Dear Alice | Interior Design: "Color Drenching Deep Dive | Next Time on Dear Alice"

Release Date: October 25, 2024

In the latest episode of Dear Alice, hosts Jessica Bennett and Suzanne Hall dive deep into the vibrant world of color in interior design. Titled "Color Drenching Deep Dive," this episode explores the delicate balance between neutrals and bold color choices, the scientific approach behind selecting the perfect hues, and the myriad of factors that influence how colors appear in different spaces.

1. The Ever-Present Neutrals

The episode kicks off with a discussion on the indispensable role of neutrals in home design. Jessica emphasizes, "Getting the right neutral is so important. It's so important. There's always a place for neutrals in every single home still" (00:01). This sentiment underscores the foundational aspect of neutrals in creating versatile and timeless interiors.

2. Embracing the Excitement of Color Drenching

Traversing from the stability of neutrals, the hosts shift their focus to the exhilarating trend of color drenching. Suzanne shares her enthusiasm, stating, "This color drench is exciting to me when it comes to the use of color" (00:30). She advocates for designers and homeowners alike to "sharpen our pencil when it comes to getting color in" (00:35), highlighting the proactive approach needed to effectively integrate bold colors into living spaces.

3. The Influence of Design Publications

Jessica notes the cyclical nature of design trends, particularly how publications influence color choices. "All the shelter magazines are always like, color. Like, they're showing color again. And I think people that are using color are going to be those that get published, you know?" (01:00). This observation points to the symbiotic relationship between media and design practices, where showcasing vibrant interiors propels the adoption of color-centric designs.

4. Real-Life Applications and Conversations

Bringing theory into practice, Suzanne recounts a conversation with a friend renovating her bedroom with an amber palette. "She's just like, I think I'm going to go with this, like, deeper. Mavi. I'm just, like, beautiful." (02:00) This anecdote illustrates the common, often spontaneous decisions homeowners make when choosing colors. However, the hosts advocate for a more measured approach.

5. The Scientific Approach to Color Selection

Diving deeper, Jessica explains the meticulous process behind color selection in professional settings. "It's a very studied thing. Like, we look at all the things, and even sometimes we have, like, three different paint samples that we have the builder just, like, sample, because, like, one of them is going to be better or it needs to just, like, shift this much over." (02:30). This methodical strategy ensures that the chosen color harmonizes with the space's lighting, furnishings, and overall aesthetic.

Suzanne concurs, adding, "It is very scientific" (03:00), and elaborates on the importance of considering various elements such as wall surfaces and natural light. The hosts stress that effective color selection isn't merely about personal preference but involves understanding color behavior in different environments.

6. Environmental Influences on Color Perception

One of the critical insights shared revolves around how external factors like landscaping and geographical location influence indoor color perception. "If you have a lot of landscaping reflecting in the room, it's going to give you a green cast." (03:30) Similarly, Suzanne mentions, "If you have red sand on outside because you live in southern Utah, it's going to make everything look 100%, you know." (04:00). These observations highlight the necessity for designers to account for the surrounding environment to achieve the desired color effect indoors.

7. Practical Tips for Homeowners

To wrap up, the hosts offer actionable advice for listeners looking to embark on their color drenching journey:

• Sample Extensively: Don't settle for the first shade. Test multiple samples in different lighting conditions.
• Consider Environmental Factors: Be mindful of the colors reflected from outside and how they interplay with indoor hues.
• Embrace Flexibility: Sometimes, the perfect color requires adjustments and compromises based on the space's unique characteristics.

Conclusion

"Color Drenching Deep Dive" serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in elevating their interior design through strategic color use. By balancing the timeless appeal of neutrals with the bold statements of vibrant colors, Jessica and Suzanne provide listeners with both inspiration and practical strategies to transform their living spaces. As Suzanne aptly puts it, "Paint's tricky." (04:30) Indeed, navigating the complexities of color requires both artistic intuition and scientific precision, a balance that Dear Alice masterfully explores in this episode.

Notable Quotes:

• "Getting the right neutral is so important. It's so important. There's always a place for neutrals in every single home still." — Jessica Bennett 00:01
• "This color drench is exciting to me when it comes to the use of color." — Suzanne Hall 00:30
• "All the shelter magazines are always like, color. Like, they're showing color again. And I think people that are using color are going to be those that get published, you know?" — Jessica Bennett 01:00
• "It's a very scientific." — Suzanne Hall 03:00
• "If you have a lot of landscaping reflecting in the room, it's going to give you a green cast." — Jessica Bennett 03:30
• "Paint's tricky." — Suzanne Hall 04:30

Stay Connected: For more insights and tips on interior design, subscribe to Dear Alice and join Jessica and Suzanne on their journey to making spaces beautiful, functional, and uniquely yours.