Category Archives: Design

How to use blue in your home

Amy Krane Color
How to use the world’s favorite color.  There are many shades and tones of this exquisite color. Ultramarine, Egyptian, Prussian, cerulean, periwinkle, indigo, turquoise; the list goes on. When mixing paint there are 3 primary colors: blue, red and yellow.  Indivisible by no other color, blue is a foundational hue. It is considered by most people to be calming though some unlucky souls find the color melancholy. Here’s how to use blue. Across nations and cultures blue remains the world’s favorite color. It wasn’t always so though. It was not until the twelfth century that it began to be associated with the divine and would start to be used in stained glass windows, depictions of the Virgin Mary and coats of arms.… Continue reading...

How to Choose a White Paint Color

how to choose a white paint color
Of all of the paint colors available, white paint seems to be the trickiest color for people to choose. Neutrals are the backbone of paint companies’ color lines so filling out the choices with whites, grays and beiges is smart business for them. There are buckets of them, making the choice difficult. It’s a great time to call in a paint color consultant if you’re stuck. You can also tune into my podcast on this topic using this link here. Why choose white in the first place? People choose white paint for many reasons. The poorest reasons are lack of a better idea or afraid to make a mistake.… Continue reading...

How to Choose the Perfect Grout Color for your Tiles

You think the hard work is done because you finally chose magnificent tiles for your project. But now you have to choose the perfect grout color for your tiles to make them really sing. There are a number of factors to consider when choosing grout color. Where are the tiles going, on a floor or a wall? Will there be heavy traffic? In heavily trafficked areas the tiles will get dirty quickly so they’re best with a grout color that is mid-toned to dark. Will the tiles get splattered with food or grease and need constant cleaning and upkeep? Again, mid toned to dark grout will be best.… Continue reading...

How to Choose Paint Colors for your house interior

So, you bought a new home or you’re tossing out everything you own and starting from scratch, all new. Yay! or Yikes? Choosing paint colors for an entire home can be daunting. Chances are you’re on some kind of schedule and can’t dilly dally or procrastinate choosing your paint colors. You need a method to choose the paint colors for your home which is sensible and fool proof. Here it is! How to choose paint colors for your home. Let’s start with some don’ts. Do not rely on a color combination created by a paint company in one of their “helpful” inspirational brochures or on-line.… Continue reading...

How to Choose Paint Colors for Rooms with Wood Trim

Many homes, especially in the country, have wood trim that is stained not painted. The trim can include moldings; baseboard or crown, window jambs and casings, overhead beams or millwork like the fireplace wall in the photo above. Wood trim in a wood stain color adds complexity to the overall palette as the room usually has hardwood floors as well. Here are tips to choose the best paint colors for rooms with wood trim. What to consider when choosing paint colors Rarely are the floors and trim the same color stain. This may make the task of choosing wall colors confusing.… Continue reading...

Creating Accent Walls that Work

Accent wall with TVAccent wall Amy Krane Color
Updated Feb 2022 While painting all four walls of a room creates cohesion and unity sometimes we want to kick it up a notch with a painted accent wall. Hopefully you adore the color chosen for the room but if your heart is set on something more – an accent wall can help. It adds the wow factor. In the photo above, not only does the navy blue accent wall add a note of fun and whimsy, it helps integrate one of the key colors used throughout the room and has the added bonus of “hiding” the TV in plain site.… Continue reading...

Decorating with Variations of the Same Color

How to choose paint colorsAmy Krane Color
As an Architectural Color Consultant I’m often asked how I know which colors “go” together. One particular design direction, decorating with variations of the same color stumps many people. There is the science and art of working with color. The science is established. Colors can be quantified and measured in many ways. The art has more to do with one’s taste and sensibility. It’s personal. ( I don’t mean private). In the end it’s about who you are and what you like. How adventurous are you in your color tastes? When it comes to being liberal or conservative in one’s color proclivities, either goes, and unlike in politics, people who are one or the other have no trouble sharing the Thanksgiving table!… Continue reading...

10 Design Trends for 2018

Amy Krane ColorGeneral Assembly
It’s that time again to take stock of what’s happening in the world of interior design and see what’s on the horizon in terms of design trends. Some trends are just starting to poke their heads above the fray while others have been gaining popularity since the beginning of 2017 and even before. Terracotta Tiles I know what you’re thinking. “Not those dated floor tiles from the 70’s!” Nope, not those. Check out this gorgeous, original use of hex shaped terra-cotta tiles by design firm General Assembly. The photo above highlights no less than 3 trends for 2018. One is the choice of terracotta, two is mixing different tile styles together in a very unique and creative way.… Continue reading...