LINDA SHEARS of Linda Shears Designs Ltd.
 Choosing new colors for your home may seem like a daunting task but for interior
designer Linda Shears, it’s all about color. Say goodbye to the boring beiges and
washed out whites and find out how she injects just the right amount of color into
every project.
You are known for your expertise with color. How do you use color in
your
own life?
I have always loved and been interested in color. While my education was in art, I
have always had a strong interest in both fashion and interior design. I was drawn
to bold color even then. Today I love bringing color into the lives of my clients through interiors that make them want to be there, the moment they step over the threshold. As an
extension of my passion for color, I am writing and illustrating a children’s book, which you may have
already guessed, is filled with color.
 When you work with a client,
how do you know what
direction to take the color?
I draw from a variety of cues.
First and foremost, the personal
style of a client dictates the
direction that color takes us. For
instance, if I encounter a client
whose personal sense of style
exudes lots of energy, there’s
likelihood that they want that
same energy reflected in their
living space. Bold or vibrant
colors are great for energizing
a room. On the other hand, if
someone is looking for a calm
retreat, color can accomplish
that too.
Secondly, the client’s home provides lots of clues. There might be a picture, rug, or valued family heirloom
which provides the inspiration for colors. We often build upon something that is already there. Interestingly
enough, color is greatly influenced by our memories. If you had a peach colored room as a child and your
childhood was full of happy memories, there’s a pretty good chance that you’ll be forever drawn to some
variation of the color. If on the other hand every time you see blue it reminds you of something you’d
rather forget, I don’t care how close you live to the water, you’d never find comfort in the house of blue!
 When you work with a client to update their
décor, do you start with an entirely new palette
of colors?
It depends. Sometimes the client is looking for a
totally fresh start. Usually, even with a fresh start,
you can take color cues from their existing décor.
When updating from another decade, there will
be color preferences that will jump out at me. It’s
sometimes just a matter of finding new shades
within those colors so that the room still reflects
the owners, but adds a fresh feeling to everything.
What do you want people to understand
about the way you use colors?
As human beings we crave color! For some that’s
muted color, for some it’s vibrant. What’s great is
that it really can be used to reflect our style, but
also to create a mood. Color can be bold without
being overwhelming, just by using accents.
I love what I do, because people allow me to
orchestrate the color in their lives, and like a great
piece of music, when it all comes together, it takes
you to the place you long to be. |