Metamerism

Hey y'all! I want to talk about something that might sound a bit technical but plays a huge role in how we see color in our homes – metamerism. So, grab a cup of coffee and let's dive into this fascinating world of colors and the way they interact!

Now, metamerism might sound like a term from a science class, but it's actually quite simple. Think of it as a color chameleon – it's the phenomenon where colors appear to match under one lighting condition but can look completely different under another. In our studio we have three different light values (warm, cool, and natural.) We take our finishes and test them under each light value.

In our homes, lighting plays a major role in metamerism. Natural light, LED bulbs, incandescent lights – they all have their unique vibes, and this can mess with the colors we choose for our fabrics, wall paints, and other decor items. I use the Target dressing room lights as a test case. You know when you try on a bathing suit in stark fluorescent lights? We don't look our best in those lights. Fluorescents are not flattering to skin tones because they have a blue hue. I used soft white bulbs in bathrooms because they cast a nice rosy hue to our skin. The same rules apply to fabrics and finishes - you need to see how the light is going to reflect on to your selections.

Let's talk about fabrics, one of my favorite design elements!  When you're shopping for fabrics, it's crucial to consider the lighting in your home. What looks like a perfect match under those store lights might not have the same magic in your living room. Always check those swatches under your home's lighting conditions to avoid any color surprises.