HARNESS THE POWER OF PAINT
Cheap and transformative, painting is a quick and easy cosmetic fix for what ails your house. Unfortunately, for many of us, making a colour choice is fraught with peril, but it doesn’t need to be intimidating or difficult. Jo Jo Fletcher, home design expert and past star of Season 12 of The Bachelorette, offers up advice on choosing the right paint, and shares some other design tips.
Q We have wanted to paint our front door for the last two years but can’t decide on a colour. What colour would you pick for a pop of colour, but not too bold?
A I love blues for front doors. It is easy to find a shade of blue that is universally liked. Anything in the blue or green family is a fun pop of colour without going too bold.
Q My husband and I recently moved into our house, and I want to paint an accent wall in our living room. The wall I want to paint has a decorative fireplace that’s white marble with grey and a tiny bit of pink throughout. I was leaning toward a dark blue wall, to make the fireplace pop, but do you have any specific colour suggestions? The room itself has huge windows and tons of natural light.
A Yes, I think that is going to look so good. One of my favourite navy colours is In The Navy by Sherwin-Williams. It’s the perfect accent to go with the other neutral colours you have.
Q My six-year-old daughter is ready to graduate from pink paint and wants to repaint her west-facing room in a lavender shade. I was thinking of Benjamin Moore’s Sanctuary but fear it may read too sophisticated. Do you have any favourite purple shades?
A For a light and airy feel, especially in a room with lots of light, Queen Anne Lilac from Sherwin-Williams is really pretty and I don’t think it would be too sophisticated.
Q The second floor of my townhouse is an open concept with a kitchen, dining area and living area. It has plenty of natural light, large windows, and an open staircase wall from the first to second floor. I’m looking for a colour to unify it all, without being boring. Currently, it is painted with Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee.
A That space sounds amazing. With so much natural light like that, I like pretty neutrals with a hint of colour, like an icy grey.
Q I’m having my home repainted (grey walls and white ceilings), and am considering using high-gloss paint on the popcorn ceiling to help brighten the space. Is this a good idea?
A I’ve found that high-gloss finishes are great for adding a bold statement to a room, but they can pull out the texture even more. I would suggest using an eggshell finish for the ceilings.
Q Can you suggest a true light grey that would match a tan tweed couch, but that also has a coordinating dark grey for an accent wall?
A I love that two-tone colour combination, especially with a tweed couch. Crushed Ice contrasted with Gray Shingle from Sherwin-Williams for the accent wall would be neutral and clean.
Q My living room and dining room are open to each other; there is only a narrow divider between them, the outer eightinch edge of the wall that formerly separated them. Should the two rooms be painted the same colour? Should their window treatments match?
A I would say to choose one colour to keep the space cohesive, and make it look even bigger and brighter.
Q We want to renovate our kitchen but that is too big (and pricey) a project to undertake at once. Do you think painting the kitchen walls or cabinets would have a bigger impact? What colour would you suggest?
A Painting the kitchen cabinets can have a huge impact, but also simply replacing the hardware will give it a more clean and updated look. Then, when you’re ready, you can tackle the walls.
Q I’m looking to transform my space. Do you have any tips on how to do so affordably?
A Painting goes a long way! That’s something you can do yourself. If you have the time, that can make a big difference. Other quick fixes such as updating hardware and lighting fixtures, switching out throw pillows or simply re-arranging your furniture can give it a refreshed feel.
Q I’d like to paint my apartment a very pale mint green, but every sample I pick looks as if I am living in an after-dinner mint or lime freeze. I think I need a white that skews the mint. Is that too subtle for a living area? Too boring ? My walls are currently a wheaty colour.
A: Not too boring at all! I would recommend Spinach White by Sherwin-Williams. It’s a great white with green undertones. If you are finding it’s too neutral afterward, you can always incorporate a bright accent wall or wall art.
Q I have a small house but tons of clothes. How can I create more storage space without breaking the bank?
A I struggled with the same issue in my first home! An easy solution would be to compartmentalize using containers to store items in concealed areas, such as under the bed, in drawers, etc.
Q I would like to upgrade my kitchen to make it more modern and minimalist. What are some of the latest trends to make the space more contemporary?
A Straight lines and modern Shaker-style cabinets with the right hardware can totally transform your space. New light fixtures are also a really good way to incorporate that modern feel.