{expert color advice: test boards}

Benefits of sampling paint colors on test boards.

Paint color can transform and revitalize your home. Color expert Kate Smith from Sensational Color realizes this and uses color to engage and create welcoming home environments. Kate advises sampling your paint first to ensure the color creates the desired effect. Rather than painting directly on the wall, use test boards to avoid regrettable painting mistakes.

Advantages of using a test board:

1. Avoid time constraints. A test board allows you to paint colors without the obvious markings on your wall. You may have time set aside to paint your walls completely, but unexpected commitments may require you to stray from your unfinished wall. Avoid obvious signs of the incomplete project by keeping ideas scaled down to test boards.
   
2. Ability to move. A test board has the advantage of movement. Test the paint in multiple lighting situations by transferring the test board around the room. Sample all situations. View the test board paint behind draperies, behind the couch, in corners, next to windows, and all surface areas. This will give you an idea if colors contrast or complement.
3. Shopping partner. Once you have dutifully selected the perfect paint color, you can bring the color to the store with you to partner with other items. The test board gives you a realistic impression of the color in your room, rather than a paint swatch that may not match the dried color in actuality. Transform the room from drab to fab with coordinating accessories that will highlight your carefully selected color choice.

Have you used a test board? Were your resulting color choices surprising?

Since Frank and Elizabeth Hirshfield opened their first store in 1894, it has been our mission to do the best job possible meeting customer needs and solving customer problems. Hirshfield’s. People and products you can trust.

{design blogger feature: House of Turquoise}

The Twin Cities is filled with lots of great design, and lots of great design bloggers! With such a thriving design blogging community right here, we thought it would be fun to get to know each other better through some local design blogger features. First up, Erin of House of Turquoise!

Erin, the blogger behind House of Turquoise

If you’ve spent some time on our blog, it will come as no shock to you that we adore House of Turquoise. This is our go-to source for all things turquoise! Erin’s blog has served as the inspiration for many of our own blogs and she has even helped us out as a guest blogger, picking her favorite shades of turquoise from the Hirshfield’s and Ralph Lauren paint lines.

But there is more to Erin than just her love of this tranquil color. For example, did you know that when it comes to decorating she actually prefers a neutral background? And that she is a self-proclaimed burger and pizza connoisseur? Let’s get to know Erin a little better…

When did you start House of Turquoise?
I started House of Turquoise at the end of 2007. I actually started it as a way to organize inspirational photos of turquoise rooms that I’d run into. I was often using different computers, and more often than not, forgetting where I had seen pretty pictures. Instead of downloading them and saving them, I thought it would be a good idea to just put them up on a blog where I could appropriately tag them to make them easy to find. Plus, it would be pretty to look at!

Where does your love of turquoise come from?
I’ve loved turquoise for as long as I can remember! The color just brings me happiness, it’s so soothing and peaceful, but rejuvenating too. The first time I went to Mexico when I was 20 or so, I remember looking out over the water and turquoise filled my eyes as far as I could see. The way I felt, the power that color had over me, was something I’ll never forget! I think I’m drawn to turquoise because I’m drawn to water (or maybe it’s vice versa, I’m not sure!).

How would you describe your personal decor style?
As for my own personal decor style, I’d say it would be Modern Coastal. I love a neutral background, filled with clean-lined furniture and rustic, natural touches for texture. And loads of color and patterns in accessories!

{window treatment advice needed}

A customer (potential customer) sent in a couple of photos of the windows in her living room. She wants privacy, but still would like to see out of her windows. I asked a couple of Hirshfield’s window treatment experts to take a look and offer her some suggestions…check back to see what they have to say.

Thanks, Deb, for submitting your question.

{ask Hirshfield’s a question}

If you have a decorating question, we’d love to hear from you.

Questions about what’s the best finish to use on your painting project; what steps need to be take to properly prepare a surface; should you prime or should you dare to cut corners; do window treatments offer energy-saving insulation; can I retrofit old blinds in my kid’s room; which store has the best wallpaper library; refinishing woodwork; staining the deck; et al.

Use the LEAVE A COMMENT link below. We’ll put a Hirshfield’s expert on your case (but give us at least 24 hours to post a reply).

If you desire anonymity, you may write us at this address.  You can also visit our Facebook Fan Page.

Thank you.