Genevieve Gorder is no stranger to HGTV viewers, as they have watched her on many different shows over the years. Currently she is a judge on Design Star and also has her own show Dear Genevieve in which she tries to help viewers transform their homes.

Her enthusiasm and verve have made her one of America's most approachable and favorite interior designers.

Her work has been featured in many major publications and her TV appearances include Oprah, The View, Today and CNN.

Genevieve has received multiple awards for interiors, products and branding, and earned accolades for her contributions on an Emmy-nominated design series.

Genevieve runs her own design company, gg studios. She launched a line of bedding for QVC with Springmaid and a line of rugs with Capel. Currently she and her team are creating a line for beds, baths and tabletops.

Genevieve says that “designing a room comes down to finding out what gives you joy, and I’m there to help make yours visible.” Since color plays a big part in that process, and given that she is the spokes person for Valspar, she was the person to turn to for color advice.

You can see some selections from her 2012 color palette for Valspar here. For her advice on using color in your home, read on.

Q: How can color help bring a home to life?

Genevieve Gorder: When designing a home, color is one of the most powerful tools to add life to a space. Painting is one of the simplest ways to incorporate color into a home, and it’s forgiving because you can always change your mind or refresh your palette.

Valspar recently launched their Valspar Love Your Color Guarantee. Now through October 8th 2012 if you choose a Valspar Paint color, and then have a change of heart, you can get a replacement color on them, taking the apprehension out of choosing a paint color.

Q: How can you use color to tie a room together?

Genevieve Gorder: People often feel intimidated by using color, this is why the majority of our country is beige and off white. Color is the great balancer in a space, it's a juggling act between your neutrals, grounding, highlight and accent colors.

What are accent colors and how do we use them?

Genevieve Gorder: Accent colors are colors that are used for emphasis in a color palette. These colors are often bold or vivid and are used sparingly although if you play with the palette and create balance for this powerhouse, you can easily paint a whole room in an accent color. Most often we see them in sprinklings...accent pillows, throws, an upholstered piece, etc.

What is the best way to use neutral colors without their coming off as drab?

Genevieve Gorder: Bring them off your wall and into your upholstery, complement them with many friends, every color NEEDS friends which in the end creates balance just as in life. It's when we begin to layer neutrals over and over that the room falls flat and drab prevails.

Q: Does painting furniture require a lot of preparation? What about laminated furniture, can that be painted?

Genevieve Gorder: It really depends on the piece. Most unfinished furniture you buy is ready to paint, however if it’s not smooth you want to sand out any nicks. Be sure to sand in the direction of the grain until the surface is smooth. Then you can use Valspar’s paint and primer in one, Signature Color with Hi-DEF technology, to eliminate the step of priming. Any furniture with a laminate or non porous surface, best to keep the paint away.