How to Choose the Right Paint Color for Your Home
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\r\n When it comes to decorating, choosing paint color can really be a challenge. Paint color can have the most dramatic effect on your space, and it is the least expensive way to update your home.Color can change our perception of the space around us, turning it cool and energetic, spacious or cozy. There are three key steps that can help you with the process of color selection:\r\n
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\r\n\r\n 1. Find Inspiration\r\n
\r\n You can come up with ideas by creating a portfolio of what appeals to you: a favorite painting, the color of your baby's eyes, an unforgettable vacation in Mexico or that great hike in the Grand Canyon.\r\n
\r\n\r\n First, take into consideration your inspirational image's common denominators in terms of color. Do you like a variety of colors or particular shades and tints of a specific color? Do you like them bold or muted? Digging deep in the well of inspiration plays an important role in selecting and whittling down your choices.\r\n
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\r\n2. Define the Mood\r\n\r\n Secondly, is there a mood or theme that you would like to achieve in a particular space? Do you want a restful feel in the bedroom, or an energizing feel to the family room? The mood will lay the groundwork on the desired visual impact of a chosen paint color palette.\r\n
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\r\n3. Use Key Elements in Your Home\r\n\r\n Last but not least, take stock of all the key elements in your house. Do you have carpeting, hardwood floors, modern or antique furniture? The color of the flooring is an important consideration when you choose colors because it anchors the room and can impact the color on the wall due to reflections.\r\n
\r\n\r\n Furnishings also play an important role in determining the perfect color scheme for your house. Since these are usually the most expensive and not easily replaced items in the house, they tend to suggest a coordinating color scheme that ties everything together. An invaluable heirloom dining table, for example, will never be discarded because it doesn't match the wall color of the dining room.\r\n
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\r\nThe tips here will really help you if you feel stumped by this important choice. After all, the paint color will set the tone for the room.\r\n\r\n
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\r\n Be Patient
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\r\nIt's great to collect paint chips when planning a room, but hold off making final choices until you've developed an overall room scheme. Paint is available in literally an infinite array of colors and is the most versatile element of your room decor, the easiest to change, and the least expensive. Get ideas but make the final decision after rugs, wallpaper, and fabrics are finalized.\r\n\r\n Coordinate Decorating Samples
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\r\nWhen you go shopping, you'll need to refer to your fabric, carpet, tile, wallpaper, and trim samples constantly. Be sure to take everything with you wherever you go. No tellng where you might see something wonderful.\r\n\r\n Really Study the Colors
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\r\nYou'll find clues about the underlying tones of different shades of a color on a full sample strip of coordinated colors. Even if you're not even considering using a darker tone, look at all the colors carefully. Decide if the family of colors is the direction you're headed with your color selection.\r\n\r\n Custom Color Matching
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\r\nIf you want to achieve a perfect match or find a truly unique color, your paint store or home center offers custom color mixing. This makes it possible to bring in a fabric swatch, painting, or other color reference, and have a paint color created to be a perfect match. Visit Home Depot or Lowe's or call a local hardware store to inquire.\r\n\r\n Look Up to the Ceiling
\r\nIn the end, trust your eyes, says Minchew. “Judging color isn’t something you need to be highly trained for. Just look at the swatch or sample on the wall throughout the day and evening. If it’s working for you, then that’s all there is to it. If you see it and you like it, you should be fine.”\r\n
\r\nLight colors are usualy most pleasing for a ceiling, because ceilings are seen in shadow. If you'd like the ceiling to match the wall color, buy ceiling paint one or two shades lighter than the wall color (on its color chip). Or, dilute your wall color with white paint in a ratio of 25% color to 75% white.\r\n
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