Color Design in Unusual Circumstances

In the Eye of the Beholder – bright & saturated colors

As an ICU nurse, Pamela knew exactly what she was experiencing during her stroke six years prior. The results were life-changing: for Pamela, her color perception has faded, sometimes gray, and she experiences decreased brightness – as is common in those who have suffered an occipital lobe stroke. Last year she purchased her first home, a one bedroom condominium in Edmonds, WA, at the age of 62. Brimming with the excitement of owning her own place, Pamela had only four weeks and $20,000 of life savings to give it the facelift it needed. Having contacted me, we quickly went to work, prioritized the tasks at hand and lined up the painting contractor. Soon we were making wall color, lighting fixture, cabinet hardware and carpeting selections.
It was my job to guide and facilitate Pamela’s interior design project with all of this in mind. It is natural to have reactions to color—a clear blue sky feels peaceful; a field of poppies uplifting, so it is no surprise that the colors in our homes have impact. While some of the popular press, design, and healing communities have promoted the oversimplification of the psychological responses to color, it is true that Pamela LOVES color! It stimulates her, energizes her and makes her happy. Most of her belongings are “color times three colorful!” – super–saturated tones and intense hues – not your typical Seattle colors.
We designed the color and lighting in Pamela’s new condo to suit her personal preference and taste; a color palette akin to ‘south of the border – down saturated way’. We designed the color and lighting in Pamela’s new condo to suit her personal preference and taste; a color palette akin to ‘south of the border – down saturated way’. Having developed the overall paint color layout, we worked to balance her palette effectively – choosing only the colors she adores – while slightly toning them down to make them ‘livable’. Returning to visit her a year later, it seems her environment is tailor-made. Pamela is spending a lot of time at home, absolutely loving her space, and continuing to thrive with a remarkable vitality and a positive outlook, Pamela continues her rich and active life with community, family, friends and neighbors. AND…. all accomplished within her budget … moved in on time!

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