Decorating with Color - Part One

I was the child of a white walls Mother. My Mother did not like color on the walls. Every wall of every room of every house was some shade of "egg shell". So when I grew up and had my own home, guess what color my walls were? Yes, they were white. I discovered what color is in 2000 when we built our new home. We decided to take a chance, do something different. And we never turned back.

Paint color can completely change the entire atmosphere of a room. You can use the color to create the feel you desire for each space. Spend some time in each room before you decide on the color. There are several things to take into account before you settle on your color. What is the finish of the furniture? Is it painted or unpainted wood, or is it a metal? Can it be changed?

Unpainted wood tends to tilt your colors more to the warm side, while painted wood can go in any direction depending on the color it is painted. Metal is more contemporary or modern and tends to go better with black, white, and bold primary colors. Another thing to take into account is the finish of the ceiling, and the floor covering. If you do not want to replace the curtains, be sure to coordinate the colors with them. And remember, you can paint the ceilings of your room to create even more of a change in the room. Ceilings do not have to be white.

The lighting in the room is also a very important factor. Different types of lighting can cause the same color to look completely different. Try different colors, using the light that is in the room you wish to paint, so that you get true indication of the color. Almost every paint company offers paint chips to help with your decision. Don't be afraid to grab a handful of them, take them home and stick them everywhere around the room. Try them beside the furniture and fabrics that you plan to use in the room. When you have narrowed your decision, go shopping. Many paint companies now offer small bottles or cans of paint samples. Purchase a sample size container of the color you have chosen. Paint a 12" x12" section of wall, in the light of the room you are painting. Live with it a few days. Feel the color, how it makes you feel, how it makes the room feel. If it is not what you are looking for, try another, but do not paint over the first sample. This will not always result in the same color shade, as sometimes the color you are painting over will tint the new color. If you are painting over a color with strong pigments, I would suggest you first over coat with white primer paint, so you get a clean color from the new color you are applying.

Not sure what way you want to go? Do you like warm colors or cool colors? Do you prefer blues, reds, yellows or greens? Maybe you like them all. To help with this decision and to point you toward the style that suites you best, start by walking around your room and gathering five or six of your favorite items. It can be a cup or bowl, a towel, or piece of furniture. Maybe it is a pillow or a picture. Your favorite items can be anything. Are these items similar in color family? If not, eliminate the items, one at a time, until you have one item left. What color is it? This will give you the best idea of your color family preference. You can do this in each room to help with your decision.

If you are going from a neutral to a bold color and are a little nervous about such a drastic change,

Are you trying to achieve a particular atmosphere in your room? Part Two - Decorating With Color - Kitchen, of this series will explain the different colors and what atmosphere they will help you create in your kitchen.
For more hints click on the four links provided below, clicking on your back button to return to this page to view the remainder of the links.

Clicking here will take you to Part Two of the Decorating With Color Series-KITCHENS.
Clicking here will take you to Part Three of the Decorating With Color Series-LIVING ROOMS.
Clicking Here will take you to additional resources for Kitchen and living room color choices.
Clicking here will take you to Paint Colors that will Transform Little Boys Room to Big Boys bedroom