A Preferred Technique by an Interior Designer for Harmonizing Hues
New Take on Color Mastery
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Alvin Wayne, a New York-based designer famous for his enthralling and inviting interiors. His secret? Blending colors thoughtfully, reinforced by the tasteful use of neutrals, keeping even the most vivid spaces tranquil and appealing. "Ensure a color doesn't overwhelm by balancing it with a neutral like black or white," he recommends. Want to know more? Here, Wayne shares his expert advice and top tips on using color creatively without going overboard.
Alvin's Color Confidence Mantra
“Don't shun color! Many people think the whole room or home must be one solid hue. It doesn't need to be. Color can be incorporated through accessories or florals, making a space harmonious without being overpowering. Plus, color can function as a neutral shade and serve as the binding force in a project.”
Bringing Color to Life
"Imagine using a deep navy blue as the neutral base. This color acts as the foundation, with colors that harmonize With it scattered throughout the project. This approach grounds the space and unifies all elements."
The Magic of Black and White
“By integrating black or white into a space, the eye immediately has a focal point. It brings order and prevents the room from appearing chaotic. The shade can range from a deep black to lighter hues like charcoal or graphite.”
30 Mind-Blowing Black Decor Ideas
"When selecting a color palette, it's essential to understand what colors don't resonate with you first. Once you've identified the colors you dislike, you have a clearer picture of what colors are still on the table. Next, consider your lifestyle and the emotions you want to evoke. If you seek energizing hues, opt for more saturated colors. If you want a soothing vibe, choose more muted tones."
Linking Colors Across Spaces
"In the living room, colors may appear in a rug, while in the bedroom, they may dominate the wall color. In the kitchen, you can add pops of color through accessories. Consistency as you move through the space creates a sense of continuity."
A Seamless Flow Throughout Your Home
“Add color through accessories, flowers, artwork, or whimsical wallpaper to create a cohesive look. This unconventional approach introduces pattern and color simultaneously, adding depth to the interiors.”
Your Perfect Paint Match
“I prefer eggshell or matte finishes for color rather than a gloss since color absorbs light. I like the real hue of the color to shine, without it being too reflective.”
Faves Among the Best Paints
- Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee – The ideal neutral that offers versatility in blending with various colors and creates an appealing contrast.
- Benjamin Moore Coffeehouse Tan – A warm, rich hue that serves as an appealing foundation for earth tones like greens and leather, and works well when paired with cream for a striking effect.
- Behr Moose Trail – A perfectly balanced brown shade that complements a diverse range of neutrals and pops bold colors brilliantly.
- Behr Broadway – A captivating black hue that blends harmoniously with various colors and neutrals to create striking, visually appealing interiors.
- Alvin Wayne, renowned for his interior-design work, recommends incorporating color creatively using decorating tips found in home-and-garden magazines like Better Homes and Gardens.
- By using a color palette that interlinks across spaces, Alvin Wayne can create a seamless flow throughout a home, using everything from wallpaper to accessories for a cohesive look.
- According to Alvin Wayne, selecting the perfect paint color involves understanding which colors resonate with you and choosing neutrals like Swiss Coffee or Coffeehouse Tan from Benjamin Moore, or Broadways from Behr for an appealing foundation.
