by Michele Morgan


How hard is it for someone to choose a color, one color? When it comes to painting either your interior or exterior, it takes time to make that decision because it will be so final. I find that when I'm called in to rescue and save the day, most people will have too many selections. I also think that is the normal routine.

It is best to start with an element in the home such as your existing flooring when you are choosing paint. Flooring is a large part of the floor plan and dictates a direction. All tile or stone has either a vein of another color with a subtle undertone. Wood flooring also has a warm or cool value.

Let's take the tiles I'm showing. The gray stone has a cool tone and the golden stone is warm. It is best to add a balance of warm and cool tones together. Remember the ol' saying, " Opposites Attract"? Let me explain.

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This gray stone is cool and is very neutral. You can place a lighter or darker value next to it. Gray is a tint of white and black and those are two colors we use as accents typically for wood moulding and lighting fixtures. I would choose a lighter shade of gray with a warm undertone because too much gray with a cool tone will be chilling.


The golden stone is a tougher choice as it is very dominant in warmth. So, the reverse idea would be best. I find that people who choose the warm tones shy away from cool values. They lean towards a warm paint. Here is the problem with that thinking. If you add too much of the same it will become monotone or overwhelming. There has to be a balance. For instance, I would not choose a yellow with this stone. It would be too much. I would choose a warm cream or a tan with a cool under tone -- just a touch of cool is enough. There are veins of cream and tan running through the golden stone. Pick up those instead of matching the darker version.

So, how does one recognize the difference between warm and cool on those small chips of paint? The easiest way I can describe this to you is that when you are looking for paint chips, step away from the display about three feet.



Look at the variations from left to right or bottom to top. You will notice that the paint samples will range from cool to warm or vice versa.

This particular display might confuse you. Each value represented goes from darkest at the bottom and lighter at the top. There are cool tones on both sides of the display and the closer you get to the middle you will see warmer tones. On a color wheel the difference is split down the middle but it harder for most people to understand. The best thing to do is choose a few chips to analyze with your environment. Choose one warm and one less warm or slightly cooler. Place them on your stone, granite or woods. When all is said and done, I would bet you choose the opposite because of the balance. It just feels and looks better.

Let's go back to the gray stone for a moment. A black leather sofa is striking with monotone gray values. This is a great contemporary look for both home or a corporate office. I would spice it up with very warm accents such as a contemporary art piece as a focal point or it might be too mundane for me. That might be all that you need. You can add accents of wall color in various rooms. A warm red would be manificent! Too much for an entire home but great in smaller rooms such as a dining or powder. If red is not for you try adding any color of your choice.

With the golden stone, I would lean towards all earth tones and add elements of cool with sage greens, blues and some jewel tones because I like color. If it's too much the same I would be bored. You might want it restful.

Here is the key to balance. If you want a peaceful look, keep all tones monochromatic (various hues of the same color). Add a touch of color in accessories. If you want some zest, add a variety of colors throughout your home, just remember to balance warm versus cool when it comes to choosing paint, flooring and accessories. Remember my motto, "Opposites Attract".

About the Author
Michele Morgan is a color and design consultant from the Mission Viejo, California area and also serves the Coachella Valley.

Michele Morgan
(aka Shelly Morgan Solone)
The Right Color
760-347-7874 Coachella Valley
866-721-9655 Toll Free
949-770-9655 Orange County

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