Make your home décor as comfortable as your favorite blue jeans
(Dec. 2, 2024) — A new design project can be intimidating.
Not because of the demo. Not because of creating a design and build team that makes you feel comfortable. Not because of the potential lengthy construction time a remodel takes. Not even because of the budget, assuming you have planned accordingly and done your financial homework.
The top fear of starting a design project is whether you are selecting the right materials, colors and finishes that say “timeless and classic,” instead of “right now.”
One of my failsafe practices when creating a living space is to use colors and materials that are tried and true. I look for colors and materials that have historically been used throughout the years in different design aesthetics, from traditional to modern aesthetics.
When you use traditional colors and materials in new and creative ways, the look is not “traditional,” but rather elevated and clean.
For example, timeless building materials like white subway tile, dark or light finished hardwood floors, natural stone or a neutral-colored porcelain floor, a porcelain slab countertop that looks like natural stone, chrome or brushed nickel plumbing fixtures, stainless steel appliances, light fixtures with frosted milk glass or seeded glass shades, all surrounded by a very classic paint scheme of black, taupe, white and beige with perhaps a hint of navy.
These colors and materials are “safe,” but make no mistake, they are not boring.
If you are struggling with how to reinvent a living space, and the idea of committing to color makes you nervous, look for a neutral foundation that can be complemented with more vibrant colors. Think of your favorite pair of denim jeans. A crisp white T-shirt with a jewel -toned necklace, a black blazer and a big chunky silk rose on the lapel, your favorite distressed sweatshirt and baseball hat from years of love that you’ve had since college.
Everything looks good with denim jeans. So, take this same idea and create a living space backdrop that will blend in with just about anything, but also not leave you feeling blah.
In your bathroom, for example, consider tones of white, taupe and hints of dark brown. In the fall, your favorite color scheme is a dark red, deep plum, warm peach tones along with dark gold. But in the summer, you love a dark forest green, prickly pear, a warm yellow and subtle baby pink. Because your installed materials are so neutral, your favorite colors will work perfectly with your neutral foundation.
The same goes for the living room. Your favorite color might be a deep purple. Instead of upholstering your 10 x 14 sectional in this very specific color, consider using a warm gray tone, or a light brown that would coordinate with your beloved purple tones.
You could add an area rug that has purple accents, along with complementary jewel tones of gold, emerald green, ruby red and sapphire blue.
Neutral foundation colors are your best bet for creating a living space that will stand the test of time. Don’t back yourself into a color corner where your foundation colors are too bold or too specific and just won’t play nice with other colors, no matter how many pillows you bring home from your favorite retailer.
Treat your installed materials like a neutral pair of blue jeans and you will always have a color palette that will change over time as trends unfold, seasons cycle, and your taste in colors and textures evolves.
Contact Jennifer Leischer with questions, comments and suggestions at jenna@j-designs.com.
Jennifer Leischer
Jennifer Leischer is the owner of J. Designs Interior Design based in Clayton, CA. Combining a public relations degree from California State University, Chico, with further studies in design and interior architecture at the University of California, Berkeley, Jennifer began her career as an interior designer in 1998, working for various firms in San Francisco and Orinda, and Denver, Colorado. She describes every designing moment, throughout her career, as a wonderful tutorial about the importance of relationships, open communication, and getting down to the basics of functional, yet stylish, living spaces.