Do you think color is a crutch?

Monday, March 5, 2012

A few months back I was watching a show on HGTV called Showhouse Showdown.  I don't think they're running it now but in case you missed it, here's the premise of the show.  Two competing designers are each given a builder's spec home to decorate.  When completed, locals tour each home and give their feedback.  The builder of the homes then determines the winning design and that house becomes the showhouse.  Fun stuff!


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:

Unknown said...

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

jeanette from everton terrace said...

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.

crisangsteninteriors.com said...

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!

amber wallace said...

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!

Kim @ keller-creative said...

I love color and have a hard time with nuetrals (I just want the brightness and life in the space!)

Ispirato Design said...

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!

HAMPTON HOSTESS said...

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

Hyphen Interiors said...

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.

Taylor Greenwalt said...

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!

Splendid Sass said...

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

Sally@DivineDistractions said...

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!

L.Duncan@Home23DuncanBoys said...

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;)

j said...

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}.

Julie of Monkey Grass Hill said...

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!

STARDUST said...

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!

Heather said...

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.

Amber B (Simple Dwellings) said...

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!

Tiffany Leigh {thedesignerlifestyle} said...

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

Danika Herrick said...

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.

Kerry Steele- Design du Monde said...

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.

Melissa @ Rooms said...

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.

L.Duncan@Home23DuncanBoys said...

You may like this article:)

http://www.atlantahomesmag.com/article/banishing-beige

Anonymous said...

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!

Anonymous said...

I always use pops of color in my designs. Like you said it's a tool and can really enliven a room.

Ashley said...

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.

Stacy CUrran said...

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 Vintique Object said...

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

Jalon Burton said...

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

My Many Moments said...

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 ;)

ALR said...

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

anita said...

Great post, Kim.
I couldn't live in a house without color!

Carissa @ the Fabulous Design File said...

I'm such a neutral lover! But I admire designers who can layer on the color and make it all work!

René said...

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.

Holly Gruszka said...

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!

Carrie @ Hazardous Design said...

I need color, else it feels like something's missing.

Haus and Home said...

Oh I love the Jill Sorenson photo with the mint green walls, the great french mirror and the fuchsia chairs.

Unknown said...

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.

Jenny Castle Design said...

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!

Elizabeth said...

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

Jessica said...

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.

heather (love your space) said...

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!

elizabeth@themustardceiling said...

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.

Dovecote Decor said...

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

casey at loft and cottage said...

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!

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