Like many do-it-yourself decorators, I’m always on the lookout for ways to bridge the gap between my limited skillset and the world of fine design. I look for what great designers know that the rest ...

In the world of art and design are two schools of thought. On one side are those who create or sell art. Artists and gallery owners, for instance, tend to promote the idea if you love a piece, buy it.

It’s a gimmick. Yet I always fall for it. Every year at this time paint companies announce their (cue the drumroll) Color of the Year, or COTY, as insiders call it. They roll out the paint color they ...