What Colors Mean and Which Colors Go Together
Color is more than a combination of red and blue or yellow and black. It is non-verbal communication. Colors have symbolism and meanings that go beyond ink. As you think about color for your home, it is helpful to keep in mind how the eye and the mind perceive certain colors. Sometimes colors create a physical reaction (red has been shown to raise blood pressure) and at other times it is a cultural reaction (in the U.S. white is for weddings, in some Eastern cultures, white is the color for mourning and funerals). Colors follow trends as well. Avocado, a shade of green, is synomous with the 60s and 70s. In addition to understanding color meanings, it helps with mixing and matching colors to know the relationship of adjacent, complementary, and clashing colors. For example, adjacent or harmonizing colors appear next to each other on the color wheel. Harmonizing colors often work well together but if too close in value they can appear washed out or not have enough contrast.Complementary colors are separated by another color on the color wheel. Complementary colors used side by side can cause visual vibration making them a less than desirable combination. However, separate them with other colors and they can work together.
Clashing or contrasting colors are directly opposite each other on the color wheel. Despite the name, colors that clash are not always a bad combination if used carefully. They provide great contrast and high visibility.

Color of the Month: Innocent White
You maybe asking WHITE? Is white a color? In it's pigment or dye form, white is considered achromatic, which means "without out color." However, if we think in terms of light..(remember Sir Issac Newton and his spectrum)..white contains all color. Many times white is associated with black. It is its companion to black. Black is often associated with the absence of color, therefore many refer to white as the opposite of black. White is very often seen as the purest of colors. Many religions use white as a reference to the divine. There is an innocence to white. It traditionally is also associated with brides and babies. The transformation of a clean, soft snowfall. White is always seen as a fresh, new beginning. The opposite is also true with white. We often refer to white as boring and minimalistic. White walls are often seen as a "blank canvas". It can also been seen as cold and sterile. The medical profession began wearing soft pastels instead of white. They found that patients responded more positively to them! White at times, conveys the message of stiff, sterile and cold. Many people do not have a passion for white when decorating their homes. White often is viewed as a "neutral" and it is a safe choice. White will make an excellent choice the kitchen especially for cabinetry and doors. White is a neutral if used on doors and trim throughout your home. Any color that is placed with white will definitely gain greater impact and contrast! Ceilings are traditionally always painted white. Many view white as impractical (especially if you have children or pets). White furniture is usually seen as very eccentric! White can also be very charming and romantic. Some ways to extend white into the home is the use of white whicker, lace curtains, fine china or a single vase with a bold flower! If done right..white can be an eye catcher!!

Guidelines for Tackling Wall Color:
How many times have you picked up a small paint chip, loved the color, and then hated it when you applied it to your wall? I often get asked why the color on the paint chip doesn't look the same on the wall. First of all, a small sample will rarely be seen as the same color when viewed on a much larger scale. Meaning, the paint chip is smaller in scale than the wall. The color is concentrated in a small area. The color becomes more intense when you are literally surrounded by it. When color is applied to walls, its the quality and quantity of light in the space that will make the difference. In addition, there are other considerations, such as the color of the surrounding space, particularly ceiling and floor.
Here are some guidelines:
1. Test the color in the actual setting
2. Test your color over a white background. This can be done directly on the wall or on a large poster board, measuring at least 5 feet by five feet.
3. Paint two coats of color over the white. For deeper shades, you may even need three coats!
4. Move the board around to different areas of the room so you can see it at every angle.
5. Look at the test at different times of the day to see how the color might change in natural light and artificial light. Also, see if you enjoy the color in the evening.
6. If you like what you see...then you are ready to ROLL!

Do White Walls Make a House Sell Faster?
In my opinion, the answer is no. I know that sometimes real estate agents do recommend this, however, I don't agree that in every situation this should be done. White will convey a "sterile" feeling. Prospective buyers are generally operating in an emotional mode. This means that a house must "feel" like their "home". They need to vision themselves living in your home. Color will help them create a mental picture of where and how they want to live in the house. Color helps to paint a picture and curb the emotions. Most buyers do want to add their own personal color choices in a home, but most do not have a clue as to what colors to use. Adding color will also convey that the home has more warmth. However, there are times when dramatic and bold colors on walls will convey a different message to the buyer. Bold colors are very personal, and when selling your home, you need to de-personalize it. Neutral colors are often the best choice when getting your property ready for the market. Call me today and I will help you get your property ready for the San Diego real estate market!