Why do certain colors trend? Have you noticed, that you haven't been able to find a pair of hot pink pumps for decades? Want to replace that eggplant bath rug, but can't find that color anywhere anymore?  Color forecasting is done in advance and the entire manufacturing industry jumps on board, from fashion, to home decor, to print advertising.

Pantone is recognized worldwide, designers pay attention, The color forecasters gather and talk color, until they come up with the "Color of the Year". Decision by committee. Personally, I feel that the new blue is a bit heavy and depressing for the dawn of a new decade. Yes, we need to feel peaceful, but we also need to feel hopeful. If I was on the international color forecasting board I would block this conservative decision ;) More on Pantone

Let's look further back by decade, the roaring 20's brought a sense of adventure, war was over, people felt lighter, colors were soft and sophisticated. I doubt people thought much about color during the depression and WWII. Life was pretty drab, pigments and paint were expensive.

The dawn of the 50's was a time for celebration, again, a sense of freedom and expression, kitchens were soft pink and turquoise, even automobiles came out in sexy new colors and everyone owned one or two. Here's a swatch of Pontiac car colors from the Spring collection of 1956.
As enchanting as an Easter Parade!

As we moved into the psychedelic 60's, people and colors became bolder and brighter. Rock and roll and flower power pushed the colors to an exciting new level.

Earth and energy dominated the 70's psyche with the awareness of polluted waterways, gas shortages and the oil embargo, people craved a connection to earth. Dark wood, textured macrame and pottery took center stage. Brown, green and golds could be found everywhere, including your refrigerator.

The "me generation" of the 80's brought on the Miami Vice vibe, carefree and light. Who didn't have something mauve or teal or country blue in their home?

By the 90's colors were deeper, the khaki colors of Grunge. The world didn't end with Y2K and vivid orange and fresh green celebrated the new Millennium. Colors were highly saturated and exciting, bold with contrast.

Color has the ability to affect mood, it reflects our collective conscience, we crave different colors at different times of our lives. I ask, what color do you need in your life right now?

Color can be very powerful. Use it wisely.

​Well, I did it!
I made the move from Denver to Wisconsin. It was a very Merry Christmas with family and friends, to be followed by a long stretch of bitter cold that has not ended. I’m happy to look for houses while sitting by the fireplace. Thank God for Zillow, Realtor.com and hot tea!
 
Of course I am excited to dive into the interior design community here in the Milwaukee area and start to get acquainted with new people, suppliers and vendors. In the meantime, as I browse through the real estate listings, I see that realtors and homeowners in the area could be greatly helped with a two-hour interior design consultation.
 
People generally think that interior designers are only for the extremely wealthy. Not true!  A $250 consultation can dramatically change the look of your space, and save you money. ​Many people prefer to do it themselves, but need ideas, guidelines and

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Working with a professional paint color consultant may seem extravagant to some people, until they actually do! I've had many clients who have tried to go it alone, ending up with multiple paint samples scattered all over their walls and call in frustration. Painting your home or office can be a major expense and none of us want to make a mistake.

Sherwin Williams just put out this infographic about paint color. It's no surprise that millennials value the advise of an expert. They want their space to look awesome, and realize that it's tricky to get it right. Color is an art & a science!  Most people don't have the patience, experience or skill to nail it the first time. So why not call in someone who geeks out on color all day, every day?  Ultimately, by investing a few hours of time with a color consultant or interior designer, you can save time and money, and have a beautiful looking designer home that will wow your guests.

So, if you are considering investing in painting your space, I highly recommend investing in your vision first.

Sheri Kaz
Color Consulting and Interior Design

People always ask me, "What are the most popular paint colors?". Interior design trends come and go, taupe, beige, grey, greige. One year white cabinetry is all the rage, next year it will look tired. My advice is to choose colors that work for your home and your spirit. Yes, your spirit!

Color has a magical ability to speak to us. Color influences the products we purchase. Your paint scheme can portray a soft elegance or a vibrant environment. What does your spirit need and what colors are you drawn too?

If you want more energy in your office, consider yellow or orange. If you need your office to be calmer, greens, blues and deeper colors like a shade of brown may be soothing.

When looking for the best room colors you'll want to consider how the light plays in the room. Look at the natural light coming in from your windows as well as the lamps and overheads in your space. What time of day do you use this room, how do you want to "feel" in the space?

Just changing the color temperature of your light bulbs will change the way your paint color looks. A cream colored lampshade will make your paint look different than a white or black lampshade. Oh the magic of color and light!

Color is also affected by the colors surrounding it. In a house with large windows, surrounded by evergreens, any paint will reflect the green during the day. We can make adjustments looking at the undertone of a color to get the effect you ultimately want. (We'll explore more on the subject of metamerism later.)

If you are looking for the best paint colors for your home interior or business, give me a call. Paint color consulting is my specialty! We'll create the perfect palette for you to work, live and play in!

Sheri Kaz
Color and Interior Design

When the Delectable Egg called me to help them design their new restaurant, I was thrilled. The new space boasted a ratty beach vibe. As I began to learn more about the brand, I felt we had a huge opportunity to make the space fun, happy and memorable. I wanted it to sparkle.

This is a breakfast and lunch restaurant. The owners had never worked with an interior designer before, and I had never designed a restaurant before, but I had a vision!

SPARKLE!! From lighting fixtures and furnishings to paint colors and art, I was on a mission to find the perfect finishes that would brighten up their customers' day!

The Delectable Egg loves supporting artists and features rotating installations in the other restaurants. As a result, their walls were badly damaged and occasionally the show was too scary for a breakfast vibe!

I sourced fun artwork for their permanent collection and gave them a dedicated wall with a hanging system for their guest artists convenience.