Winter Newsletter 2026 - Color in your Home

WINTER 2026 Newsletter

As we welcome the new year—and with winter keeping us indoors—our first newsletter of the year turns its focus inward. This season is the perfect time to look closely at our spaces, so we’re spotlighting project details and exploring the role COLOR plays in shaping how our homes feel and function.

Why Color Matters in Your Home

Color isn’t just decorative. Color is one of the most powerful tools in any interior design plan, influencing mood, enhancing flow, and contributing to an overall experience. There are several key elements designers consider when selecting and layering color, and we’ll walk through them step by step. Walls - SW Grey Heron, Ceiling - American Tin Ceilings, Tin Expresso Patina Ceiling Tiles

Creating a Color Story

One of the first steps in any design plan is creating a color story—a palette that establishes the emotional foundation of a home.

Color creates the visceral reaction we have to a space. Because we all experience color differently, personal preference plays a huge role. A shade that feels energizing to one person may feel calming to another. Thoughtful design is about translating those reactions into spaces that truly support how you live. Below pictured: Cabinetry - SW Daphne, Walls/Ceiling - SW Grey Heron

How Color Affects Mood

“Color is what creates the emotion, the visceral reaction we have to a space.”
— Young Huh

Simply changing wall color—without changing furniture—can completely transform a room.

Soft blues encourage calm
Warm neutrals create comfort
Greens feel grounding
Yellows add energy
Deeper tones bring intimacy

The right color choice can positively influence mood and well-being. Walls - PPG True Khaki, Ceiling - 1 shade lighter

Personalizing Your Space

Personalization is what turns a house into a home.

One key tip: don’t paint first. Select furnishings, fabrics, and finishes before finalizing wall color. Once the design direction is clear, paint becomes the element that ties everything together—rather than something you have to work around later. Walls and Ceiling - Ben Moore Barren Plain. Focal wall - color matched to kitchen island

Color Flow in Open Spaces

In open-concept homes, color continuity is essential. Continuous walls create a connected visual experience, so cohesion matters more than contrast.

Neutrals often work best as a foundation, with bolder color reserved for accents or architectural moments. Walls and Ceiling - SW Agreeable Gray, Focal Wall and Fireplace - PPG Night watch

Timeless Neutral Favorites

Some neutrals truly stand the test of time. A few trusted favorites include Ben Moore Swiss Coffee and Barren Plain or SW Agreeable Gray and Grey Heron—shades that offer warmth, flexibility, and longevity. Walls and Ceiling - SW Agreeable Gray

Light Changes Everything

Color shifts throughout the day and across seasons. Morning, afternoon, and evening light can all dramatically affect how a shade appears.

Always test samples directly on your walls and observe them under different lighting conditions BEFORE committing. Walls and Ceiling- Ben Moore Mushroom

Don’t Forget the Ceiling!

The ceiling—often called the “fifth wall”—is one of the most overlooked design opportunities. It can be featured as a design element drawing the eye to impart an effect or focal detail. Powder Room/Ceiling - SW Cyberspace

Painting walls, trim, and ceilings in the same color (and sometimes the same sheen) creates a cohesive, immersive feel and allows light to reflect evenly throughout the space.

Pictured above: Basement/Walls and Ceiling - SW Agreeable Gray

Pictured left: Farmhouse Family Room/Walls and Ceiling - SW Grey Heron

When to Go Bold

Smaller, enclosed spaces like entryways, powder rooms, laundry rooms, and closets are perfect places to embrace bold color. Darker hues create mood, hide wear, and deliver an unexpected design moment.

At the end of the day, the best color choice is the one that makes you feel good in your home. Walls and Ceiling - PPG Aqua Smoke

❄️ Final Thought

Color is emotional, functional, and deeply personal. When chosen with intention—and tested properly—it has the power to completely transform how your home feels.

💬 If you’re struggling with a color decision or want guidance for a specific space, I’m always happy to help!!

STAY TUNED FOR ANOTHER RENOVATION CLOSE UP IN OUR SPRING NEWSLETTER!!!!

“THE MIRROR EFFECT: Your Home Reflects You - your space reflects your beliefs, habits, energy….and your untapped potential” Wendy Kleiner

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