When Turquoise Turned Out Just Right

I’ll be honest with you, when a client came to me wanting to paint her kitchen island a vivid turquoise, my first thought was that it would ruin the entire look. Nothing else in the house matched it, and I was worried it would stick out in a way that might feel jarring. But here’s the thing — you can’t just tell someone “no” on a design they adore.

So, we talked it over. I suggested alternatives, showed her different palettes, and we discussed how this bright color might flow with the rest of her beautiful home. But she was sure, absolutely sure, turquoise was the direction to go. And you know what? That island got painted turquoise.

I’ll admit, I was skeptical. But watching her light up when she saw the completed kitchen, I knew my reservations were beside the point. She was in love with the space, and that’s what mattered. There’s a lesson in that for me, and it’s rooted in something my college mentor, George Gersitch, taught me: when you feel a certain way about a design, roll with it. That applies just as much to my clients as it does to me.

This experience changed how I approach my work. I still give my opinion, straight and honest, backed by years of seeing how materials come together. But now, I hold that opinion more loosely when someone is certain about their vision. After all, a home someone truly loves is the one that’s right for them, not just for show.

If you’re planning a home on Lake Texoma, I’d like to hear about it. Let’s talk about the colors you love and how we can make them work in your space.