Wherever you may venture off to, you will respond to colors and the importance is often underestimated. Use of color is very important in both the workplace and at home. This inspired us to put together a short guide to help choose the best colors for your home or office.
Small, Simple Steps
If you are unsure of where to start with color choices, try experimenting in a small, inconspicuous area, or try an accent wall. An area that’s quick to complete is recommended so that you can see the results quickly and change the color if necessary. This process can be quite an adventure. Try using your favorite color from your furniture, décor, dishes, or artwork for the main color or even an accent color.
How Will the Color Affect Your Mood?
When choosing a color, think about how you want to set the room’s mood. A bedroom needs a soothing, relaxing setting; neutrals and cool colors can create a restful feeling while bolder colors can add drama.
Dining areas need either a stimulating and sociable feel or more of a formal appearance. Contrasting warm colors with some bolder colors can contribute to the atmosphere. Neutrals paired with deeper blue-greens can give a more formal feel.
Lighting is Very Important
Have you ever wondered why paint stores have a light box to test the paint chips? Natural daylight will show the true color. The fluorescent lighting can cast a sharp blue tone. Incandescent lighting will bring out yellows and warm tones. This helps ensure you’re not using a strong color that can overpower the walls, but the same color still may be effective as an accent wall.
Play with Colors
For a more active space, think about introducing intense, bold colors. Even if you prefer the room to be lightly-colored, select colors that are a bit more saturated than a light pastel or off-white. Light color can feel stark and bright when it’s on all of the surfaces in a single room. However, two or more, closely related pastels will add a nice luminous effect.
Boost confidence by testing the selected color on large areas of a wall or poster board. Do not be afraid of stepping beyond your comfort zone. Use colors like olive green or chocolate brown as the main color or accent color. You can add a little more drama with a vivid color on the ceiling. A tinted ceiling can dramatically improve the room’s appeal.
Use Monochromatic Schemes
If you feel that one color is too boring, there is an option of creating subtle or bold variations that are within a color group by contrasting the paint finishes. As an example, closely related colors should be used or one color in different paint finishes for the trim and walls in a space.
One color used on trim and walls can take on a new meaning when different finishes are being applied. Here is an example, trim and wall colors can be the same hue but use an eggshell paint finish on walls while using a semi-gloss finish on the trim. The color is the same but will appear differently on each of the surfaces.
Give Burnett Painting a call to schedule a color consultation for your next big interior painting project!