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The woman who helped usher the interior design industry into full flower in the United States was prolific in putting out ideas that will help freshen up today's interior design business. Look at our latest Designer Monthly, Interior Design: Look Forward by Looking Back to Dorothy Draper.

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Friday
Oct122007

Color Me Ridiculous

The electrician was supposed to come at 9 am, today, so I made sure everything was ready by about ten ‘til nine, and then waited. And waited. Luckily, I do most of my writing at home, so it wasn’t wasted time---in fact, it’s remarkable how much one can get done under the pressure of an electrician arriving any minute.  

But I figured I would also use some of the time to try out some new wall colors. This helped me remember again why it is I’m going through all this tsuris with the scheduling of the electrician---ultimately, this will lead me to a home with cleaner walls (I mean, less cluttered with unnecessary outlets sticking out), which in turn will allow me to paint over those dreadful colors I now have.  

One problem with choosing paint color has been that in order to really try out the new color, you have to buy at least a pint of the stuff. Benjamin Moore has a brilliant marketing ploy, which is that they make tiny little jars of trial paint, in real colors. They even sell a cute little roller and tray so you can roll the paint on a sample piece of the wall.  

First, I tried a deep red for the hallway. The color itself is great, as you can see, but it’s much too dark, especially as the hall is dark anyway, having no windows (as is the case  in most halls).  

 

Then I tried a pale sage green.  



I really like this one, but I’ll have to decide if I want this in the hall, and something off-white in the living room, or if I want the sage in the living room. The trouble with that idea is that the living room will be very, very, green if I do that. Or maybe I could do the old one-wall-in-a-color-one-off-white trick. 

Next, I’ll try a couple of off-whites---but not right now, because, you won’t believe it, but the electrician is actually here! Better one hour and 45 minutes late than never, I suppose. 

I suppose. I’ll let you know after the work is done. If it is ever done. 

Reader Comments (6)

True, that is a good write up.

May 5, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterHandyRaye

I think all depends on your personality . Deep red looks great but I would use it only to break some other, bright color.

June 12, 2011 | Unregistered Commentersawblades

If the late electrician helped you to choose paint colors for your walls, than good for you. It was a blessing in disguise.

July 15, 2011 | Unregistered Commenterwhite media

Lol @ white media.. as an electrician in Tucson, I know the importance of being on time, but I also know that sometimes you get behind. A quick phone call with a status update would have been nice....glad you used your time wisely...I pick the sage green :)

July 24, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterHGE
yes I would have to agree, if your late you need to call 99% of the time you know long before your late that you will be late. I always give a call if i'm late, I hate to have people waiting and most people understand that some jobs take longer then expected and like having the phone call!

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