Your Cart is Empty
Lauren Martin-Moro: First and foremost, we look to a home's architecture to lead our color theory process, ensuring the color palette we create enhances the stylistic principles and reads as cohesive throughout. We use color to highlight and/or contrast key design elements in a space such as wainscoting in a bathroom or a natural plaster finish on a fireplace.
SK: I get that. Color is an amazing tool for directing focus in a room. Do you approach your own space the same way as your clients' homes?
LMM: This is such a great question! Our signature style embodies warm, modern, soulful California living. Clients who are drawn to our style still need their home to be a personal reflection of their lifestyle. It's a very collaborative effort.
We tend to keep the walls neutral, at least for the larger living areas, and layer in color with rugs, bespoke upholstery, collected artwork and vintage accessories. For areas such as a dining room, home office, guest bedroom or bathrooms we're more inclined to add interest by way of wall/ceiling/trim color in unusual color combinations.
LMM: My own home is warm, minimal yet eclectic. We doused the interior in "art gallery white" as I like to call it . . a pure white that doesn't lean too yellow or blue. The white walls equate a blank slate for our family friendly upholstery, antique rugs, and original oil paintings collected on our family travels abroad to take center stage.
SK: Seems most of your work is in pretty natural tones. Are there colors that you resist, that just won't fit into your work?
LMM: We find ourselves opting for muted versions of primary colors, and we're always searching for the in between muddy hues that blur from one color to the next. For example, if red were our color of the moment, we would gravitate more towards a burnt paprika or an oxblood hue.
SK: I see, so do you think that these muted tones are the most ‘livable’ for people?
LMM: While we create a uniquely crafted color story for each clients home and lifestyle preferences, we believe soft, subtle tones emit a restful, effortless vibe that has a timeless appeal which will remain fresh for many years to come.
SK: Oh my, I must have this entire bedroom! You're right it's relaxing and comfy but still so rich in texture and layers... what a stunning space! Ok, so grab your Kelly-Moore paint deck and tell me your favorite color.
LMM: Oh, don't make me choose only ONE!! A few of our favorites are: KM4933 Moon Shell for a soft and light neutral, KM4847 Mississippi River for an accent color, KM4581 Bat Wing as a grounding darker tone, and 407 Carbon because all rooms need a touch of black.
SK: I love these colors! And I see them all here in this wonderfully simple but rich table setting.
SK: It's been so fun, as always, visiting with you, Lauren. Before you head back to your team, tell me what you're working on and what's next?
LMM: We're currently working on a ground up residential build in Manhattan Beach for a fun, active young family we've been lucky to work with three times prior.
With 2020 being the summer of the staycation, now more than ever clients are asking for our help in solving their desperate need for restful, multi-functional family zones.
Everyone deserves the joy of a thoughtfully designed home.
SK: Be sure to shop Lauren's favorite Kelly-Moore Paints colors and go to her LMDA website to see more of her work and services.
Thank you, Lauren! I'm looking forward to a time when we talk 'design' over a cup of coffee. Together. In the same room. Preferably one of yours :)
