It seems like a simple enough theory – choose paint, furniture and accessories that your brain most associates with the good times. Loved to eat the apples in your grandma’s orchard? How about a Granny Smith green tablecloth? Yearning to revisit the French Riviera? How about Mediterranean blue tiles in the bathroom?
Surprisingly, most people settle on blah beige for their homes’ interiors. Fine, if you are passionate about oatmeal, but most of us can find more vibrant, quirky or provocative colours that will both jell aesthetically and stir the soul.
On Colour Confidential, designer and host Jane Lockhart helps people mine for design inspiration with memory objects, eventually building entire design schemes around them. Not only are her clients chuffed by the results, but the process will get you thinking about how to harness the power of the colours that have illustrated your life.
TVGuide.ca: What is your overall design philosophy?
Jane Lockhart: My philosophy is if you pick things that you love, you’re more likely to create a space that you’re much happier with, because your personal associations are positive.
TVG: What have been some of your favourite inspiration objects?
JL: Some of my favourite inspiration objects have revolved around where people get married, i.e. honeymoon or vacation spots, because people get all emotional about this. One of my favourites was the episode which featured an anniversary-themed colour wheel, where we put different items that represented each year of marriage, like silverware for the 16th wedding anniversary.
TVG: Who are some of your most memorable clients on the show?
JL: Ana and Cyrus were memorable, because their room transformation was so dramatically different, but did not start as a beige room. Their inspiration objects were related to salsa and belly dancing, with the tone of the room based on Marrakesh and the Middle East. The colour palette was so unique – including purples, salmon and reds – which added a lush and rich feel to a new canopy bed.
TVG: Do you find most people are averse to taking colour risks?
JL: Yes, most people are averse to taking colour risks, because they are scared of making mistakes. Many people remember having too many clashing colours in the ‘70s, and they want to do what their friends do – it is truly a culture of fear, where everyone accepts and promotes beige because it’s the safe choice.
TVG: How can people overcome that fear?
JL: Don’t listen to other people, and do what is right for you. Often when people use colour, they are usually quite happy with the results. Have faith that colour can work for you.
TVG: How much does colour in our environments affect us?
JL: Colour that you have a positive association to will translate into more positive moods – at least short-term – in that environment. [For example,] red makes you eat more and talk more. Blue helps to lower your blood pressure – for just a few minutes. Green is considered a neutral colour with calming effects. Orange is an activity colour, so when people see orange they tend to move more.
TVG: Do you have any tips for people who would like to design a room around a favourite object or memory?
JL: Your brain cannot remember colour accurately, so remember to have the real thing handy in order to match the colours. Be careful with going too far – inspiration is different than a theme – and too much of a good thing is just too much.
TVG: What are two or three of the biggest design no-nos?
JL: Going too light in colour and default decorating – not thinking about what you are doing, just choosing it because someone tells you to do it, or because you think it’s what you’re supposed to do. Also, not following manufacturer’s instructions – i.e. if they tell you to prime, do it, because you will benefit from doing it the proper way and you will get the best results.
TVG: If you could pick one key to a successful space transformation, what would it be?
JL: Dramatic colour choices always give the most impact – go big or go home!
TVG: What’s new for this season of Colour Confidential?
JL: You will see more colour, more extreme changes, more colour tips and facts, and more homeowner drama around colour.
Thoughts? melissa@tvguide.ca
Colour Confidential airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on W.
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