How did you become a color consultant?

I have been a fine arts painter for 40+ years.  Mixing paints has allowed me to understand color and how it is impacted by light, architectural planes and other colors.  In addition, I continue to take courses in color theory, transformational arts and of course, create my own artwork.

How much will a color consultation for a 2000-2400 square foot home cost me?

Experience shows that square footage does not usually indicate how long a project takes.  In the bay area, homes are often designed with soaring ceilings and indefinite corners (color starts/stops).  A color strategy may influence what colors are being used and is as involved as color assignment.  My rates start at $95-$125 per hour within a 15 mile radius. Variables also include time or how soon client needs a color formulary.     A typical home with more than two room color changes will involve an initial consultation, color selection, color assignment and final presentation.  The work continues after I leave my clients home.

I have purchased 10 little pots of paint and when I get them home, they look completely different from what I see in the store!  Help!

Color is affected by many elements. Most significantly, lighting and color that surround it.  There is something called “Simultaneous Contrast,” and it is a little rascal.  Being aware that SC will occur allows us to make choices based on what we KNOW will occur and not what we SEE.  The trick is to make changes that will produce the final effect that you want.

I am only choosing between beiges, this won’t take as long as choosing color, correct?

Assigning a neutral can be more challenging than  choosing strong colors.  We are looking at subtle differences and if you have called a color consultant, you already are aware of this fact.   Again, knowing how color performs, reacts or misbehaves is generally what will help in reducing purchases of those little pots of paint.