There’s nothing more disappointing than spending the time and money to paint a wall or room a color that really falls flat or worse: drives you up the wall, literally.
Some have a knack for choosing color and have a true sense of what a tiny square of color will look like in an entire room.
Some don’t and this post is just for you.
A few things to ask yourself when choosing color:
* What is this room to be used for?
* Who uses this room the most?
* What time of day will this room be used the most?
* How much natural light does the room receive?
* What important architectural features are there in the room that you might want to accentuate?
* Which large pieces of furniture are, or will be, in the room?
* Which colors are featured in the rooms directly adjacent to the room?
* What do you want the room to feel like?
Once you’ve answered these questions for yourself, you will have begun chipping away at the color families you should isolate.
Consider this:
Pinks are lively, fun, romantic, positive and feminine. (See right - This is a photo taken from my first place here in Austin. A wonderful little place in Clarksville that was such a steal. Yes, I painted the walls of a rental - again.)
Reds are passionate, daring, intimate and comforting.
Oranges stimulate creativity and are warming and cozy.
Yellows are welcoming and sunny.
Greens represent nature and are both tranquil and invigorating, as well as restful and balancing.
Blues are connected to the sky and to water, and they are associated with clear thinking and calm, meditative environments.
Violets can be stimulating and sexy, while blue violets can be cooling and spiritual.
This information and more can be found in a reference book that I highly recommend for both the seasoned and novice of interior interests.
The Color Scheme Bible - Inspirational palettes for designing home interiors…
by Anna Starmer
Published by Firefly Books
Copyright 2005
