Dunn-Edwards Color to the Rescue in my Studio

When we moved into our house about a year ago, I got my own office/studio space. Yay! Then I promptly dumped all my stuff in it and went to work. Boo. Since this is the last room in the house most people see, it’s also one of the last to get a makeover. But I do work in here almost every day, and the room’s lack of energy and inspiration has been wearing on me. I feel like it’s sapping my creativity. Do you ever avoid going into a room in your house because it’s such a downer? That’s not good if it’s the room you’re supposed to be creating in!

So it’s time for a change. The only problem is, how to choose colors and decor? I don’t know about you but I have a terrible time picking a lane when it comes to decorating styles. Does it surprise you that, as a decorator, I have a hard time decorating my own house? I think it’s just because I want all the styles and all the colors, and narrowing it down is painful!

Dunn-Edwards Color to the Rescue

That’s where Dunn-Edwards came in with their “Beyond Wild Imaginations” design trend report. As I was flipping through the report, I realized I wanted colors with a bit of pep and energy for my office. While I love grays, blues, and muted tones for most rooms in my home, I wanted something that would brighten my day as soon as I stepped into my studio.

I also fell in love with the idea of florals and travel. Do those two things sound unrelated? I would have thought so too, until I picked up this adorable little globe at Target the other day.

Sometimes the smallest item can serve as the jumping off point for a whole room makeover.

So I dropped in to my local Dunn-Edwards store, with my little floral globe in hand, to decide on paint colors.

Have you ever stood in front of a display like this and wished you could narrow it down a little? Truth be told, I get a little overwhelmed when I look at a wall of colors because I want them all! So I stopped by the front desk and that’s where I met Frances. The first thing she asked me was did I have an inspiration piece? I showed her my little globe and a swatch of fabric, and she immediately pulled out her color wheel and started looking for colors. We quickly got down to three potential candidates, and I went home with sample jars to try on my wall.

Wouldn’t you know it? The one I picked was the one she first suggested for me!

If I had been picking colors on my own, I know it would have taken me forever. I would have had to look at each color in the deck (and Dunn-Edwards has 1,996!) and think about each one, in light of my goals for the room. But she was able to look at my inspiration piece and understand exactly what I needed. When I grow up I want to be like Frances.

Color in Action

This room started as a dusty pinkish beige, and it just felt tired and uninspired. I would often avoid sitting down at my desk and working, just because I didn’t want to spend time in that space. 

Can you blame me? Also, can anyone else out there relate to this phenomenon of Office-as-Dumping-Ground?

While I loved the blue and pink options, I felt like I needed the freshness and energy of the green (Glacier Ivy). I couldn’t be happier with the way it brightens up my studio now.

This green is a true mint green, with just a touch of blue-gray undertone, which keeps it from feeling too sweet. As I had hoped, it infuses my workspace with energy and just a little bit of zing.

Now, instead of avoiding this room, I peek in every time I walk by, and smile. Sometimes I actually even get some work done!

See this giant blank wall? I have big plans for it, coming soon in a future post. Stay tuned!

And here’s my new minimalist spring wreath. I wanted a big statement piece over my desk, and a wreath seemed like the perfect way to bring in some of the florals that were a big part of my inspiration for this room.

Get Your Own Color Rescue

I know it’s not easy picking colors. But you don’t need to be intimidated! Dunn-Edwards is THE place for color and paint. Simply contact your local Dunn-Edwards store to set up an appointment with a Professional Color Advisor (PCA). You can find out more about Dunn-Edwards store locations and PCA’s here, as well as get your own coupon for a free 8 oz. sample color.

Here are my favorite tips for getting the most out of your color consultation:

• Bring an inspiration piece. (If you can’t bring the whole thing, such as a large painting, snap a picture but make sure the lighting and coloring is good.)
• Make an appointment. Dropping in can work too, but you’ll want plenty of time and attention from your PCA.
• Get sample(s) and try them at home in different locations and under different lighting situations. Don’t be shy about doing this as many times as you need, to get a paint color you really love!
• Don’t be afraid to paint! You’ll be so happy you made a change. And with Dunn-Edwards self-priming, zero VOC, low-odor paint, the job is easily and cleanly done.

Are you thinking about making a change in your home? Don’t wait like I did. Go see Dunn-Edwards and get your inspiration on!

And as always, I’d love to hear from you if you have questions along the way, or when you’re done and want to share your project.