There was a lot of discussion of Ellen Kennon paint on this board a few years ago. Most people really liked it.

My daughter did her house in EK paint a couple of years ago and I helped her paint. It's very nice paint and goes on well.

My daughter liked that there wasn't an overwhelming number of colors, just enough. She was able to talk with Ellen and get some recommendations.

My daughter is very pleased with the colors and I do think they all look nice but I honestly don't see a huge difference between EK paint and other high quality paint. Maybe it's just me, a lot of people seem to.I do notice that the paint colors look very different in different lights.

How is your lighting? That alone can make a difference in how colors are perceived.

Also, check out the BM Aura line. I love that paint. Covers wonderfully and looks great. I think all paints change depending on the light. One bedroom with the Aura goes through at least three variations in color/hue during the day/evening. Of course, I have never used EK, so I can't say if hers are even more changeable. I do want to try the BM full-spectrum paints, but the closest place to buy it around here is 30-45 minutes away, depending on traffic.

Yup, used my fair share of EK.

One of my favorite things to do is use the factor of black in the formula vs. no black in the formula as an added dimension or level of contrast in the space.

A decade ago we didn't have this level of contrast to manipulate.

So, definitely get the samples but I'd suggest you toy with juxtaposing pops of full spectrum color to the existing *regular* colors.

You may not have to repaint the whole house.

Often color designers hyper-focus on color coordination, perfectly harmonized undertones and work from a point of view that inspiration pieces from which to "pull color" are the magic secrets to color design.

I think we've evolved past those rudamentary color approaches. Many people want more from color in their environs than simple, basic color coordinating.

However, not all color specialists or experts are able to deliver if it's not about matching things up somehow, some way.

I use Ellen Kennon paints for myself and clients in North facing rooms that could benefit from the lack of (light absorbing) black.
I once compared similar colors to see if I noticed a difference. At first glance, it looked very similar but when light hit it, the EK color was way more multidimensional.

THe amount of natural light that I have coming in is very limited - even in the summer. THough, I guess I am so use to my last house that had windows everywhere - and transoms and paladum windows. My new home has a fair amountof windows but it faces the west and I think the houses on either side really shade my home.

I don't want bold color, but I want the colors that I choose to be seen not blend in.

Funcolors - what do you mean by this:
One of my favorite things to do is use the factor of black in the formula vs. no black in the formula as an added dimension or level of contrast in the space.
And this: So, definitely get the samples but I'd suggest you toy with juxtaposing pops of full spectrum color to the existing *regular* colors.

I do plan on having some help from Ellen on my choices - I really don't want to mess up again. I knew when the lady told me grey walls FR, Hall, PR, I wasn't going to like it. I am not a grey person - I love greens, beige, tans, golds. I know that many on here use greys and are happy with them and maybe it;s just the grey that I have - but it is blahhhhhh.

I love Ellen's paints and have them in my own home. Have been using them for myself and my clients since 2005. Ellen has some really wonderful colors to choose from in the green, gold, beige, tan arena and she is delightful to work with. I think you are going to be happy.

I knew when the lady told me grey walls FR, Hall, PR, I wasn't going to like it. I am not a grey person - I love greens, beige, tans, golds.

IMO, color consulting is a collaborative process, with give and take from both the professional and the homeowner. I am sorry you had grays forced on you, but as a consumer, you should have been given the opportunity to push back against colors you don't feel good about.

(begin rant)

Listen up people...if you hire a color pro, remember who is writing the checks. If you don't feel good about the direction your heading in, you have to speak up, change gears, find a new direction. A good color consultant is all about steering you toward your colors, with an experienced eye and an analytical approach -- not just prescribing whatever is in style or whatever looked good in the last house they did or whatever magic color they got in their training packets. Color consulting is a growing business and that is not necessarily a good thing. Please be smart, educated and vocal consumers!!

(end rant)

Most excellent "rant", Amy! :)

Along those same lines, grey is a trend color right now - it does not resonate with a broad scope of personal color tolerances. Many people might *like* grey from afar but very few can live/thrive with it.

Full spectrum color is actually a very basic concept.

You have a bundle of wavelengths beaming into your space from windows and doors. Or, maybe light bulbs. Either way, those are beams of light; beams of wavelengths that fall into a color category on the visible spectrum.

All paint colors reflect those bundles of beaming wavelengths. Some of the wavelengths are absorbed by the paint color and some are reflected.

When you use black colorant in paint colors that means there will be a factor of black *particles* in there to catch and keep light. The color "black" is not on the visible spectrum is it? Black does not return any of those beaming wavelengths back into the room -- it absorbs them, it keeps them.

When you don't put black in your paint colors, that light eating factor does not exist. Odds are upped that more wavelengths will be reflected, not absorbed.

I know some people claim there are certain regular paint colors that reflect in the same manner as full spectrum but that is not technically possible. If there is black in the formula, it's not like full spectrum. And what if there is no black but just 2 or 3 colorants to the formula? Still not full spectrum and the two *kinds* of color do indeed differ from one another.

Juxtaposing a regular color to a full spectrum color can create an interesting level of contrast. An interesting dimension of shadow and reflectance. A push of color against a pull of color.

All very subtle -- to the point that you sense it more than you *see* it.

Using regular color with - or juxtaposed to - full spectrum color that is sans black makes the full spectrum color look all the more reflective and illuminated. Regular colors can be the perfect foil for full spectrum paint colors. There is a level of contrasting compliment, black vs. no black, that can be struck. And, frankly, it's really not that hard to do. It almost happens on its own.

Just have to know it can be done, has been done, and you can do it too.

I have used EK Paints and love them! Ellen is the most gracious lady, too. I would really suggest painting large sample boards and have them around your room to observe during different times of day/lighting.

Some people cannot sense the different between her full spectrum paints and non full spectrum paints. YMMV, but I find her colors to be very special and worth the small amount of extra $$$ and effort (by that I mean you can't schlep down to HD or the hardware store).

Looking forward to reading about your decision and best of luck.

I would love to know what EK formulations correspond to what regular formulations in other lines, so as to do one of those side-by-side comparisons. I remember hearing that some color (was it H2ahh? can't remember clearly) was her version of RH Silver Sage...what are others?

We have EK Pumice in our master bedroom (or principal bedroom) and we love it. Including painted full strength on the ceiling. A wild set of changing colors is that one : )

Amy - I did tell the color pro that I LOVE greens and purples. I did waver when she showed me the grey's - she said: Trust Me - I'm the expert, I know color, I have an eye for color. Grey is the new neutral.

So, I trusted her and I guess I should have trusted my own gut first. I did show her my current furniture, rugs, etc. She said purple is OUT ! Hmm, I sure am still seeing purple being used. Purple and grey could have worked, if the grey was the right shade. Mine isnt'..

Yes, I wrote the check, regretibly. But, I am happy with the color she choose for my MB and MB.

Jeannie, I am glad you have at least two rooms that work for you.

Good color consultants understand that the human experience of color, on an individual level, will always be more important than trends.

I have Ellen's paint on the main level of my home, in the upstairs hallway and recently painted my daughters room purple with her lilac color. I love it! It goes on quite nicely. I did a color consult with Ellen; sent her pics, talked on the phone, she asked, I talked, she listened, she made recommendations, I painted. She is so nice, gracious, patient, easy to work with.

I have her Spring Green in my kitchen, mustard seed in the living/music room, honeysuckle in the front entrance and upstairs hallway, cafe au lait in my family room and a cognac/slate mixture in my dining room.

I like color, have a north facing house in the NorthEast. I love how her paint lightened up the dark rooms in the house. Some have more color on the walls than before, but aren't dark by any means. Different colors react differently, some of the colors we have really change with the differing light of day.

All eleven paint colors in my home are EK.

I would not use anything else.

Wow, jeannie -- that reminds me of a screened porch contractor who, in our interview when we were asking about what different kinds of railing were available, kept harping on the basic up and down spindles, finally saying in exasperation: "It's what all your neighbors have!" DH and I looked at each other and knew the interview was *over*. The line has since become a joke, much like "purple is OUT!" or "Trust me, I'm the expert" might become in your house : )

Flyleft - Yep, I'm thinking that Trust me, I'm the expert will be MY new saying too ! LOL

When she gave me the colors, naturally there were no names on numbers on the paints.

I just ordered the Champagne Gold for my MB and MB, even though I like the colors the lady picked, they still seem alittle washed out, so as my first experiment w/EK paints, I will see if I like this enhanced paint color.

I will probably re-do my entire house, except for the ceilings, door and trim - that is way over my budget especially w/all my new construction, furniture, etc. costs.

Hopefully, the chalk grey that I used for ceilings and trim won't be a problem and darker my space.

Champagne Gold from Ellen was mixed from a chip I sent her. I sent her my version of Duron's Tobacco Road.

Tobacco Road is/was super popular but I had trouble with it showing with a skunky green undertone in some houses. So, I remixed it - my formula still has black but I found it was certain phthalo green and blue colorants that was the problem.

Ellen's Champagne Gold, of course, is a balance of seven spectral colors and no black.

It's several steps away from the original Tobacco Road at this point, lol!, but the final result is a really pretty wall color. Hope it works out for you.

Here's a post of mine from a couple years ago when I compared EK and Behr paint. Had a favorable impression of both, but prefered EK from a color standpoint.

Here is a link that might be useful: prior post about EK

Funcolor - Well isn't that funny that I would pick that color for my first experience! I am leaving the ceiling chalk grey - I hope it doesn't meddle w/my wall colors? Since you are our resident color expert, could my ceiling effect the overall look on the walls?

Delta - Thanks for the post..

OPnly down side is I have to drive a good 50 min. to the paint store, I wish there was one a bit closer

My painter has never heard of Full Spectrum Paints or Ellen Kennon..go figure..but, he is an excellent painter - so I will be excited to hear what he thinks about working with this paint.

Oh, I can't WAIT till Thursday ! Let the rollers - roll!!

Altho I love how it sounds - I am by no means the only color expert-y type member on the forum. There are many others.

I joke about this forum in real life because as a group you all know more about color and paint and have done more with color and paint than most of the *real* people pro's I know.

Which is why I like this place -- no one else talks color like the Garden Web forum folks. U all B special. :)

Champagne Gold with a chalk grey ceiling has the potential to be stunning. Ellen's Gustavian Gray with her warmer colors like Champagne Gold, Honeysuckle, Mustard Seed, etc. is a standard go-to color combo. My guess is you end up with a similar look/feel using Champagne Gold and your chalk grey.

Most painters have not heard of full spectrum paints. So glad he's open to using what you want to use. He'll love working with the paint itself.