WAS [the newsletter] #37

Paint with Kate

#37

I’m Paige Wassel. WAS the Newsletter is your weekly dose of design inspiration, where she comes in colors everywhere.

My DMs are full of requests for “more Kate,” so that’s what I’m giving you today. And you’re really in luck because Kate is rolling out her paint consultation business, so I sat down with her to bring you all the details. LFG!

Where do you think your skill for selecting color palettes for a space comes from? Tell us about your process of learning what works in a space and what doesn't.

First, my mom has been so influential. She’s an interior designer and she’s excellent at selecting paint. She still lives in the house I grew up in and it’s pretty rare for any room to be white. She has always set the tone in a space with color. I was lucky that even as a kid, she was open to me experimenting in my own spaces, so once I painted my closet a bright orange and the basement a really intense blue. Having that trial and error really helped me build my confidence.

I also attribute this skill to my work in prop styling. I’m always pulling a palette together, whether it’s to relate to a brand or a new product collection. Color is such an important element of imagery and so much of prop styling is creating that balance of color.

For me, balance comes into play when working with color, as I’m also trying to manage weight and scale and size. It’s not just filling space, but also managing airflow and filling the dead spaces. Balance is always something at top of mind whether you’re going for symmetrical or asymmetrical, or more free-flowing. My personal style leans more masculine and with warm tones. While there’s no rigidity to my process, balance is always the baseline in the back of my head.

“Mystic Lake,” by Benjamin Moore

For those who might be complacent with their white walls or may be afraid of choosing the wrong color or taking a risk, how would you make the case for trying something new?

I firmly believe that paint changes the energy of the room. It can enhance and showcase furniture and art and lighting in different ways. Painting is one of those exercises that’s so satisfying in a before and after sense, as it allows you to see the pieces you already have in a different way. Paint pulls out the different tones that you just don’t see in a white-walled space. That’s why I love and encourage the use of color.

Natural light should play a part in the decision-making process—and that’s why paint swatches exist. I want to encourage everyone to be open to painting spaces in your home. A good place to start is a smaller area, whether it’s a bathroom or a hallway or a wall cut-out. Those are great spaces to start with if you’re overwhelmed by the prospect of picking a color.

“Garden Path,” by Sherwin Williams

The paint world can be complicated and intimidating for absolute beginners. Would you recommend navigating it? Where do you start when trying to find the perfect color?

I suggest starting by having a frame of reference for what you like, whether it’s a magazine photo or a Pinterest board where you save the images of whatever shades you’re drawn to. (Your entries don’t even have to be specific to a wall, just to colors that speak to you.)

When you go to the paint store and look at swatches—which are free—use those images you pulled for inspiration. Then bring them back to your space and stick them to the wall with painter’s tape to see how they work with the light. The more swatches you pull and test, the easier this gets. Plus, they’re swatches—you don’t have to commit to them, you just have to see how they make you feel. This is a baby step to help you figure out what works best.

“Gingersnaps,” by Benjamin Moore

“Sunbeam,” by PPG

Tell us about a project you worked on color transformed the space. What colors are you into currently?

I recently painted my bedroom a deep brown color on the walls and a bright orange on the ceiling. The combination tones the ceiling down a bit when you’re in the space, even though it’s a pretty bright orange, but I love it. It somehow feels calming. The bed is centered to the room with two side tables, so it’s really just a space for sleeping—which I love—and it has a serene and calm mood, given the warmth of both of these colors. And there’s a fun element to it because the ceiling really pops. Before, I had white walls and some interesting furniture, but now the furniture really shines. Plus, my table lamps cast a light on the walls that’s so appealing and inviting.

Anytime I’ve helped consult paint on a bathroom, color has really transformed that space. There’s only so much you can work with within a bathroom. While you can have textiles and a shower curtain and art, you’re limited in terms of adding feeling to a room. So consider this your encouragement to paint your bathroom!

Lately, I’m into shades of brown, maroon, and shades of red. I also love really light yellows right now and orange. And, of course, green. Paint placement is something I’m so passionate about, especially deciding where to begin and end. Are you just painting the ceiling? Are the trims included? Or just above the chair rail? You have so many choices, especially if you use paint to highlight an interesting architectural element of your home. Paint rules.

“Dragon’s Blood” and “Hope Chest” by Benjamin Moore

You started your own paint consultation business—tell us how it works. What does this process entail? How do people sign up? What will the clients receive?

There will be a form on my website under the paint consultation tab that people can use to fill out basic information. I’ll ask you name and where the space is, not only in your home, but also where in the country you live. I’ll want to know what kind of vibe you’re drawn to, or what you’re looking for. Or if you’re hoping for a full-blown consultation, without any ideas in your head. Also, if the room is near another space that has color, I’ll want to know that. Then, you’ll upload photos of the space.

When you submit the form, I’ll get back to you via email with a paint deck that will have three to five colors for one space, so different options for the room you’re looking to consult on. I can also do exterior paint consulting. I just want to help you create the space that speaks to you through color.