AboutCyndie Stefanik Expertise Co-Developer/author of the patent pending "Color with No Regrets" Selection System. Just recently her Color Program was a feature article in Faux Effects World Magazine and a separate article for her virtual consultations in House Trends Magazine. The Color Class has earned the prestigous IACET Certification for the Live and Web based programs thru the SDP (Society of Decorating Professionals. She continues to conduct training seminars across the United States and online color classes for homeowners and decorating professionals. She conducts virtual color consultations for commercial and residential customers by appointment.
Experience I began as a decorative painter/artist 15 years ago. My work has appeared in magazines from award winning designer show houses in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and Architectural Digest. Most recently I have spent the last 3 years creating, developing and patenting a numerical color selection system that takes the subjective nature out of color. Since it is numerically based, color can be chosen quickly and accurately. For the past year, I have conducted training seminars for the "Color with No Regrets" System to decorating professionals around the United States. My background in decorative painting/art, has given me real life experience of how color works but more importantly why it works based on sound color principles. I am also an authorized Aqua Finishing Solutions Distributor and a certified training instructor for the Society of Decorating Professionals.
Organizations The Society of Decorating Professionals
Publications Recent articles and showcase projects appear in Faux Effects World Magazine, House Trends Magazine, WJET-TV for decorative painting set design, as well as local publications in Western Pennsylvania such as Today's Home. I am a regular guest on Good Morning Erie, WJET-TV, an ABC affliate as the Princess of Paint, where I provide decorating, painting techniques and problem solving for viewers.
Expert: Cyndie Stefanik Date: 7/6/2008 Subject: Desperate for Color help for open foyer/living room/stairsl/hallway
Question I have paint samples all over the house and nothing is working! My foyer has a two story wall from which you can see the dining room, living room, stairs to upstairs hallway and the hallway leading to the family room/kitchen. I am painting the dining room in SW Cavern Clay for a Spanish look. The open plan kitchen/family room is painted an bright yellow-applesauce color. I have been looking for gold tone neutrals for the rest of the house that coordinate with the Dining room and kitchen/FM colors but nothing is working. I like SW Golden Gate but it's looking too orange. The floors are oak and carpeting is a light neutral beige. Please help me. Thanks.
Answer Hi Ana,
I think the problem you may be having is that the yellow is much brighter than the Cavern Clay and to find a color that works with both of them is very difficult. Their undertones, one being a very warm earthy color and the other being bright, crisp and clean are fighting one another.
I actually don't have Cavern Clay in my fan deck but from what I can see on the internet, it will work nicely with Restrained Gold and Clary Sage. I also think it might be nice to incorporated a cooler color like Clary Sage into your space.
If you want to send over a picture, I can alter it for you to show you how it will look before you paint. Just let me know, I am happy to help.
