Tahoe The Heart Of It All...

There are eight colors in this picture to create an image of simple natural harmony. How many colors do you find in this image?

How To Discover Color For Your Home or Business*

Start with exploring colors. View neighborhoods for exteriors that have curb appeal to you. While shopping pay attention to colors in retail locations and restaurants that catch your eye or make you feel good. What colors are they playing with in your favorite movie or magazine? Have a favorite shirt or accessory that particularly draws you in with its color? Or what about nature the greens of foliage, the yellows and oranges of sunrise, the purples and pinks of Alpen glow, the beiges and grays of the sand and rocks, and the multitude of blues in the evening sky?

Like one color? Good. Start from there and take subtle differences of the color, then add color like you would add flowers to an arrangement continuing until it appeals to the eye and makes you smile and feel good. Don't rush this process as your moods play a role in choices. On Saturday you may love blue and by Thursday despise it. Live with the color and explore the sustainability of it in your life.

Rule of Thumb about color: If the environment is monotonous, dull, lacks stimulation, and no variety it tends to cause restlessness, lack of focus and irritability. On the other hand too much stimulation with strong colors, vivid patterns and bright colors can cause both physiological and psychological reactions causing increase in heart rate to mental confusion and stress.

Weigh-in your results: Is your palette balanced? Do you feel harmony? Have you gone with the latest trend or what really makes your feel comfortable? Could you add a piece of painted furniture to off set wood pieces? Would one wall accented punch the room up to an outstanding view? Can you live in this room?

"Contrast and harmony are the key design principals along with evaluating the quality of light, location, climate, architecture, and the creation of unity and balance. It's a big job for those interested in having an ultimate living experience where life flows and well-being is maintained. I like to think of color as good medicine for the soul," remarks Erin Kelly dressed in her favorite color of green ready for her next consulting appointment in a busy work schedule filled with the joy of helping others discover the colors of their world.

*Look for the rest of this article featured in the
Sierra Heritage Magazine on the stands Aug. 2010.