Commercial or residential?
Here are two client stories about their own experiences in working with our color consulting services.
Clients sometimes write to me with a comment that is too long for the regular ‘testimonial/client comments’ section. Here are two, one is from a residential “HOA” condo group, and one is from commercial client. I hope you enjoy reading them!
Residential – HOA condo group
It was such a pleasure to work with Barbara Jacobs Color and Design as our condo association approached the task of repainting what has been best described as our 100 year old hulking gray battleship. Our large home in Jamaica Plain occupies a well traveled intersection in one of the more popular areas of town. Over the years it has been modified sporadically, with odd changes in detail here and there. Although far from ‘gingerbread style,’ it has lots of trim, though not much of it, at this point in its life, particularly beautiful. Our house could best be described as ‘interesting.’
Our mix of occupants can also be described as ‘interesting.’ The six owners get along very well, which can be unusual in a small condominium setting. We are, however, all quite different with varied tastes. Although we all trend somewhat toward the ‘artiness’ of Jamaica Plain, some of us are surprisingly conservative when it comes to real estate, and some of us would prefer to make a very bold statement. We approached the project knowing that the paint and repair job itself was going to be not just expensive, but difficult to live through; we feared our harmonious condo owner relationship could be at risk over something as simple as color choice.
Our solution? Call a color consultant. We looked online and found a few. We chose Barbara Jacobs and Integral Design because of her personal approach. Unlike other services, she did not have a cookie cutter plan for design. A real consultant, she did not want to simply have us mail photos of the house so she could return an edict on what was best for the building’s architecture and place.
Barbara arranged a time to meet with us as a group to gain an understanding of our personalities and thoughts about the future of the building. In advance, she suggested that we all look around and think about the houses whose paint schemes we like, and why. In the meeting, Barbara facilitated a discussion during which she heard from each of us individually and at length, and followed up with questions and thoughts. She drew out opinions and considerations that we did not know were there, and we discovered things about one another’s perspectives on the house and its place in the community that we were unaware of. She encouraged us to think about the buildings around us and their colors, the level of property maintenance in the neighborhood, the size of our building and its corner location, what we each wanted to come home to in the evening, and of course, resale value. We looked at pictures of other homes in the neighborhood we had taken, and Barbara talked with us individually and in groups about the pros and cons of each scheme and what the possibilities might have been. Before leaving that day, Barbara spent considerable time photographing each section of the house and considering its appearance from various angles.
The paint scheme possibilities that Barbara returned to us were clearly well thought out, and were remarkable in their capacity to address our varied desires for the look of the house. Three different options all seemed to fit – sophisticated, simple, appealing to a broad audience, yet bold with options to go bolder should we choose. We were all quite impressed. She ordered paint color samples from Benjamin Moore sent to our home, with enough ‘chips’ for us each to take our time with them. She checked in frequently via phone and email with our designated in-house coordinator who fielded questions and comments from fellow owners. She explained each option thoroughly and took the time to offer alternative detail plans.
Amazingly, we all agreed on a scheme quite easily, knowing that any of the three options would be a quality choice. None of the colors were any that we had individually considered, and yet, they were all just right for us. Post-choice, Barbara carefully wrote out her plan for the painters, displaying the names and identification numbers for each color, with a colored block next to it, on a spreadsheet, explaining also in prose which part of the building it was for. This was no easy task, as aforementioned, our building has been modified irregularly over the years, with six different porches with various railing styles, and varied window trims and details from side to side. She discussed possibilities with us as we reviewed it, noting that there were of course different ways to look at different parts of trim, and that there was room to adjust. When the painters needed further guidance, she offered to come onsite, and further helped us to designate areas on photographs for them.
As the project progressed, Barbara checked in frequently to make sure there were no further questions or concerns. When the question of an additional accent color was raised, she called us while traveling to offer solutions. Her genuine interest in our success made us all feel terrific about the project. Barbara has a very reasonable cost structure and will work within the budget presented. She was very clear about what the costs would be for which services, and was willing to make adjustments as necessary to fit our sometimes changing needs.
Our condominium’s investment in Barbara Jacob’s service was one of the best our association has made. On the most basic level, it ensured harmonious relationships within the building. On a higher level, it made us realize just how difficult it is to put together a color scheme that actually works and will hold up over time, and how extraordinarily helpful expert opinion in this area can be. It made it possible for us to address the structural issues the building faced and the significant financial commitment and consideration they required, without having to worry about bickering over color. We all wound up with a building we are proud to come home to, enjoy looking at, and feel confident will reap improved return on our individual investments when it comes time for any one of us to move.
I highly recommend talking to Barbara before you embark on what may well be your most important real estate investment.
Sincerely,
A.M.Smith
Jamaica Plain, MA
ReDesign of a Commercial Space
Working with Barbara on renovating the common areas of our office building in Arlington was an absolute pleasure. Our property provides office space and shared waiting areas for many professionals who are primarily in the therapy field, including psychiatrists, psychotherapists, MSW’s, and others. The waiting areas and bathrooms had not been renovated in years and were in need of a complete facelift.
While initially hired as our color consultant for the interior painting work, Barbara surveyed the entire 10,000 square foot property, taking pictures of every nook and cranny from every possible angle, and then went back to her drawing board to create an entirely new vision for the spaces. Working with a blank slate, she chose paint colors throughout the spaces for the walls, trims, baseboards, and coving throughout while taking into account the natural and artificial light available in each area. In addition, she researched countless carpet books and spec’ed attractive carpeting throughout, including border and inlay carpets in some of the areas, all of which perfectly complemented the paint palettes chosen. She also helped advise us on our choice of tiling for the bathrooms and recommended a lighting designer that we used to update all of the lighting fixtures.
The implementation of Barbara’s ideas and specifications resulted in a complete transformation of the property, which is what we had hoped for. I would highly recommend Barbara to anyone looking for color consulting or any design ideas if they’re interested in working with a true professional, who delivers creative, tasteful, and highly detailed specifications in a timely manner. Having renovated and developed many houses, apartment buildings, condominiums, and office and retail properties over the years, I understand how difficult it can be to find someone who is both creative and professional as often these two traits do not go hand-in-hand. Barbara gets the highest references for me on both counts and was always willing to go above and beyond whenever we had a question or needed a quick answer.
Why are they asking “What’s New, Now?” Because there is always something new coming up here, whether it’s a special article about color, design, trends, how-to “DIY”, a new product for your home, or my own original artwork that you can have professionally printed and mounted or download for your own use. What’s New, Now means many things! You’ll find updated new design creations, an upcoming event or class, or an exhibit. Please explore and enjoy.
New design creations: see the collections! Home furnishings decor as well as Personal Attire and Accessories
Do you love the fashion statement in “Wearable Art?” So do I! After many years of creating hand-painted designs on silk, I can now offer my original textile designs in styles, ranging from colorful to monochrome—from “painterly” or sketchy to abstract and print motifs, in many exciting wearables and even some home furnishings items, all made to order for me through a unique company called VIDA.
So when people ask “What’s New, Now?” I’m usually able to say something about what’s new! I love being involved in multiple creative adventures and these are some of the expressions of those experiences.
Are you part of an organization? Contact me for a customized presentation I’ll create for your group about how to make the most of color in your life, home, or workplace. It’s favorite subject of mine—and could even be one of yours, too.
Since 1996 I’ve had the pleasure and honor of providing color consulting services to homeowners and business owners nationwide who recognize that the level of physical “vibration” in our environments–that we call “Color”–is an element of design and even of everyday life. This important element can actually make a big difference in our quality of life, and in how we feel and function in the spaces where we live, work, and play.
These days, with all the information online and at paint stores, just about anyone can pick a color they like from a small color sample. However, a small color sample is not the same as an entire room or building. Furthermore, it’s well known that a fairly high level of dissatisfaction exists when this is the method of choosing colors. But, color is integral in all spaces and we always want to keep this in the forefront. In fact, the best color consultants in professional design circles report this same lack of prospective clients’ personal success in choosing colors as one reason people come to them for professional help!
In short: people are frustrated in their experiences of selecting color palettes for interiors and exteriors, on their own. Often, in fact, the well-meaning involvement of family and friends even serves to add further confusion.
Currently there is an increasing recognition of the value you can gain in working with an experienced color design professional who will help you select surface color and other materials for interior as well as exterior spaces. This is especially applicable in cases where the area in question is large or complex—either in architectural detail or client needs—and where the services of a professional painter are needed.
Color is Integral
You’re here because you believe color is an integral, important aspect of your environment. You are now in the right place for the information you need about my color consulting services for your home, workplace, and business applications. After living in the greater Boston area since 1984, I have relocated to Sebastopol, California, therefore I’m available for site visits throughout Sonoma and Marin counties, in particular. I’m also available for “long distance” consultations. I’ve been a fully accredited color consultant by the IACC (International Association of Color Consultants)since 2000.
The Gift of “D-I-Y” Coloring for Stress Relief, Meditation, and Fun!
Do you know someone who is “Into Coloring?” Try my new coloring book, Windows to Imagination. While the book is full of beautiful images to color and contemplate, there is much more in the book than just pictures you can color. You’ll find specially curated, inspirational, entertaining quotes from Marcus Aurelius to Queen Victoria to Johnny Depp.
Windows to Imagination – front cover
Especially relevant is the fact that you’ll also find actual professional art-lesson-quality information about color psychology and mixing colors. In addition, you’ll get tips about developing new colors by layering with colored pencils. Therefore, Windows to Imagination is a unique offering for your relaxation and meditative enjoyment.
Any season is the right time to Gift your friends and family a copy of this unique coloring book.
Gift Certificates for Consultations
Finally…How it works
Contact me about special pricing for all new color consultation clients, and also for existing clients wanting to give a colorful gift to someone who is starting or in the process of a design project.
To commemorate the launch of this new web site, I offer a special consultation rate that applies to gifts ordered throughout 2017 !
What’s included? Consultation services for interior, exterior, and digital image”Designer Color Palettes”
Gift Certificates – the Gift of Color
Your gift applies to any service or product you see here at Barbara Jacobs Color and Design. As with all services and products from Barbara Jacobs Color and Design, your gift of color and design can be used anywhere. I can help with consultation long-distance, from locally here in Sonoma County, California—to New England, and beyond!
Do you have friends or family who would enjoy some help with color and design?
This gift offer even applies to our unique Designer Color Palettes service, which is especially useful for long-distance consultation.
A prepaid block of consultation time is perfect for extended projects.
I know that design projects take time.
To help scheduling the use of your gift, we’ll apply it to any new client appointments scheduled through 2022.
Book 10 hours of consultation time for a special rate that also includes 2 hours of travel time
Find out now about Barbara Jacobs and the IACC. Originally from Minnesota, in 2015 Barbara moved from living in Massachusetts to Sebastopol, CA. Her father, William Saltzman, was a well known Midwestern painter, sculptor and stained-glass artist. Barbara enjoyed growing up in an environment rich in color and surrounded by a variety of fine art. In that environment, she experienced many opportunities to explore a wide variety of art materials.
Barbara’s formal artistic education includes studies at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence, Italy, and the University of California, Berkeley, where she studied with Adja Yunkers and David Hockney. She studied fine arts at the University of Minnesota, receiving her Bachelor of Arts in studio art with a concentration in painting and printmaking.
Barbara has a noteworthy design background. In addition to her personal artwork, since 1986 Barbara has helped to create supportive environments for a great number of clients in their homes and workplaces. She continues her ongoing practice as an architectural color consultant for “long distance” as well as “on-site” consultations.
From 1986 to 2006, Barbara specialized in creating artistic decorative finishes and murals for residential and commercial clients. Media she used included glazes and Venetian plasters applied in a variety of techniques. Always an artist, Barbara’s fascination with color and color-mixing continues. During that time she also developed a line of 32 colors in “full spectrum” paints—using no black or gray in any of the color mixtures—that she named “EcoHues.” These unique paint colors became very popular among her clients. The designation “Full Spectrum Paints” originated with Ellen Kennon, a long-time friend and designer. It was through collaboration with Ellen that the “EcoHues” paint colors became possible.
About Barbara’s unique design projects
Barbara has held a long-time fascination with textiles, traditional and modern surface design, and rug design. It was through the inspiration from these interests that she created and developed the original series of custom, hand-knotted Tibetan rugs of her own design, which she called “Silk Road Weaves.” In addition, she carried this inspiration even further. Even at this time, she continues to explore using her original designs for other textiles and printed patterns.
About being an IACC Accredited Designer
Barbara was fully accredited in 2000 by the IACC (International Association of Color Consultants). Her work has been published internationally through that organization. She is acknowledged as an expert in the field of applied color psychology and supportive color design. Barbara has also been published in, and interviewed by, a variety of print and online national professional and shelter media. Subjects of these articles and interviews include supportive color design, color trends, and selecting colors for interiors and architecture.
Artist’s Statement
I enjoy working in a variety of media, whether in small scale work or in larger, more complex pieces. Favorite materials include pastels, some water media, colored pencils, paper-and-ink, and various texture media like Venetian plaster and organic materials, including even sometimes found objects. Photography and digital work also play a role in many pieces. Some might call it “inconsistent”…but frankly, what I enjoy most is to explore combinations and find out about different materials, and see where they lead.
I typically draw Inspiration from geology, history, mythology, organic matter, and of course life experiences and current events. Other inspirations stem from historical, traditional cultures’ uses of color and pattern in surface design, and the symbolism and roles of those elements in their worlds.
My work tends to not be too literal, but rather I prefer to leave quite a bit to the viewer’s imagination. Furthermore, I always try to offer an unspoken (or sometimes, literally, spoken) invitation to the viewer to participate in the “story” from his or her own personal perspective of what is happening in a particular work. I can appreciate the serious side, but also can enjoy injecting my sense of humor or irony into the subjects and style.
