2016 color of the year

It may not come as a surprise that the color of the year is...white!  
Sherwin Williams, along with other leading paint company's all agree that white is "it" for 2016.

Sherwin Williams selected Alabaster/SW7008 as their white for this year.  They describe it as, "A straightforward and necessary shift to mindfulness. It provides an oasis of calmness, spirituality and ‘less is more’ visual relief. Alabaster is neither stark nor overly warm, but rather an understated and alluring white.”

Architecture and interior design magazines have featured all-white interiors for quite a while.  A neutral backdrop photographs well and perfectly highlights colorful furniture and artwork.

Sienna Lynn Studio's view: 
Although white walls and ceilings tend to brighten a space, it can also look unfinished or too stark if done without color in mind.  The use of color becomes increasingly important with a primary palette of white.  I do love Sherwin William's off-white "Alabaster" and have specified it frequently as a warm neutral.  However there are also projects where a true, extra white works best. Emphasis your favorite furniture or artwork in residential, and showcase branding elements in commercial spaces. I especially like contrasting white with medium and dark gray tones. 

Residential examples of white interiors by Sienna Lynn Studio:

Classic modern interior using Alabaster white with warm tones.

Contemporary interior using extra white to highlight the clients' amazing art collection throughout and emphasizing pops of bright colors.

Commercial examples of white interiors by Sienna Lynn Studio:

 Marketing firm with brick painted Alabaster, along with vivid company branding colors.

Coffee shop with extra white on walls and ceiling, contrasted with shadowy gray accents.

Clean and crisp.  Whites freshen and brighten interior spaces. I welcome the whites but will continue to incorporate and showcase COLOR into my interiors as well.

-Jodi Kuznia

Interior Design Principal 
Sienna Lynn Studio 

paint selection 101

One object that makes it to every design meeting: my paint color fan deck.  As a designer, I've memorized many of the colors by name.  I walk into restaurants or offices and find myself thinking, 'Oh that Portabello accent wall looks great next to Relaxed Khaki!'  I usually don't say that out loud...kinda weird.

Anyway, I absolutely love selecting the perfect color for a space.  I see many clients overwhelmed with the selection process, with paint samples taped all over, clearly stressed about the decision.  
 I'm offering some helpful tips:

...Still need help with paint color selection and specifications?  Contact Sienna Lynn Studio for a consultation: jodi@siennalynnstudio.com

happy holidays to you!

Holiday cards are complete:


Sienna Lynn Studio wishes you 
joy + peace 
and best wishes for a colorful 2014

exterior challenge

Before:

An office building with a lack of curb appeal.  

Sienna lynn studio introduces a warmer color palette to attract new tenants to the building.  New dark umber metal replaces the old shingles to achieve a more modern commercial look.  A band of 'spicy hue' paint adds a pop of color, while taupe paint creates sophistication and minimizes the angled protrusions by the windows.

After:

options

Working on an exterior project.  With landscape, signage and paint, the building gets a face-lift.  Light, fresh, inviting.

Before: 

Proposed Rendering:

white or white

This week 15" inches of snow fell in Minneapolis.  A winter-wonderland remains the backdrop for many months.  The season shifts to unique outdoor sports, snowmen, warm comfort foods, hot drinks, and cool winter accessories! 
Everything is white outside…hundreds of tints and shades.  

Clients often request "white" for architectural finishes and details, not realizing that there are so many options.

Some tips:  Modern interiors look dramatic in pure, crisp whites with bright contrasts.  In traditional spaces, antique whites best match the period.  For a casual atmosphere, shades of cream and neutrals create a relaxed vibe.

Start with the perfect white...then bring on the color!

lake home renovation

Sienna Lynn Studio used this subtle, monochromatic color palette to achieve a fresh modern finish to a beautiful lake home remodel.

Main body: Aesthetic White
Lower portion: Accessible Beige
Trim: Extra White

go bold

with paint!
Residential and commercial color consultations are keeping me busy this summer!
The most dramatic way to improve your space, and enhance the architecture, is a fresh coat of paint--
The perfect hue of course!
Contact jodi@siennalynnstudio.com for a color consultation or painter referral.

appartment livin'

Before: 8 appartment buildings of pale yellow:
After: richer color adds architectural interest and warmth:

serendipitous

Last week I was working with clients to select the paint colors for the exterior of their home. When I got to their house I said, "I've been here before, I did the faux finish in the lower level!"

The textured painting that I did for the previous owners (more than 10 yrs. ago) was still in their home and they told me I could come back and take pictures. What are the chances of that?!

They were excited to update the look of their home, including the door which is now fireweed red:

I'm working with another couple to transform the exterior of their home with color, new stone, and some minor architectural upgrades. She asked if I would continue to work with her on the interior design. The exterior will be complete in a couple weeks.

little boy modern

Here's a peek at one of the rooms that I am working on:

Before: After:

main wall color: latte sw6108

accent wall color: yam sw6643

custom window valence: dwell studio fabric

custom painting (in the works!): sienna lynn studio

it starts with paint

I'm working on two projects: a master bath room (including a mural), and a little boy's room.

I can't wait to start painting! I'll post the room transformations soon!