The Nine Moods of Color

Colors can enhance your mood by stimulating the yin and yang of his or her passions of life and behavior.

Some believe that the nine colors serve as powerful influences in a person’s psychological or mental processes. It's theorized that these nine colors affect the thought process without developing a physical basis of persuasion. In other words, the process of creating a mood is brought about by the feeling that a color creates on a subconscious level; this will influence the mental energy as a reader absorbs the various colors. It's said that these energies are the yin and yang or the chi in a person’s awareness of his or her surroundings.

The yin, or "gentle mood" of colors, will create a more passive flow of energy producing a more calm and relaxing atmosphere for an informal setting. According to Simon Brown, author of "Practical Feng Shui," this ambient setting is suitable for an easy-going event like family-time, evening meals, or a relaxing walk.The yang, or "exciting hard mood" of colors, will create a more stimulating or formal setting. The correct touches of a yang setting are stark and influenced with crisp lines, and hard tones of strong colors. This setting of electrifying energy is suitable for a spontaneous action; dating, an atmosphere of passion, or that first driving test.

The Yin Moods of Color


One can create a feeling of relaxation by using a buttery yellow in the home; this can be beneficial when used in a more permanent decorating scheme. This light shade of yellow is great for decorating because there is a vast selection of hues to choose from.

Yellow can have a yin or a yang balance and people are apt to either love it or hate it. This lighter tone of yellow should not be in the same category as lemon or sun yellow, as they can produce eye strain and aggravation.

Color stimulation by using a pure color like white can produce an atmosphere or innocence or peace. This monochromatic neutral color can create a feeling of cleanliness or purity in virtually any design. Though white is simple and unadventurous, it can produce a faith or surrender to a more ethereal refinement of beauty. White encourages an activity or process that begins, develops, or increases a crisp interest in décor.

Formality tends to be associated with gray, which is commonly used as an executive color. This temper or frame of mind tends to create a sense of formal behavior. Gray is an unobtrusive neutral shade that can enhance any number of color combinations. Since this color is low profile and melancholy, gray will not detract from one's creativity in an office setting.

Warmth created by a golden orange color can be a comforting hue that's great for decorating the home. Orange is warm and welcoming, as the color adds warmth with tones of tangerine, mango, and a bright sunset glow. Golden orange is cheerful and should be used in a kitchen to create a warm and comfortable setting.

Blue is associated with communication, an exchange of ideas and the act of conveying a clear message. Blues are associated with good company and productivity. Different shades of blue can relax, soothe, and inspire productivity, particularly in youth. The color blue aides in helping children communicate, while creating an atmosphere that's conducive with good study skills and confidence. Blue in a child’s room is said to be an intuitive choice for clear communication.

The Yang Moods of Color

Create an atmosphere of security by using black or darker shades of strong colors, as these are representative of protection and thought. Dark tones will give the illusion of a reduced space within the room, which gives a sense of self-assurance and security, like an embrace. Black is regarded as a timeless color that can create an atmosphere of class and sophistication in the space. This sophistication is best brought on as an accent to the room’s neutral color. An example of this is a soft off-white or tan room, with black trim, accessories or furniture.

Romance is linked to increased blood pressure and the color red has been found to induce the same effect. It's believed that red increases the appetite, while inspiring intense emotions, particularly those that are related to the power of love.

Red is a powerful color, so in most cases, this dramatic hue best serves as an accent color. Certain shades of red with a mellowed shade of orange or brown can also add a comfortable yet cozy effect to the home.
Vitality is linked to a natural blend of growth and vibrancy; the color green is often associated with these concepts, as the color has a natural vibrancy. Bright leafy plants are associated with fertility and nature. The envy of green will spring hope and luck in life to create strength. Chartreuse delivers a large dose of vibrancy, so this color is best used as a splash of color in a harmonious design.

Passion, like romance, uses red tones to increase the flow of chi in a fervor of emotions. A mauve or purple color can increase the passion in various styles of design and fashion. In history, purple was the color of royalty and importance. Today, purple suggests an additional emotion that is part of a particular behavior like spirituality and mystery.

Together yin and yang energy has balance as both are believed to have an influence on mood and behavior. Colors nourish the psyche through sight and emotion. These guidelines can aid readers, as they plan to use color to create a particular feeling or atmosphere.

The Art of Faux Finishing

The art of faux finishing is creating a manipulation of different painting techniques over a colored base of color to create a desired finish in design.

These painting techniques have been centuries-old in all kinds of decorating effects, and many of these techniques have been a large variety of finishes adopted by different social and economic classes. European aristocrats to merchants aspired to share these splendors of decorating. Throughout history, members of society that could not afford the genuine article or because of the scarcity of an item of particular substance, like wood or marble, resulted in people trying to re-create a product inexpensively.

As a result of this dilemma, the illusion, or transformation was the underlying principle in creating a painted faux finish. The term faux finish (meaning false) refers to a surface of any kind that has a paint coating on it to look like a natural resource like marble, stone, or wood graining. The process of faux finishing can include other finishes like metal, iron, copper, patina, granite, malachite, and Trompe l’Oeil which is a form of faux scenery. The two basic techniques for faux finishing are the positive manipulation of applying paint and the negative manipulation approach of removing paint.

Positive Faux Finish Technique

The method of a positive technique is applying a paint coat to the surface of an undercoat. This application leaves a hint of color as an impression of the tool the painter used as an applicator. For example, if the painter applied the finish with a lint-free rag that was in the form of a cabbage, the impression would resemble a spiral cabbage or rose. In applying other positive technique a painter can perform sponging, ragging, tri-color rolling, and stamping.

Other uses for a positive technique are:

• Applying more than one color
• applying a washable faux finish
• hiding flaws in a wall like cracks, poor repair spots, and coverage for lack of wall texture
• applying finish over most existing surfaces
• applying multiple paints instead of finishing glaze

When applying a positive technique on the walls or flat surface, the painter can use the following tools to apply paint:

• rags
• sea sponge
• feather dusters
• chamois
• cheesecloth
• butcher paper
• terry cloth

Rags will often give a softer edge than plastic. Different types of fabric will also give the painter a different effect as they paint a positive technique for a faux finish.

Negative Faux Finish Technique

A negative technique requires a faux finishing glaze that can dry more translucent than regular paint. This technique is used to remove layers of glaze to create a more semi-transparent finish over a base coat. The task of this technique is that painters can still see the base coat with hints of layered colors characterizing the effect. Unlike the positive techniques, by using various tools and manipulating the top coat glaze, the painter can create different depths of the base coat more dramatically.

The process of a negative technique is simple when the painter uses a satin base coat for easy manipulation. This technique is more fragile than a positive finish so it is important to seal the final top coat for maximum durability. Because this process of layering can take time, it is beneficial to add a dry time extender to allow a longer working period. A supply of various dry time extenders are available on the market, and it is important to use the appropriate solvent base for each paint finish. Water base paint and glaze calls for a water base extender. An oil base extender is only used with an oil base paint or glaze.

The tools used for this technique are similar to the positive techniques but are for removing color instead of adding color. The negative finishes include sponging and ragging off, combing, stippling, marbling, and wood graining. These negative techniques are very time-consuming and the difficulty may change to some degree. A painter should always practice various methods before tackling any large projects. This will ensure the painter has more successes than failures in faux finishing.

Faux Finishing Glaze Formulas

Preparing these formulas was for creating the best design finish that the painter will need to complete any of the faux finishes mentioned in this history. Standard Paint Glaze is made by using one quart of paint, and a ¼ quart of water. Mix well and use as a positive top coat faux finish. The painter should mix this standard paint formula each time a top coat is in need to paint a positive technique.

Latex Glazing Liquid is made by adding one quart glazing liquid, a ¼ quart of a desired paint color, and a ¼ quart of latex polyurethane clear coat. Mix well and use sparingly as a positive technique, and as a negative technique. This glazing liquid will become darker as it dries to the surface of the project. This glazing liquid dries quickly, so the painter may want to add ½ cup of latex extender. This glazing liquid cannot be shaken; it will work best if stirred before applying to surface.

Oil Base Glazing Liquid is made of a quart of oil-based glazing liquid; a ¼ cup of oil-based paint color, and a ½ cup of oil-based polyurethane finishing coat. Oil Base Glaze is a more difficult product to use in a faux finish. This glaze will flatten to the surface so the painter will apply this thinly onto the wall surface. If the oil base glaze is applied too heavy, the finish can sag and create multiple runs downthe wall. An oil base extender is only used when a glazing liquid is the consistency of a gel.

Painters should use these techniques as a basic guideline in applying faux finishes as a decorative design. Many faux finishing techniques and products are offered through hardware stores and paint supply stores. Paint supply stores have periodical weekend classes to introduce faux finishing techniques and glazes for the novice as well as the professional, and these classes will cover faux finishing techniques that will use specialty tools and applications. The techniques may change through time but the history of faux finishing will last forever.

Patrick Tremblay

Estimating for a Paint Quantity

When estimating for basic paint quantity, the homeowner will need to use this simple formula to calculate how much paint they will need to complete the job.


When the homeowner plans on painting a home as a weekend project, these hints are effective whether they choose to paint the home themselves or hire a professional to expedite the task for them. When determining how much paint the homeowner will need, whether previously purchased or newly constructed, the initial goal is making sure they have enough material to complete the work. Painting is the initial design statement and the ideal way to revitalize the exterior of the home. Painting the exterior of a home adds warmth in style, creates a well maintained appearance, and ensures a cost-effective method for increasing the value of the Home.

Estimate the Right Amount of Paint

The homeowner decides when he or she needs a new exterior paint job, but the only problem is that the majority of homeowners do not know how to estimate how much paint they will need to complete the task. Here are the answers they should know to ensure that they estimate the correct amount of paint. This process is important before putting on a painter’s hat.

When measuring the home, measure the total width of the walls. This includes the entire front, the back, and both or all of the remaining sides of the home. When this is complete, measure the height of the walls and estimate for any angled walls or peaks. Many painters will take an average height, but it is always better to have exact measurements.

Multiply the total width amount by the total height amount. This calculation is the total wall coverage the painter will use to calculate how much paint he or she will need.

One point to remember is that if the home has an awkward area such as a peak or gable, the painter will want to determine the space. A gable is the triangular top section of a side wall. A building with a pitched roof fills the space beneath the roof in which the slopes meet. This is an easy calculation by multiplying the gable's base width by half of the gable’s height. The painter will take this total calculation and make sure to add it to the wall space total.

The painter should never adjust for door and window areas. When an opening space is one-hundred square feet or larger, then the painter makes an adjustment in paint quantity. Other than that, the painter should never make an adjustment. In painting, there are always unforeseen elements, and it is better to have too much paint than not enough.

At this point, the painter will determine what type of paint covering he or she will want to use for the job. A good tip is to read the label of the paint to determine the coverage in square feet per gallon. Because the exterior of a home is unpredictable in dryness and substrate condition, it is best to use paint with a coverage of 250 square feet.

The painter will then divide the total square footage of wall space to cover; by the square feet coverage of the gallon of paint. Painters will always round up to the highest number. Once the painter estimates the highest number, then he or she will know the amount of gallons the painter will need to complete the project.

Other Special Areas for Calculating Paint Quantity

The following areas have special calculations to determine paint quantities. These calculations are guidelines for estimating the amount of paint the homeowner will need to account for when dealing with more difficult areas.

• The first area is the stairs, and the painter will need to include the risers and multiply them by two. Then the painter will multiply this amount by the number of stairs in the staircase to determine paint quantity.
• In regard to downspouts and gutters, the painter will find the front area and multiply it by two. The painter will then multiply that number by the linear footage to obtain the total space.
• When painting a balustrade, which is a decorative railing with its supporting upright posts, the painter will find the front area and multiply that number by four.
• The painter will want to paint the eaves of the home, to do this the painter will measure to find the area of the eaves and multiply the number by two. If the painter decides to paint the eaves and the rafters, he or she will measure to find the area and then multiply that number by three.

This process of measuring for special areas will still need the painter to divide the total areas by the square footage of the paint coverage. The amount of primer used for these areas will vary as the entire home will not require the same coverage as the finishing coat. With these guidelines, a homeowner can sufficiently estimate the correct amount of materials they will need to estimate successfully for exterior paint quantities.

Patrick Tremblay

Having Your House Professionally Painted

When the time comes for painting ones home, the know-how is important to do it properly. If the homeowner is not going to tackle this job, he or she must rely on a professional painter to help complete the job.


A qualified and licensed painting company can provide some services, but a quality minded painting contractor will make available an “Old world” craftsmanship. They will be mindful of the intricate details and will provide a professional quality paint job.

A few good examples would be the caulking around trim areas (especially on the top where it is not visible to the homeowner), and the scraping and priming of bare wood should be complete before painting. The other major maintenance area during a paint job is the trenching. The trenching area around each building below grade or siding should be clear for painting areas so that paint can be applied below the dirt and grass.

The most important process in painting is preparation of all painable surfaces. All painted areas should have a pressure washing and should dry thoroughly before any application of paint. If one pressure washes the surface, they remove dirt and debris to provide a clean surface so that the new paint will adhere properly and last longer. During the pressure washing of the building, the painter will notice any mildew-infested areas and will be able to apply a bleaching solution to kill any bacteria. This process will stop any reoccurrence of mildew throughout the new paint.

All loose and peeling paint or cracked stucco should have a patch and prime before any new paint application. Again, a quality minded painter will use a high grade patching material, making sure that the texture matches the existing texture and finish. When removing loose paint, (as aforementioned) all bare wood areas should have a primer. Filling all cracks and holes with high grade putty and spackling or removing rust and loose cracking paint from any metal (gutters, flashing, fencing, etc.) should have a prime with the appropriate product.

When hiring a Painting professional, the contractor needs insurances that the supervisor or owner will be present during the homes transformation. It is a benefit to homeowners to have a supervisor on-the-job to take responsibility and act on all problems that may arise.

One element that can cause future failures is not just the seasonal elements. A poorly applied paint job will cause just as much maintenance as the harsh southern sun. A professional painter will not apply any product until the temperature outside has hit 50 degrees and has been level for at least one hour. A benefit of this is the adherence of the product on a clean dry area. If the temperature is too cold, the ice or moisture will cause a barrier between the surface and the coat of paint. This will create large sheets of paint peeling off in the near future.

Another issue is monitoring the heat outside. Many painters will just “blow and go” as contractors call it. They are in a hurry to get the job done and will apply the paint at any temperature. The problem with this is that the paint will hit a wall in the middle of the day, and the temperature of the wall surface may be 20 degrees higher than the temperature outside. This causes the paint to dry rapidly and affect the way the paint dries causing a variance in color, and reflecting thinner areas on the surface that may cause a paint failure.

The best defense the homeowner has against this is regulating when the painters will be applying the paint. One good method is to follow or lead the sun. This way the surface is cooler and will allow the paint to dry at a more even process. The homeowner can observe this process and see that their paint will last longer. Another benefit that the homeowners will receive is if they notice the professional painter back rolling the paint as well as spraying it on the surface. By back rolling, the paint will push into the surface causing the paint to grip onto the porous building for a stronger adhesion.

With these helpful hints, the homeowners will be investing in a preventative maintenance through proper application of paint becoming alert toward the condition of their home, rather than waiting until peeling and cracking become more prevalent.

Tremblay House of Design has been providing professional Interior Design service since 1992.
For more information or painting tips, call Patrick at 661.645.3592