I remember one episode in particular that really got my attention. There was a male designer (sorry, I didn't think to write down names) who favored a more understated design. He likes working within a neutral palette and prefers very little embellishment. We'll call him Mr. Neutral.
This is not Mr. Neutral's space, just an example of the look he favors - balanced, quiet and edited.
His competitor in this episode was a woman who likes a more layered, colorful look and has no fear of the pattern. She will now be known as Ms. Color.
Early on in the show, Mr. Neutral stated that he felt that color was a "crutch" that some decorators use, rather than using more proper decorating tools - like scale, symmetry, texture and arrangement. Jaw drops. Did he really just say that?
For me, color is everything! It''s uplifting, it's a mood creator, it's the fountain of youth for a tired space or a dated piece of furniture.
Jill Sorenson
Meg Braff
Honestly, I don't even remember if Mr. Neutral or Ms. Color won that episode. I was so distracted by his "color is a crutch" comment I couldn't focus on the show. And yes, I have seen some lovely spaces that are completely void of color, but to declare that color is a "crutch" is a stretch. Color is a tool, and an effective one at that.
Color fans, take a look at my color board on Pinterest.
I've also started a board devoted to neutrals. See it here.
I'd love to know your views on the use of color!
Need some help pulling your style together? The Green Room Interiors can make your home a beautiful place to be! Call Kim Lemmon at 423.653.3186 or email thegreenroominteriors@gmail.com
Need some help pulling your style together? The Green Room Interiors can make your home a beautiful place to be! Call Kimberly Lemmon at 423.653.3186 or email thegreenroominteriors@gmail.com
93 comments:
I agree with you, color is MY life! It is so uplifting and versatile..I love neutrals, too, and love good 'bones' in a room, but color wins, for me!
Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com
I'm currently in a neutral mode, have been for the last 6 years or so. I like living in it, calms me. I enjoy color as well and find it joyful.
I agree with you, it can be an effective tool. Perfect if done correctly and a nightmare if not.
Aw, you know me. Neutrals girl. But I do love color too. I'd never consider it a "crutch" - in fact, I think it takes a different kind of creativity to make it right than the neutrals do. Color is happy. Neutrals are relaxing. Both have their place!
I agree! Color rules the world. There are times that I love a completely white room or neutral palate but overall color just makes things happy and put together. Great post!
I love color and have a hard time with nuetrals (I just want the brightness and life in the space!)
I didn't see the episode but I bet I know what he meant because I probably feel the same way. Perhaps he meant that truly good design doesn't need color. My philosophy has always been that a room should be architecturally interesting before color, furniture etc. is ever added...once that is achieved...decorate away!
great post Kim. Must admit I do love my neutrals but have to include a pop of color with it too! Love color but am not a big fan of the layered patterned, textures colors look--so confusing to me. Will visit pinterest later today xxBarbara
Thanks for bringing me over. I'm behind on my blog reading. Love this post. I of course disagree. Color is not a crutch but a tool in your aresenal. No color is color. It's a statement of color in and of itself.
There is room for both styles. Color, neutral design, balance, scale and creativity all play a roll in good design. I think he was a little snobby! Watch, he will be using tons of color in a few years and have to eat his words!
Love both rooms, but I can't believe anyone would say that color is a crutch, lol.
I love color too.
happy Monday, Kim.
Teresa
xoxo
He needs to check his textbook for the elements and principles of design. Color tops the list. Neutrals are colors too, just on the far side of the spectrum. You know me....I have to guard against looking like a box of crayons some time. I love the neutral rooms and design them for some clients, but I need the energy of color. That's the fun of design....figuring out what works for each client....stupid comment!
ok, I think I know what he meant. I think color CAN be used as a crutch. Take my son's room for example. If his room was done in neutral colors, I don't think I would have gotten the same response from everyone. But, because of the stripes in the closet, the green on the walls, the orange desk... The room was a hit! Not to mention the race car room I did for my other two. That's why in the next space I decorate, neutrals are going to play a BIG part in the design. I want to wow everyone with good clean design:)
But hey, you know me. I'm a full on color girl! I may not be able to pull it off;)
I've never seen this show or even heard of it but I completely disagree with him. This person was most likely chosen because they said off the wall things to attract attention or add drama. I enjoy rooms with color but I also enjoy neutrals and have designed in both styles.
It's one thing to design only in one style but when you can't respect other styles or viewpoints, it makes you a pretty one dimensional person {in my opinion anyway}.
I like the neutrals AND color. I actually think that it takes more risk and creativity to use color and do it well. To me, neutrals are a crutch -- take that mr. neutral, a housewife in VA says you're wrong!
Hey Kim! I wouldn't miss your post as I'm following via Bloglovin'! Great post by the way! I'm more of a monochromatic type myself. I do like all these colorful photos, but I prefer neutrals and just adding a little splash of color whenever I feel like it. It's really funny that we published similar posts today! LOL! Mine was a guest post. Unfortunately I'm not a decorator or a designer or even an expert!
OK, maybe not witting or inspirational, but I do think your style with vivid color is great. I also love my daughter's style at The Vintique Object of a more restrained color palette. I notice that I am drawn to images of a more neutral palette that have strong accent colors. My own house is pretty colorful.
I remember that show! I can't believe he said that! Color is definitely not a crutch, because it can also turn out bad if not done correctly, just like in using neutrals. Whether using color or not, it's all about scale and placement and how you use it! I love using pops of color in any space. It definitely awakens the room and makes me smile! I also started following you on pinterest. Your boards are gorgeous!
Color is most definitely NOT a crutch, but when I think about it, it can probably be used as such by some. I have seen some poor designs that have an initial wow impact due to dramatic use of color. I think that in good design, however, color is used to enhance rather than support. They don't teach us color theory for nothing people!
Tiffany
thedesignerlifestyle.blogspot.com
Disagree with Mr. Crutch. As much as I love the look of neutral rooms I cannot live with out color or pattern. I have tried it, and color always sneaks back in. It is a mood elevator, adds personality and interest. I think when designers think outside the tool"box" we were taught, and break a few rules great things happen. K.W. and Miles Redd are two examples.
To each his own I guess.
I am guessing that Mr. Neutral was not Mr. Articulate as well. I didn't see that show but I often think some designers use color as their only tool. As in choosing a color palette with 3 or 4 colors and just flinging them around an ordinary room in varying doses. Maybe that is what he meant.
I love color and neutrals but feel texture and form are just as important.
I certainly don't agree. I can appreciate both color and neutrals (I prefer color). It's not like just adding color instantly makes a space look amazing you still have to use scale, symmetry, textures, etc to create a well- balanced and beautiful design.
You may like this article:)
http://www.atlantahomesmag.com/article/banishing-beige
I think colour is just an important tool as scale, texture and all the other techniques designers use. And while I think there are some designers who perhaps don't use colour as successfully as others, I have seen many many boring neutral rooms in my time where it looks like the designer didn't understand colour enough to add it. You always see both good and bad examples.
Personally I love colour and if even my 'neutral' rooms end up with so much layering of different neutrals (cream, white, brown, grey, black) it almost looks 'colourful'? :)
Great post, Kim!
I always use pops of color in my designs. Like you said it's a tool and can really enliven a room.
Oh my gosh, give me a break, Mr. Neutral. Color, like scale, pattern, symmetry, is a design tool that skilled designers and those with a talented eye use because its invaluable in a space.
His comment just sounds like a defensive reaction to Ms. Color's aesthetic.
That was just plain old rude of him to say on tv, especially when he was competing with someone who relies on color. I hope the other designer won!
Stacy
The color/neutral debate rages on, even though, in my opinion, it's completely a matter of personal preference and mood. One of the things I admire about your style Kim is your use of color -- especially because I feel I have a deficit in the color category!
Camille
I don't blame you for tuning his name out! How could he even justify that statement! Doesn't he realize that design is 'all in the eye of the beholder' - it isn't his room/space... it's the clients' and if they love color - WORK WITH IT! DUH. Thanks for sharing - Jalon
I tend to favor nuetral paint colors and use color in accents. That way if you get tired of the color you can easily switch it out. I have to say there is nothing better than two pattern on pattern pillows on a leather couch! Thanks for the comment today. I stop by your blog often but will be better about actually leaving a comment ;)
This is interesting. My house is pretty neutral and I like the nice airy feel but we are in the process of stepping outside of our neutral color box and going a bit bold for a change. I will have to let you know how I feel about it after we take the plunge:)
Thanks for visiting PFL! I always appreciate your comments Kim.
xo
Amy R
Great post, Kim.
I couldn't live in a house without color!
I'm such a neutral lover! But I admire designers who can layer on the color and make it all work!
Very interesting! I tend to go back and forth on color and neutrals, but never feel like color is a crutch. Even in a neutral space it is nice to see a little hint of color.
What a conversation you've got going here! It's an interesting comment but I don't think it was used in the right context or they edited nicely around the rest of the story. I think beautiful design can be achieved through any color palette - bold or neutral. I definitely lean more toward bold colors but I can probably name at least 5 friends who I would consider to be neutral lovers. I do think there is a definite skill to achieving a perfectly executed neutral space. To be honest, neutral rooms scare me and that's what I need to practice more with neutrals. Great post with lots of conversation!
I need color, else it feels like something's missing.
Oh I love the Jill Sorenson photo with the mint green walls, the great french mirror and the fuchsia chairs.
Hi Kim! It's my first visit and I really enjoyed your post. I love both and feel like there is a constant duel between the two. I love color but am fickle so it makes sense for me to do a base of neutral and add color in accessories that I can change up easily. I'm a new GFC follower and look forward to seeing more.
Color is so much more memorable and adds a unique touch to a space - not to mention gives it life, warmth and personality...what rubish Mr. Nuetral!
It depends who you are. So designers are brilliant when it comes to color. Others prefer the neutral palette and allow the details of the space - floors, windows, trim, etc shine. I don't think color is a crutch. It's black and white - good design is fundamental.
Cheers!
Elizabeth
Covet Du Jour
It takes skill to use color properly, I definitely wouldn't call it a crutch. But it also takes a lot of skill to decorate in all neutral.
This has obviously struck a nerve--look at all the debate! I love color, and rely heavily on it as a tool. That said, I do think color can mask a multitude of sins, which can make it seem like a crutch--when I have done more restrained, neutral spaces, I find that everything else comes into clearer focus, and I can't get away with as many budget choices. But it does also take skill to get color right, and you can definitely make mistakes with color!
Wow, I've never heard that one before. I think neutrals have their place, and I find myself more drawn to neutral rooms lately, but I think color is a huge part of design and a great way to express yourself.
If color is a crutch, I have two. I love color in my house, and am fearless with it. Come by and see Hutton Wilkinson's new house in 90210--I love it. Talk about color!
Best,
Liz
What?!? I'd love to have a few words with Mr. Neutral. Color is as important an element in design as all the other elements he listed. He's clearly got issues!
order valium lorazepam generic valium - average dose valium anxiety
lorazepam 1mg ativan and alcohol experience - ativan uses anxiety
buy diazepam online buy actavis diazepam - buy diazepam online europe
valium no prescription valium many get high - valium online paypal
cheap zolpidem zolpidem tartrate or ambien - generic ambien weaker
lorazepam 1mg ativan gtt - ativan overdose side effects
order alprazolam xanax dosage hours - xanax 3mg xr
cheap generic ativan ativan vs generic - buy lorazepam online no prescription needed
order ativan ativan and alcohol bluelight - ativan 4 list
buy ativan online ativan memory loss - generic ativan just good
ambien drug ambien dosage in mg - buy ambien cheap online
valium sale generic valium cost - cost of valium medication
cheap generic ambien ambien cr 12.5 mg - list side effects ambien cr
Blogger: Chattafabulous - Post a Comment acomplia price - acomplia weight loss http://www.a6soft.com/#acomplia-weight-loss
Blogger: Chattafabulous - Post a Comment acomplia price - acomplia weight loss http://www.a6soft.com/#acomplia-weight-loss
Blogger: Chattafabulous - Post a Comment order sibutramine online - sibutramine without prescription http://www.meridiaordernow.com/#sibutramine-without-prescription
Blogger: Chattafabulous - Post a Comment ventolin no prescription - ventolin online http://www.ventolinforsaleonline.com/#ventolin-online
Blogger: Chattafabulous - Post a Comment ventolin online no prescription - buy ventolin online no prescription http://www.ventolinforsaleonline.com/#buy-ventolin-online-no-prescription
Blogger: Chattafabulous - Post a Comment meridia pills - buy meridia online no prescription http://www.meridiaordernow.com/#buy-meridia-online-no-prescription
Blogger: Chattafabulous - Post a Comment order prednisone - order prednisone online http://www.ourdailybreadmarket.net/#order-prednisone-online
Blogger: Chattafabulous - Post a Comment ventolin price - ventolin without prescription http://www.ventolinforsaleonline.com/#ventolin-without-prescription
Blogger: Chattafabulous - Post a Comment cheap ventolin online - generic ventolin online http://www.ventolinforsaleonline.com/#generic-ventolin-online
Blogger: Chattafabulous - Post a Comment cheap ventolin - generic ventolin http://www.ventolinforsaleonline.com/#generic-ventolin
Blogger: Chattafabulous - Post a Comment meridia weight loss - meridia sale http://www.meridiaordernow.com/#meridia-sale
Hi, MoxoredapeTox isotretinoin online - isotretinoin cost http://www.josoclasolucio.com/#accutane-pills
Airbonre Cold Tablets generic prednisolone - order prednisone http://www.prednisone4sale.com/#order-prednisone
Nick Names For Drugs buy rimonabant online - acomplia 20mg pills http://www.buydiscountedisotretinoin.net/#acomplia-20mg-pills
Tindamax Medication Safety buy acomplia online no prescription - acomplia for sale http://www.buydiscountedisotretinoin.net/#acomplia-for-sale
Top Ten Brands Of Medicine generic rimonabant - where can i buy acomplia online http://www.buydiscountedisotretinoin.net/#where-can-i-buy-acomplia-online
Whipworm Medication For Dogs acomplia no prescription - generic rimonabant http://www.buydiscountedisotretinoin.net/#generic-rimonabant
Wt Loss Drug Excalia generic acomplia - buy rimonabant http://www.buydiscountedisotretinoin.net/#buy-rimonabant
Drug Effect Pics topiramate 25mg - order topamax online http://www.topamaxforless.com/
Dr Wright Alternative Medicine cost of topamax - topiramate online no prescription http://www.topamaxforless.com/
Communication Skills For Medicine order sumatriptan online - buy imitrex without prescription http://www.brawr.net/ - [url=http://www.brawr.net/]imitrex without rx [/url]
Prescription Medication Dosages buy furosemide - cost of lasix http://www.sunflowerocity.com/, [url=http://www.sunflowerocity.com/]cheap lasix [/url]
Because Loves The Only Drug buy imitrex no prescription - sumatriptan online http://www.brawr.net/ - [url=http://www.brawr.net/]buy imitrex [/url]
Time Drugs In Urine meridia pills for sale - order sibutramine online http://www.meridiaonlineorder.net/#order-sibutramine-online , [url=http://www.meridiaonlineorder.net/#sibutramine-without-prescription ]sibutramine without prescription [/url]
Top Online Drug Stores purchase meridia online - buy cheap sibutramine http://www.meridiaonlineorder.net/#buy-cheap-sibutramine , [url=http://www.meridiaonlineorder.net/#cheap-reductil ]cheap reductil [/url]
Yeduc Mexican Drug Safety buy reductil - buy meridia without prescription http://www.meridiaonlineorder.net/#buy-meridia-without-prescription , [url=http://www.meridiaonlineorder.net/#buy-cheap-meridia ]buy cheap meridia [/url]
Contraindications Of Medications buy reductil - buy meridia without prescription http://www.meridiaonlineorder.net/#buy-meridia-without-prescription , [url=http://www.meridiaonlineorder.net/#buy-cheap-meridia ]buy cheap meridia [/url]
tfv [url=http://www.lamisilonlinerx.net/#purchase-lamisil ]lamisil without prescription [/url] - lamisil no prescription - cheap lamisil no prescription http://www.lamisilonlinerx.net/#terbinafine-online-pharmacy ,
tni buy cytotec online no prescription - cytotec pills http://www.cytoteconlinecheap.net/#order-cytotec, [url=http://www.cytoteconlinecheap.net/#order-cytotec]cytotec online no prescription [/url]
tmd order lamisil - buy terbinafine online http://www.lamisilonlinerx.net/#purchase-lamisil, [url=http://www.lamisilonlinerx.net/#purchase-lamisil]lamisil online no prescription [/url]
sob cost of neurontin - purchase neurontin http://www.neurontinonlinesales.net/#purchase-neurontin , neurontin pills
rvb cheap lexapro no prescription - cheap lexapro online http://www.onlinemedicationsale.com/lexapro.html, [url=http://www.onlinemedicationsale.com/lexapro.html]discount lexapro [/url]
losneyfgd order clonazepam - buy cheap clonazepam online http://imgzy.com/#buy-cheap-clonazepam-online , [url=http://imgzy.com/#cheap-klonopin-online ]cheap klonopin online [/url]
losneyfgd ambien for sale online - buy generic ambien online http://www.monitorfolder.com/#buy-generic-ambien-online , [url=http://www.monitorfolder.com/#ambien-for-sale-no-prescription ]ambien for sale no prescription [/url]
Hello, klonopin for sale - order klonopin online http://www.stationcoffeeandtea.com/#order-klonopin-online , klonopin no prescription
4 Order Cymbalta - cymbalta for sale http://www.cymbaltaduloxetineorder.net/#cymbalta-without-prescription, [url=http://www.cymbaltaduloxetineorder.net/#cymbalta-without-prescription]Cymbalta 60mg[/url]
Post a Comment