What is a Chromatologist?

Those of us working in the interior design business use different techniques to determine the best array and choices of colours for a living space. A common example of such technique can be demonstrated in the use of a colour fan-deck or book which is used to determined the best selection. Do-it-yourselfers can acquire paint samples at different paint or hardware stores and/or suppliers, but as we all know, sometimes we like to work with a particular brand and that can limit our choices, also, trade professionals, as painters, can influence our choices and this will have an influence of our final selection.

Choosing colour can be a costly adventure and when making mistakes, such adventure can end up in a blockage, putting an end to our vision and by consequence to our project. Hiring a colour consultant can be the answer. Usually when booking an appointment with an expert we can make the process fun and efficient as professionals know their products and how to manipulate colour, texture, finishes, tools and most importantly light and space.

Given North American standards, a US gallon of paint can cover up to 400 square feet per coat, this of course if the surface to be painted has been properly primed and prepared.

Here are 10 tips you should know before considering hiring a colour consultant:

• Make sure to book your appointment ahead of time.

• If you are working with samples for your interior design project, as upholstery fabrics and wallpapers, have these samples handy.

• Wear beige when the consultant comes to your home, as psychologically speaking, clients have a tendency to wear colours similar to those they want without being aware of it, and that is a clear indication of the direction the consultant takes. True colour consultants are not influenced by such, but clients are.

• Make sure the consultant can provide you with the name of a paint professional and avoid taking advice from handy people.

• Your consultant and painter can give you an idea of the cost of a project, but it is the responsibility of the painter to make sure the budget is respected, not that of the colour expert.

• Booking an expert during any holiday rush is stressful and not realistic.

• Projects involving wood work, and therefore using oil-based paints, are better done when the temperature the wood is exposed to exceeds 8 degrees Celsius for more than 24 hours continuously, this is the case of moldings, baseboards, radiators and exteriors.

• Ask about experience, but understand that many clients do not want to share private pictures of their space, we do not always carry a portfolio of our projects, and instead we prefer to work through referral as it has proven to be a much better tool for professionals.

• Selection techniques change by professional so consider your options before hiring a professional.

• Get a copy of their findings and a colour-schedule of the project for you and one for your painter.

In Westmount, often enough, we find too many homes where beige is king and in all honesty, although a safe tone, beige is not always a flattering choice for all interiors. Often enough I find that when a client decides to experiment with the right colour, perceptions change, even their mood can improve and furnishings and accessories take on a new life. An expert chooses a ceiling colour that compliments the wall colour and since all whites are different, an example of this would be a white that contains red pigments (not visible to the eye) to compliment a green wall, as red is the direct compliment to green.

I have developed a technique that involves many paint companies, satellite systems and the chemical manipulation of paints. Although I am the only designer in Canada to use this system, the results are spectacular and quite accurate. With the use of a digital device, light is measured, entered in a computer program and so are the date, coordinates, the geographical location and the exact time, and through information provided by satellite, personal taste and intuition a colour combination is determined. Science and taste working at their best!

Finally, remember when choosing colour, each room has a personality of their own but flow is important and so is hiring someone with experience. To truly enjoy the creative process one must be open to suggestions.

• Eros Greatti is one of Canada’s leading interior designers. For more information or to suggest topics, do not hesitate to contact him at 514-272-3767.