This corner of G&R Paint which features the displays of Fine Paints of Europe has never looked more dynamic.  C2-150 Curry, PPC-GRN16 Mariposa Spring, and the ever sturdy PPC-V8 Cabernet, make this corner illuminate as the late afternoon sun shines through our front windows. I find myself hypnotized by its intensity and calmed by the balance that my newest color PPC-G19 Smoke On The Water gives to the composition.  This is an exciting process. Stay  tuned…

I grew up one of many children in a house much smaller than our numbers would suggest. One of the ways my mother kept herself from going crazy was to constantly rearrange the furniture in our living room. I guess it gave her the feeling that she was living in a different house. I’m sure we have all had a similar experience from time to time, and so it is that upon the ninth anniversary of our move to 1238 Sutter Street, I decided it was time for a significant make-over.

It is time to say goodbye to Pecan, Orchard Green, Pumpkin Pie, and Ryan’s Red. In their place we now have an entirely new Philip’s Perfect Color, PPC-G19 Smoke On The Water, PPC-GRN16 Mariposa Spring, PPC-V6 Stormy Weather, C2-150 Curry, PPC-R6 Manzanita, and an Olivetti Organic Finishes rendition of PPC-18 Greyhound.

The top picture shows the before scenario, and the bottom picture is the new look. The newest addition to the PPC family, PPC-G19 Smoke On The Water is everything I have ever dreamed of in a gray.  It is at once warm and cool with overtones of red and orange and undertones of blue. The massive 20 foot high walls of the store feel stone-like and give the architecture the seriousness that it’s 1930′s origins deserve.

The main wall behind the sales counter is being transformed from an ordinary and not so well constructed sheet-rock mess, to an unbelievable organic monolith. The use of Olivetti Organic Lime Paint on this massive wall will set the stage for the remaining colors to fall into place as counterpoints. I will update more pictures as it all comes together.

I am always happy when I open the latest edition of House Beautiful Magazine and see one of our C2 colors featured. In the February 2012 edition Ken Fulk, one of our most ardent supporters, called out C2-164 Primavera as a traditional color with a twist. I love the look of this room all done up in green from head-to-toe. I leave it to Ken to describe the beautiful effect of this color, no body can do it better. Visit www.kenfulk.com for more inspiration from this always clever designer.

Check out this link to a great interview with our very own Nan Kornfeld. Nan has had an interesting career path, and I am grateful that it lead her to us here at G&R Paint.

http://www.yourdecoratingresource.com/color-trends-and-tips/150-a-consultants-colorful-journey

The folks at Fine Paints of Europe never cease to amaze me in their ability to partner with the most unique and prestigious architectural landmarks. Their latest co-venture with the  Guggenheim Museum in Manhattan is a remarkable achievement. The two unique collections to emerge from this collaboration represent different but interconnected themes from The Guggenheim.

 http://www.guggenheimcolorbyfpe.com/store/pc/home.asp 

The Gallery Collection consists of 50 colors that have been used throughout the gallery walls of the Guggenheim during various exhibitions. The Guggenheim realizes that the perfect background wall color makes all the difference in how we perceive the art that is displayed on it. There are no details too small when it comes to executing great design, so each color has to be thoroughly researched and chosen for optimal synergy with the art it will support. The depth and subtleties of these colors will bring the same focus to any space you chose to use them in.

The Classical Collection is comprised of 150 colors that have been taken from actual paintings that have been displayed in the Guggenheim. This broader range of hues draws from some of the world’s most renown paintings. Now you can have a little Matisse, Van Gogh or Kandinsky for a fraction of the price!

The remarkable quality and unique pigment system employed by Fine Paints of Europe allows for the creation of two such exquisite collections. I knew the moment I saw these palettes that they represented some of the most beautiful colors I had seen in years. It is no accident that the Guggenheim chose Fine Paints of Europe to create these colors for them. A reputation as unique as theirs could only be guarded by a paint as good as Fine Paints of Europe. No other manufacturer can match the depth of colors or quality of finish offered by Fine Paints of Europe. Others may try to copy these colors, but none will succeed. Accept no substitutes when it comes to these amazing colors.

If you are local come by G&R Paint to see these collections first hand. If not, visit your nearest Fine Paints of Europe retailer or simply visit http://www.guggenheimcolorbyfpe.com/store/pc/home.asp for more details.

For more information on the Guggenheim Museum click on the link. http://www.guggenheim.org/new-york

Check out this beautiful use of PPC-BL7 Agua Verte in Apartment Therapy. This is a “perfect” use of this perennial favorite color. It’s spa like qualities give it a tranquility that is well suited to a bathroom such as this.  The use of PPC-G14 Dakon Gray on the bathtub, and PPC-GRN13 Parisian Green on the cabinet are perfect accents. Quite a transformation from the before shots featured on this web posting. Check out the post by following the link below.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/bathroom/before-after-andi-deans-master-bath-157131

Check out my short interview with the San Francisco Chronicle’s Lauren Reed-Guy on how to pick colors for your home. These are short, quick and to the point tips that can make a real difference.

 http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/09/22/HORE1KERD9.DTL





I am pleased to announce that Nan Kornfeld has been invited to participate in The Home & Design Show being held in Ottawa, Ontario this September 30th-October 2nd. This 3-day event brings together an array of presentations on home design from industry suppliers. Our C2 partner Randall’s http://www.randallspaints.com/ will co-host Nan’s presentation which will focus on Nature’s influence on human response to color, creating moods with color, and the characteristics and effects of the major color hues.

Having worked with Nan for the past two years I can say unequivocally that her understanding of the effective use of architectural color is unsurpassed. I am delighted that my Canadian partners will get to experience the depth of her knowledge and experience. Visit Nan’s website at http://www.nankornfeld.com/ for more information on her services and projects. Don’t forget Nan is available in-store every Thurs-Sat from 12-4pm. Below is an exciting example of her use of vibrant color in an exterior setting. Enjoy!

Color is a language all human beings intuitively understand. Paint color, on the other hand, presents unique challenges. In this hands-on workshop Philip Reno and Nan  Kornfeld discuss the on-going development of C2 color: how its unique blend of art and science creates a color palette that actually reintegrates nature and humanity into architectural paint, and in so doing, makes it the perfect tool for painters, designers, and DIY’ers. Activities include pigment-mixing, human response to color, and humane design principles. Approximate running time is 90 minutes. Please contact G&R Paint Company at 415-292-7982, or email me at philip@gandrpaint.com, to reserve a spot at this must attend event being held at G&R Paint 1238 Sutter Street in San Francisco, on Thursday August 25th from 1:30pm-3:00pm.

We at G&R Paint Company are proud to announce that we are now selling Olivetti Organic finishes. These traditional European finishes are given a uniquely modern touch by local manufacturer Olivier Garnier. From his user friendly lime paint to the more sophisticated Venetian plasters, Olivetti Organic finishes manufactures a full line of products to achieve old world wall affects that range from the subtle to the spectacular. Olivetti Organic finishes also has its own Prep-Coat and acrylic sealer to create a complete system for these decorative products.

Please join us on Thursday August 4th from 11am to 1pm when Olivier will personally demonstrate all of the products in his line. Light refreshments will be served compliments of Olivetti Organic finishes. For more information about Olivetti Organic finishes, visit their new website at www.olivettiorganicfinishes.com.

Please call G&R Paint Company at 415-292-7982 to sign up for this free demo class.