Color Buzz

Inspirational Iris

by Veronique Habermann

Purple Whisper 4002-9C	Rollick 4003-10C	Bleached Slate 7004-20	Golden Mist 3007-1C

Irises are in full bloom in my neighborhood, and on my morning walk I took a few pictures of the blooms that I love so much with my cell phone. I like taking really close ups pictures as it shows the splendor of nature’s mastery at combining colors and textures. It is always a source of inspiration for me and here I combined my pictures and room ideas with color chips.

Colors of the American Landscape

Liberate your home from drab decor this 4th of July by applying an effortless coat of any of these Americana-inspired colors. From sea to shining sea, America provides an array of color inspirations. From the bold blue used by Betsy Ross to accent her home in Philadelphia – the birthplace of the American flag – to the iconic red of the Golden Gate Bridge and every where in between. Happy long weekend!

Goooooal!! Colors of the World Cup

The eyes of the world are on South Africa for the next several weeks.  As a color expert, I'm not only enjoying the great soccer, but also the endless parade of great colors.  Everywhere fans are cheering on their teams with the help of colors.  For the most part, the colors of countries are primary or secondary colors.  With a few exceptions, we see a color combination play of red, blue, yellow, green, white and black. 

I love how each country takes full ownership of their combination of two or more of those six colors.  Red, white and blue are not just ours, but the Netherlands, Australia, France, England, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Serbia.  Greece seems to be the only one taking a step back, preferring a soft blue.

Palettes of Roses and Green

Michèle Coppin

Flower Girl 1005 – 1C	Spring Lime 6006 – 10B	Golden Promise 3003 – 1C	Whipped Berry 1006 – 1A
Green Galore 6004 – 10B	Green Way 6005 – 10C	Monarch Wing 2008 – 1A	Spearmint Burst 6003 – 10A

In gardens, all roses naturally go with green. In interiors however, some colors coordinate better assorted than others: reds, peaches, oranges and yellows.

Lovely Lilac, Glorious Lavender

by Michèle Coppin

Polka Pink 1006 – 4A	So Long Shadow 1004 – 3B	Greenscape 6005 – 10A

Lilacs and Lavender have long been the favorite flowers and colors of genteel ladies. These shades of pink and  purple are very feminine. They suggest refinement, grace and elegance.

Enfilades & Connecting Rooms

by Michèle Coppin

Bermuda Sands 7002 – 10	Autumn Gala 2004 – 1A	Pumpkin Butter 2007 – 1B

Fellow blogger Regina form Fauxology.com brought up an interesting dilemma in a recent blog where she tells an “embarrassing story” of having painted adjoining rooms in bright vivid colors that ended up clashing badly.

Pantone Spring 2010 Paint Color Inspirations

by Michèle Coppin

  

The Pantone selection for spring is a collection of neutral and bold hues that balance each other out beautifully. While classic neutrals are elegant and reassuring, zesty splashes of brighter hues will  lend a sense of excitement and exoticism to any palette.

Piñatas Bursting With Color

Michèle Coppin

Blue Burst 4008-10B	Pink Burst 1003-1A	Cliveden Camelback Sofa 3005-3B	Parakeet Green 6010-10

Cinco de Mayo (5th of May) celebrates Mexico’s heritage and pride. It is a fun and colorful event celebrated with music, great food and the traditional goody filled piñata. Although piñatas come in all sizes, shapes and colors these days, they are traditionally round with cones sticking off the sides to look like a star.

Design Dilemma - What to Paint Your Basement Gym

Fresh Pear 6007-7C	Aquatic Mist 5008-9B	Tangy Lemon 3006-2A	Cantaloupe Smile 2007-2A

Dear Color Buzz,
Do you have any color ideas for a basement exercise room?

Best,
Christina M., Leesburg, VA

Monet’s Garden Palette

by Michèle Coppin

Magic Wand 1001-2A	Tidal Basin 5001-7C	Green Shimmer 6004-10A	Tropical Rain Forest 6002-8B

French painter Claude Monet’s paintings are synonymous with color. He once said "Color is my day long obsession, joy and torment” (something we at Beehive understand well).