Selecting appropriate paint colors for the interior of your house can change the aesthetic, improve the mood, and make it more welcoming. The choice is so vast that it may be paralyzing. This guide will assist you in going through the process, making sure you choose colors that represent your style, and those that are appropriate to your space.
Know Your Space
Evaluate the Function of the Room
First, before you jump into color selection, think about what the room is going to be used for. Your color palette can be directed by different functions. As an illustration, a bedroom is supposed to be soothing and relaxing, whereas a kitchen can be enhanced with lively and invigorating hues.
Take Into Account the Natural Light
The natural light that enters a room can dramatically affect the way paint colors look. A room that has a lot of natural light can carry more colors, even bold and dark ones. Conversely, rooms that have little light might need to be painted with lighter colors to avoid a more confined feel.
Choose Your Color Mood
Establish Your Preferred Mood
Colors bring out emotions and mood. Choose the mood you would like to have in every room. To achieve a calming effect, cool colors, such as blues and greens, should be considered. Warm colors such as reds, oranges, and yellows may be better if you want a vibrant and high-energy feel.
Consider Color Psychology
The psychology of color can be useful in your decision making.
Various colors have the ability to alter mood and behavior:
Blue: Cool and soothing, it is best used in bedrooms and bathrooms.
Green: Cooling and harmonious, suitable in kitchens and family rooms.
Yellow: Joyful and vivid, it is an excellent color to use in areas that you wish to promote activity.
Red: Energetic and exciting, red should be used in limited quantities in dining rooms or as an accent.
Purple: Rich and imaginative, it looks good in a bedroom or creative room.
Select a Color Scheme
Begin with Base Color
Choose a dominant color that will be used in the room as a base, like for a common wall and large surface color. A neutral base such as beige, gray, or white will allow flexibility and can be complemented easily by other colors.
Include Accent Colors
When you have a ground color, select accent colors to provide depth and interest. Accent colors may be applied on trims, ceilings, or furniture. Their role should be to balance the base color and to add to the mood of the room.
Think About Complementary Colors
A balanced and harmonious appearance can be achieved with the help of complementary colors. Complementary colors are colors that are opposite on the color wheel, like blue and orange, or red and green. They may be combined in a lively effect or used in small amounts to give a low contrast.
Try Your Colors
Paint Samples
Buy small samples of paint before deciding on a color. Stick them on a big area of your wall and observe how they appear in various lighting situations during the day.
Notice and Analyze
Try to place the samples around in different areas for a couple of days. Note the color variations in both natural and artificial lighting. Think about the way they engage with your furniture and decor.
Adjust
In case one color fails to work, do not hesitate to try another sample. It is easier to test a small sample than to begin a massive paint job and regret it later.
Use Existing Elements
Take Into Account Your Furniture and Decor
The colors should be based on the furniture and decor that you already have. Select colors that will match your existing pieces or determine whether you prefer making a dramatic contrast.
Consider Architectural Characteristics
You can also base your color decisions on architectural details such as moldings, trims, and fireplaces. Emphasize these characteristics with either harmonizing or clashing colors to provide interest and dimension.
Find Inspiration
Explore Online Resources
The internet is full of inspiration through websites, magazines, and social media, such as Pinterest. Seek color schemes and room aesthetics that appeal to you.
Go to Home Improvement Stores
Home improvement stores also have sample walls and displays that may assist you in visualizing the appearance of various colors together.
Talk to a Professional
Still not sure? You can always hire an interior designer. They will be able to give you professional guidance and assist in making a harmonious color scheme.
Make Your Decisions
Design a Color Scheme
After choosing your colors, create a palette by incorporating the base, accent, and complementary colors. You will use this as a guide in your painting project.
Order/Organize Your Painting
Paint the ceiling first, followed by the walls, and finally the trim. This sequence serves to avoid any unwanted smudges and provides a neat finish.
Enjoy Your New Space
Now that you have selected your colors and painted your space, sit back and admire your handiwork. A few appropriate colors will help your house to become a haven that you love.
These steps will help you select the paint colors that make the interior of your home more beautiful, while expressing your own style and mood, thus, creating the atmosphere you want to have. And, most importantly, enjoy the process, as you don’t get to play around with different colors and shades everyday.
