JoJo Fletcher on choosing the right paint
Celebrity home design expert likes ‘safe neutrals’ but blue or green can give a front door a fun pop of colour
JoJo Fletcher, home design expert and past star of Season 12 of “The Bachelorette,” joined staff writer Jura Koncius last week for an online chat. Here is an edited excerpt.
Q: If you could only use one paint colour for the rest of your renovations, what would it be?
A: I would definitely go with a safe neutral. I love Eider White by Sherwin-Williams.
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: We have wanted to paint our front door for the past two years but can’t decide on a colour. What 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: Which is better, quartz or granite, to cover kitchen countertops?
A: I really love using quartz. It is durable and resilient, and I’ve found it can be more cost-effective.
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 6-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 pink 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 that 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: 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 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 Shakerstyle cabinets with the right hardware can totally transform your space. New light fixtures are also a really good way to incorporate that modern feel!
Q: My living room and dining room are open to each other; there is only a narrow divider between them, the outer 8-inch 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 choose one colour to keep the space cohesive, and make it look even bigger and brighter.
Q: Any tips for achieving a bohemian chic vibe in a home?
A: I love the bohemian chic vibe! You can achieve this with simple decor updates. It can be something as simple as layering rugs, utilizing neutral wicker textures and incorporating greenery with fresh plants and pops of bright colour throughout.
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 rearranging your furniture can give it a refreshed feel.
Q: We will be selling our house next summer and are hoping to repaint the exterior to make it stand out and boost the curb appeal. What exterior paint colours do you find are trending over the past few years?
A: White is classic. Neutral colours are better for resale because they are safer and more universally liked. The wood accents are a popular trend that I’ve seen a lot over the past couple of years.
Q: Our basement is unfinished, and we plan to start framing in the next six months. What paint colour would help the basement feel open and what type of flooring do you recommend?
A: A lighter colour would make the space feel more spacious, but if you want to have a little fun, it’s also a good place in the home for colour. I would go with a wood or a wood alternative for flooring.