Color Scheming lies at the heart of business branding. Around the world, yellow arches signifies McDonalds. Hopefully, my four squares are recognized as Decorate Your Space colors.

I met Chris Finnie a few days before she purchased a gift shop in Old Town Manassas. Entering into a new business which lacked attractive planned design was weighing on her, so she likes to tell people that meeting me was like an omen. Only a day or so after the space was hers, we met there and discussed the way she wanted the store to feel and the impression she wanted to make on her customers. Chris had a very solid vision. She wanted it to be a pleasant, clean space that would be a destination for anyone needing a unique, quality gift for all ages. She wanted the space to be fresh and to have designated product areas.

I knew we had to incorporate her favorite shade of green, and that became our launch. From here we worked out sections of the store in complementary shades all grounded by a strong taupe upon entry and a neutral throughout. We used more shades than would be used in a home, ending up with about ten. But the effect actually serves to sort the eye into natural divisions.

The space looks much cleaner than it did when it was solid white. “Everyone that comes into my shop thinks my colors are happy!” Chris said she hears this again and again. Visit her at 9070 Center Street and see if you agree.