Not to boast

I can't help but pat myself on the back. Sometimes it just feels good and we all know I suffer from being quite egotistical. But I love looking at color. Let me rephrase because that's looking at color is unavoidable. I love color and being surrounded by it, using it, and I even collect paint chips. Alright, I even own a color fan. It's out. I might need therapy. Isn't there color therapy? LOL!
My favorite thing is color consulting. I thought about putting my name on a paint store board but chickened out. I never felt qualified. After reading this book I feel a little more confident.
Now I know what you are thinking, who reads decorating books? We all know that we just look at the pictures and never actually READ what they say. I'm one of those nerds that does read the actual decorating book.
I've always tried to keep a list of thoughts of how to coordinate colors. I love it when people call me to ask a color/paint question. It inspires me. And I will think about their question for days possibly weeks. Anyway, some of the things that I had already "decided" for myself and made note of was this:
1) All colors are neutral. Now people think I'm crazy and even many designers would disagree with me but it's true. When you look at a rainbow does the orange look out of place? or the green? No. What about purple? You can't just put anything with blue. Sure you can. Blue looks brilliant with red, it looks beautiful with yellow, fun and even masculine with green, perfect compliment to orange, it's even nice with brown or black. It adds contrast to pink and looks calming with blue. Are you with me? All colors are neutral.
2) With that said, you can put any color together but they have to be the same tone. If not then your colors won't look so good.
3)Leading me to say, don't sweat. I've learned by just observing people's homes, style, and myself that we are naturally drawn to the same tones. Therefore, if you like green with blue undertones you will probably like the red, yellow or orange that has that same hue. So when you wonder if something matches. . . it probably does.
4)If you look good in a color use it in your house! I look good in turquoise. I painted my bathroom that color. Even on a bad day it makes me feel good.

After reading Elaine's book (which I just realize I've blogged about her book before) I noticed she said essentially the same thing. It made me feel great to think that I was already on target and I hadn't had any training compared to this designer. Maybe I do have some talent?

Lastly, I long ago created my own "color test." Don't know if anyone has ever used it but I try to use it when I'm helping friends. It has seemed to work almost every time for me. When I saw that the author had created essentially the same thing (just slightly more in detail) then I knew, "I'm good!" Just kidding. That ego is seeping through. Humble thoughts.

I have to admit. It feels good to know that I'm good at something and that I can finally say it with confidence.