I’m Paige Wassel. WAS the Newsletter is your weekly dose of design inspiration, where paint samples are the drug of choice.

KATE LEONARD: paint enthusiast, color queen, my go-to when selecting any paint, finish, or placement in my home. She has an incredible eye for design with an ability to spot the most POYFECT paint color for your bathroom, garage door, fence, bedroom, kitchen, ALL THE PLACES. She may not have 20/20 vision but she sure can spot the perfect shade of yellow.

We interviewed Kate about all things paint and how these consultations are organized and executed. Kate is starting up paint consultations again for clients near and far! If interested, please fill out the form at Studio Leonard. NOW READ THE INTERVIEW!

What should people anticipate in your paint consultations?

People should anticipate a satisfying change to their space. Paint is my favorite way to inject personality and charm when it comes to interior design. It’s an overwhelming decision, so I like to think my consultations are a way to ease the tension and make the process more enjoyable. I also find that the people who are seeking paint advice are willing to take this design step but need a little guidance. I’m there to help pull it all together. It’s a collaborative process in the way that I get to learn about the person and what they’re hoping to achieve look and feel-wise in a room. In the end, I’m just playing around with color. It’s super fun.

How much research or preparations goes into a project?

I pull a lot of ideas from seeing a client’s space. Part of the submission process is sharing photos of the room which gives me a sense of who the person is and what they like. Sometimes the submission will note how they want their space to look and that the photos in the current state aren’t a good representation of their style. I also get photos of spaces they love, or ideas they have in mind that they can’t seem to execute. All of this information is how I pull my recommendations together. I get a feel for what is desired and highly consider the function of the room  and the amount of light. Outside of learning about the client, I have hundreds of painted room images saved that I reference and use in my consultations to give a sense of what I’m envisioning. These visuals are essential to my end of the process and give a little peak as to what a painted version of their room could look like.

Where do you get inspiration?

I find paint inspiration everywhere. Los Angeles is full of amazing colors in architecture, signage, its plant life, I could go on. Often when I’m out, I notice cool trim and exterior paint combos on a house, super cool old signs in strip malls. I feel as if I’m always thinking, ‘oh, that would be a sweet door color, or I want to use that in so and so’s bathroom.’ I’ll see tones of green that confuse me and I wonder if it’s actually blue because the lighting is tricking my eye which is exactly a color trait I like. So the color thoughts are constant. I’ve also been seeing a lot of movies from the 70s and 80s in the last year and I get a ton of amazing design and color inspiration ideas from those eras. It’s pretty much endless.

What makes you confident that a particular paint color will work in a room?

My mom let me choose a wall color for her basement when I was 13 or so. I did half the room blue and the other half green. It looked so bad. I picked colors that were way too saturated. Making that mistake made me see wall colors in a different way and somehow I do that professionally now? I’m also a decisive person and I have the luxury of selecting the color of things often. So it’s a combo of trial and error and lots of practice.

What are the biggest mistakes people make when choosing paint colors?

It’s an overwhelming choice, so I never blame anyone for making a mistake when it comes to paint, but I think the biggest error is people getting too literal with paint color and thinking it has to match another element in the room. Matching isn’t a priority, it’s really about what compliments a space.

Do you start with the paint color, or furniture, flooring and decor?

I’m of the mind that you can start with anything and build from there. I don’t think there’s a formula. The goal is striking a balance with tone, texture and materials.

 Are there colors you almost never recommend? Why?

Not really. I’m lucky to say that I’ve been challenged with finding most colors. Pinks are by far the most difficult color for me to recommend. There are so many variations with lots of different undertones. It is by far the color that kicks my ass the most.

How do you figure out a client’s style when they can’t articulate it themselves?

I ask what colors they like and dislike. I ask where they live and the architectural style of their place. Not knowing personal style isn’t a block from being able to select a wall color. There are tons of simple options that still make a big impact.

Can you describe a project where the final color choice surprised you?

My bedroom is a good example. I was going through a heavy breakup and decided to paint my walls a brown that leans a little taupe and my ceilings an orange with red undertones. To this day I can’t believe the combo turned out so well. I was in a weird headspace yet I still pulled it off. I love it very very much.

What paint color trends are you seeing right now?

Lots of butter yellow. Medium warm toned blues. Maroon seems to be dying down which is good. Green is always a mainstay as well as a good beige.

What’s one piece of paint advice you wish everyone knew?

Paint your bathroom ceiling. It’s too small of a space to keep it white. If you keep it white, the inevitable shadows will make it appear muddy.

If someone could only remember one thing about choosing paint colors, what would you want it to be?

Consider the light level. Inspiration images are super helpful, but don’t let a nice image fool you. It’s like when you pull a haircut inspo photo. Do you like the hair style because the cut would look good on your and fits your hair type, or do you like the photo because it’s a pretty woman.

A LIL RAPID FIRE PORTION……

Favorite paint color right now?

Lightning Bolt by Ben Moore

Warm or cool tones?

Both. I suggest more warm, but cool tones are amazing when done right. If I had to pick – warm.

Matte, eggshell or satin?

Eggshell is the safest bet. Matte is the least forgiving. Satin is also great, but I’m really into high gloss at the moment.

Moody or bright room?

Moody makes me happier, but bright is more practical for most spaces. Moody is my personal favorite, but I always ask my clients what they hope to achieve

If your personality were a paint color, what would it be?

Herb Bouquet by Benjamin Moore. It’s reliable and steady.

xx,
P