Talk Shop with Ariel Okin: Palette Play – A Deep Dive into Color in Design
Live from the Fenimore Lane Design Summit, May 22, 2024
Introduction
In the vibrant episode titled "Palette Play | Annie Meyers-Shyer and Joa Studholme join Ariel to talk Color in Design | Live from the Fenimore Lane Design Summit!", host Ariel Okin engages with renowned interior design experts Annie Meyers-Shyer and Joa Studholme. Filmed live at the Fenimore Lane Design Summit held at the picturesque Mayflower Inn and Spa, the panel delves into the intricate role of color in interior design, sharing personal insights, professional strategies, and practical tips for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Panelist Introductions
Grace Beaulieu Hunt, Luxe Interiors and Design's Home and Design Editor, moderates the discussion, introducing the panelists:
- Annie Meyers-Shyer: Founder of Oak House, currently renovating her first home in Beverly Hills.
- Ariel Okin: Interior designer, founder and editor-in-chief of Fenimore Lane, and host of the Talk Shop podcast.
- Joa Studholme: Farrow & Ball's Color Curator and author of several color-focused publications.
Each panelist shares a glimpse into their personal style and current projects, setting the stage for an engaging conversation on color.
The Role of Color in Design: Insights from Ariel, Annie, and Joa
Ariel Okin emphasizes the personalized use of color in her designs, aiming to create spaces that feel like personal escapes. She states, “When I'm talking about color in my own home, I typically gravitate... to soothing colors inspired by nature” (05:34).
Annie Meyers-Shyer discusses how color narrates the story of her home, tailoring different palettes to suit various rooms and their intended atmospheres. “Colors really help me sort of define what the spaces are going to be... the energy in a house, the story of a house” (06:38).
Joa Studholme highlights the emotional impact of color, asserting that it “makes a huge difference... good for the soul, actually” (06:50). She underscores her commitment to sharing color wisdom generously.
Show & Tell: Color Inspirations
Annie’s “The Snug”
Annie showcases her renovation progress in a room she affectionately calls "The Snug." Inspired by Ramon Casas' painting A Decadent Woman, she integrates the artwork's color palette into her design choices. “If something is pleasing to your eye in nature or in a painting, you can make that happen in a room” (09:50).
Ariel’s Instagram Savs
Ariel shares her personal collection of Instagram saves, revealing a shift towards simpler, more subdued palettes. “I'm finding myself gravitating towards simpler palettes lately. Just a quieter sort of... really sagey greens and blushy pink” (12:00). This reflects her desire for less visual noise in her home amidst a bustling family life.
Joa’s Innovative Color Applications
Joa presents inventive ways to incorporate color, such as painting only parts of walls or using different finishes to create dynamic spaces. “You can use color in a million different ways... wallpaper on the ceiling” (13:36). Her approach transforms traditional color applications, adding depth and interest to interiors.
Color Selection Process: Professional Approaches
Ariel’s Client-Centric Process
Ariel outlines her team's method of gathering client inspiration through images, which are then distilled into a creative brief. “We start with the client... we want our projects to feel as personal and tied into who they are as possible” (16:28). This collaborative approach ensures that color choices resonate with clients' lifestyles and preferences.
Joa’s Farrow & Ball Philosophy
Joa delves into Farrow & Ball's curated color palette, consisting of 132 timeless shades. She explains, “We’re not sort of trend based in any way when it comes to making colors. It’s very low key” (19:53). The company's focus on heritage and thoughtful naming conventions, such as "Stooky Blue" inspired by a Norfolk beach, reflects a deep connection to place and memory.
Annie’s Historical and Flexible Approach
Annie emphasizes respecting the historical architecture of her renovation project while maintaining flexibility through neutral bases. “I'm definitely looking to the past... and I choose a lot of neutrals because I think it gives me flexibility” (23:23). This balance allows her to preserve architectural details while adapting spaces to modern needs.
Expert Tips on Choosing the Right Paint Color
Joa Studholme’s Top Tips:
- Sample on the Wall: “Paint it on the wall, not just on something... look at it in the evening and during the day” (26:03).
- Consider Architecture and Light: “Look at your architecture and look at the light” (26:03).
- Comfort is Key: “Choose colors that you feel comfortable with” (26:03).
Ariel Okin’s Advice:
- Coordinate with Textiles and Textures: “Look at the physical samples in connection with the rest of the textiles... make sure that everything works together” (27:11).
- Think Proportionally: Ensure that colors complement each other in scale and presence within the room (27:39).
Annie Meyers-Shyer’s Recommendations:
- Match Texture and Surface: “Paint on the texture that you’re going to be painting” (28:06).
- View Samples Individually: “Do not line them up, look at them one by one” (28:06).
- Choose the Right Sheen: Assess how different finishes affect the perception of color (28:06).
- Avoid Color Matching: Instead, select colors that stand independently and enhance the space (28:06).
- Ceiling and Trim Considerations: Use lighter shades for ceilings and coordinate trim colors effectively (28:06).
Rapid Fire Q&A: Favorite Colors and Combos
In a lively rapid-fire segment, panelists share their favorite color choices and combinations:
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Best Room for Unexpected Color Use:
- Annie: Guest room
- Joa: Powder pantry
- Ariel: (Supportive laughter)
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Favorite Kitchen Colors:
- Annie: Creamy white
- Ariel: Sagey green, specifically Farrow & Ball's "Lichen"
- Joa: Pink gloss ceiling for a fabulous glow
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Preferred Color Combinations:
- Annie: Green and yellow
- Ariel: Pale blue and burgundy
- Joa: Clay tones, deep reds, and pasta colors
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One Color for Lifelong Walls:
- Annie: "Slipper Satin"
- Joa: "Stirabout" – a warmer version of Slipper Satin
- Ariel: "Wimborne Weft"
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Spirit Colors:
- Annie: Yellow
- Ariel: Pale blue
- Joa: "Bamboozle" – a playful nod to her personal connection
Conclusion and Upcoming Projects
As the summit wraps up, panelists share glimpses of their upcoming endeavors:
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Joa Studholme announces Farrow & Ball's exciting new wallpaper collections inspired by an 18th-century chateau in France, set to launch in June.
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Ariel Okin discusses her ongoing projects across the country, including installations in Cape Cod and Oyster Bay, before planning a well-deserved summer relaxation.
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Annie Meyers-Shyer reveals her anticipation for moving into her newly painted home and enhancing her outdoor living space with a planned pool area.
Final Thoughts
This episode of Talk Shop offers a rich exploration of color in interior design, blending professional expertise with personal anecdotes. Whether you're embarking on a renovation journey or seeking to refresh your living space, the insights shared by Ariel, Annie, and Joa provide valuable guidance on harnessing the transformative power of color.
Timestamp Reference
- [00:00] – Introduction by Ariel Okin
- [05:34] – Ariel on her color preferences
- [06:38] – Annie on color’s role in her home
- [06:50] – Joa on color’s emotional impact
- [09:50] – Annie on using art to inform color schemes
- [12:00] – Ariel’s shift towards simpler palettes
- [13:36] – Joa on innovative color applications
- [16:28] – Ariel on her client-centric color process
- [19:53] – Joa on Farrow & Ball’s color philosophy
- [23:23] – Annie on historical and flexible color approach
- [26:03] – Joa’s top tips for paint selection
- [27:11] – Ariel’s advice on coordinating colors
- [28:06] – Annie’s recommendations on choosing paint
- [33:49] – [36:25] – Rapid Fire Q&A segment
- [37:52] – Conclusion and wrap-up
For more insightful discussions and expert advice on interior design, subscribe to the Talk Shop podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or follow Ariel Okin on Instagram.