Notes From Our Journey
From twenty-six years of building custom homes on Lake Texoma, here we share about our process and what we've learned about design, materials, engineering, and the decisions that shape a home built to last for generations — the questions clients ask us most often, and the answers we give around the table in our design center.
The Art and Science of Choosing the Perfect Paint Color

Ceci Bates

Selecting a paint color is often viewed as one of the simplest decisions in the custom home process. Pick a shade, instruct the painter, and proceed. Yet, this seemingly simple choice can lead to the most disappointment. The color imagined can look entirely different once it graces the walls.
At Ceci Bates, our approach to color selection, guided by Heather Shields, our interior designer, is both artful and meticulous. Heather emphasizes that asking for a blue room is merely the start of a nuanced conversation. Her philosophy is rooted in her art background, which gives her a deep understanding of color, far beyond mere swatches in a catalog.
Choosing the right blue entails more than its visual appeal. Heather scrutinizes undertones, assessing how they align with the intended mood and ambiance of the room. She considers the color’s light reflectance value, gauging its interplay with both artificial light and natural light filtering through windows. Lighting planned for a room significantly influences how a color will read, something often overlooked but deliberately considered by Heather.
Further, she evaluates how the color will complement flooring, countertops, and cabinetry. Heather even custom mixes stains for our clients to ensure that each choice harmonizes with all the elements in a space. Every decision is made with precision and purpose, orchestrating a room where every component feels deliberately integrated.
The benefit of this detailed and thoughtful process is ultimately felt, if not visibly seen. The room appears exactly as the client envisioned because the paint color was chosen with every other factor in mind. It’s the distinction between a good color and the right color — and that makes all the difference.
We welcome those who are considering a new home to explore our comprehensive design approach at cecibates.com. Discover how our meticulous attention to detail creates spaces that resonate with harmony and intention.
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Custom homes near Lake Texoma’s north shore
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Custom homes in the greater Denison area
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