wall. This is "Spring Mint"-- a perfect compliment to the orchid collection and the bamboo face trim.This house was a wonderful challenge for me, as it required me to hold back a little with color-- my personal tendencies are to more saturation. That was not, however, what the client or the house wanted. And that is what I feel is my primary job as a color consultant-- to "listen"-- listen to the needs of the client and the needs of the home.

S-

Touch-ups Happen

2009-07-14T00:24:00.000-04:00

Recently, I was at the paint store, when I struck up a conversation with a woman who was a little flummoxed as to what to do about a stained wood cabinet that had been accidentally spattered by latex paint. I offered my services, but when she graciously suggested that she'd like to do this herself I offered her some advice.

She was trying to find a small paint sampler in a brown with which she could cover the splatters. Rather, I suggested, go to the art store and buy a couple of small tubes of browns-- there you'll find a variety-- from a dark, raw umber to a reddish burnt sienna. Depending on the stain color, she could mix a couple of these together, thinning with mineral spirits from the hardware store, and probably achieve pretty good results. With a small brush or two and some careful application (I suggest layers built up with drying in between-- even sanding if she wanted to get detailed about it), she should be able to cover those splatters pretty well.

Artist's oils are used in faux finish woodgraining techniques, so this is actually a pretty logical match. A trained hand can make anything disappear.

Cancun Kitchen

2009-07-12T16:59:00.000-04:00

This is a kitchen in the Redwood Heights District of Oakland. The clients wanted to enliven it without going through the headache and expense of major renovation. Through color, design and paint techniques, we were able to give them the feel of having renovated-- at fraction of the price that it would have cost.

Working with photographs from their trips to Cancun for inspiration, we came up with a design that had the feeling of a Mexican vacation and yet fit into the rest of the house.

The walls are a two color wash using Benjamin Moore's "Mellow Yellow" for the base with "Semolina" as a glaze coat. At the client's request, I did a circular brush stroke.

Here is a close up of the custom butterfly stencil that we created for kitchen. This color (also picked up in the window trim) is a custom mixed artist acrylic paint.

An important part of our design was to darken the cabinetry with a mahogany stain in order to harmonize it with the new, dark furniture that was recently installed by the client. (See first two photos).

All in all this was a huge success-- we were able to create the feel of a whole new kitchen without having to do a major renovation. And, most importantly, the clients feel happy every time they enter the room.

Offering New Services

2009-07-12T16:16:00.000-04:00

Many of you know me as a fine art painter or by my clothing line ExVisO Designs. This blog is to keep you up to date on my endeavors as an artist and designer-- including my most recent expansion of services to include Color Consultation and Decorative Painting Design.

This is something that I have picked up as artist who is comfortable with color and who has also worked on and off over the years on homes in different parts of the country.

I will be featuring some of my projects here along with some notes and ideas about art, color, design and painting techniques-- hopefully with lots of images. For instance I love to drive around and take pictures of inspiring color pallets-- maybe one will appeal to you...

So, thanks for stopping by to check out what I have to offer.

Cheers,

Scott