Interview with a color expert? Meet Frani! She is the Decorative Product Specialist (DPS) with Sherwin Williams and she has some great knowledge and insights that help guide you to choose the colors you love for your home. With 30 years experience in floral arranging, Frani has been using her creative talents at SW since 2012 (with a slight pause for Covid). Even if you have a good idea of what you want, she can help you zero in on the choices that reflect who you are and the style you want to convey.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?
Before you even enter the store you should do your homework and come prepared. If you have photos of the room(s), a piece of fabric (like a pillow), flooring, countertop material, etc. that is very helpful. Provided with this information, Frani can begin to assess your needs and preferences. The questions she asks and the answers you provide help guide the conversation and decisions you make. The process begins with her getting to know your home. She will need to know:
- Size of the room(s) to be painted – Color selection will be impacted by size and use of the room(s)
- Light sources – Natural light and artificial light (and the amount) affect color in different ways
- Elements in the room that will remain – If you have a beautiful, imported rug in the room and it is red…that is a big consideration
- Basic idea of color(s) under consideration
- Color(s) of adjacent rooms – This allows for a smooth and cohesive transition from room to room
Based on your initial meeting and assessment Frani will present a selection of colors that align with your vision. She emphasizes that making the final selection of color(s) for your home is a very personal decision. The colors you choose should give you a lift every time you enter the room – and that is the ultimate goal!
CHOOSING YOUR COLORS
Once you’ve narrowed down your selections, Frani has some great ideas for making the final choice. She advises, “Do your due diligence. There are specific steps to embrace. There are do’s and don’ts. Everything looks good on a 2 X 3 card, but it is different en masse.” Her best suggestions include:
- Buy paint samples available at Sherwin Williams in the colors you are considering. Get an 11 X 17 posterboard for each color and apply a coat of the paint sample. Let it dry and apply a second coat. Write the color and the SW number on the back for easy identification. Now you can hang the posterboard (Frani cautions to test one color at a time so you are not overwhelmed) and live with the color. Observe it day and night for several days in different types of light.
- An alternative method is instead of one 2 X 3 card, tape 4 together and put them on the wall for observation. Again, light dramatically affects paint color perception. So, its not just how a color appears at a single moment, but how it will appear throughout the day and in different lighting conditions.
Frani does not recommend painting directly on the wall. She states, “The reason for this exercise is so that you never compromise the visual integrity of the substrate (wall). Do not put color directly on the wall because you cannot “unsee” it. Also, putting more than one color on the wall at once is just too much information. You want to isolate the color.”
Color samples can help you make an informed decision!
MORE WORDS OF ADVICE
- Don’t rush to get on your painter’s schedule. After you have selected the painter try to find a date a week or two out that works for both of you. Take the time to make a good and informed decision. When the painter arrives, you are on go.
- Don’t follow trends – they go in and out. Frani says, “Use your brain and go with your heart.”
- Consider neutrals. You can accessorize with color and change that frequently.
Of course, Frani recommends Sherwin Williams paints and paint products. The company has been around since 1866 and has been developing quality products for over a century. They have an extensive color selection and can custom make paint colors from any other company. They also offer color match by scanning a chip or other object and determine the proper combination of paints to replicate it.
You can reach Frani by calling 803-957-5036. Her hours are 7:00 – 1:00 Monday – Thursday – Located at 412 Columbia Ave. in Lexington 29072. She recommends calling in advance to make sure she is available to help you with your color choices!
DIY VS PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS
DIY or professional painters? The decision is yours, but Frani recommends you carefully evaluate your situation. A lot of folks are skilled in painting and prefer to take on projects themselves. Besides just painting, they have the time to spend on preparation and clean up and they already own the tools to do the job right.
However, painting your home is a big commitment and you don’t want to make costly mistakes that may have you cleaning paint off carpets and flooring or even repainting. Hire professionals if you are not skilled, you don’t want to attempt the project, or you are pressed for time. Key advantages of hiring professionals include:
- They are experienced
- They know their paint products
- They have the right tools and can use them safely
- They have the time to do the job right
COLATOWN PAINTING CAN HELP
Our mission at ColaTown Painting is to provide you with the highest quality finish and the best painting experience possible. We would love to help you create the home of your dreams, both inside and out. Call Britt – 803-603-6486 or e-mail ellisb@colatownpainting.com to book a free, no-obligation estimate. You’ll be glad you did.
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