As a child, one of the first creative activities I remember is my mother coloring with me and my siblings. It was one of our favorite past times. Before my creative journey in sewing and my sister's creative hand with her painting skills, utilizing all the colors in the crayon box was the mission at hand. I also believe it was one of my mother’s favorite activities that she shared with us.

Revisiting The Lessons of Childhood

A recent project of designing a grand but charming foyer entry for clients has taken me back to those color book creations. When searching for the perfect mosaic tile that would create an initial wow factor upon entering the home, I remembered a few key words the clients used in our initial meeting.

Sapphire blue was a primary color element that needed to be met in the scheme of this project. Most likely, sapphire could be brought in from the staircase runner. However, our creative and hands-on clients preferred a touch of blue in their mosaic tile floor.

After searching for samples and designs, it was apparent that a meeting at the Boston Design Center would satisfy their appetite for finding the right aesthetic design and color. Walking into Discover Tile was like entering a world of patterns and color, an adult crayon box.

The selections were endless. Finding a pattern that allowed creative license and including the desired colors was the perfect solution. A copy of the final pattern was given to us as a page in a coloring book and a container of colored pencils. My clients went to work. On the floor, we colored each mosaic piece on the page. This became the prototype for the sample of tile to be made. This was absolutely a great example of adult coloring at its finest!

Matching The Custom Mosaic Flooring

Next, we moved on to finding the perfect stair runner to complement the custom mosaic floor. With the plan of the stair treads being marble, we were seeking shades of blue and gray On a mission to find the perfect colors, we ventured into our appointment at D Staron. After selecting a pattern for the runner, we created the perfect color combination from available yarn poms, a carpet color reference system. Another form of adult coloring was taking place. This time with colored yarn!

When everyone agreed with the color choices, a sample of the pattern and colors selected was off to the manufacturer. Once the tile and runner samples are complete, we wil make the final approval.

Adult Coloring in Action

Choosing colors and design elements of iron, marble, and Venetian plaster for the upper walls and white paneled millwork for this entry will create a timeless and elegant space. At the same time, it also fulfills the homeowner's design goal of a timeless and charming foyer entry.

Creating with color is not only for the young but color plays an important role in our everyday adult life. Color creates emotion. It can establish a mood in a space. Light, dramatic, and calming are just some emotions that color can bring to a space. Adult coloring is a popular pastime today, and it is proven to relieve stress. Whether kids or adults, coloring is a creative outlet for all of us!

About Debbe Daley

Debbe Daley is New England’s leading interior design expert in the fields of design, decorating, and styling of interior spaces. She is a professional speaker, educator, influencer, and business coach in interior design. She also teaches creative interior design and change-of-career-minded individuals at her School of Interiors. These courses provide mentoring and hands-on training. Debbe is currently an installed Design Services member for the Boston Design Center. She also is an educator and instructor at Middlesex Community College in the field of interior design.

Contact Debbe at ddaley@daleydesigns.com or (978) 697-0288.