Designing with Colors

Colors are all around us and even though we don't really think about it, it does have an affect on our lives. Color can really influence how we feel both physically and meantally. Certain colors tend to get similar reactions from most people with the overall difference being in the shade or tones used. So if you have been considering painting your home interior but can't seem to decide on what colors to use, I am sure you will find this information very helpful.

The first and most important step is deciding on paint color. Take your time and choose wisely. Pick up paint samples and bring them home. How do these colors fit in with your furnishings, flooring and carpets etc. Browse through a few decorating books. You can choose colors that reflect your likes and personalities and blend them together for a pleasing combination bearing in mind how it will affect your mood.

Now it's time to choose the color keeping in mind how those colors make you feel. Colors can make you feel tranquil and relaxed to feeling anxious and angry. The main color choice of any room will be the one that sets the mood. Keep in mind that light colors make rooms seem larger, brighter and airy while darker colors feel warm and sophisticated, giving a large room a more intimate look.

What about painting the ceiling? Most often the safe color choice has been white, but choosing a similar color of your wall choice in a shade 2 to 3 times lighter is an option. As a general rule of color light ceilings feel higher while those that are darker feel lower. If you have really high ceilings and want to evoke a more cozy or intimate feel going darker is a great idea.

Now about colors

Red Red is the most intense color. It brings energy to a room. In the living room or dining room it can stimulate conversation. In the entryway it will evoke a strong first impression. Red has been known to raise blood pressure and speed up heart rate and respiration. Not usually a recommended color for bedrooms, although after dark with subtle lighting it can appear muted and elegant.

Crimson Known to make some people feel irritated, red can cause feelings of rage and hostility. It should be avoided as the main room color. Ancient cultures thought red increased circulation.

Yellow This is a color that can be perfect for kitchens, dining rooms and bathrooms. It can be energizing and uplifting making small areas feel larger and welcoming. Yellow although a cheery color should not be a choice for the main color scheme of a room. This color can create feelings of anger and frustration. People are more likely to lose their tempers in a yellow room. This color is the most fatiguing to the eyes. Yellow makes a wonderful accent color.

Blue This is a calming, relaxing and serene color. Often recommended for bedrooms, bathrooms. If you choose a pastel blue as your primary color it is best balance the room with warm hues in your accent, furniture and fabrics so as not to give the room a cold feeling. Warmer blues encourage relaxation and are also great choices for family rooms, living rooms or large kitchens. Stick with the softer shades of blue for a calming effect. Dark blues such as navy make a great accent color, but as the main color can bring feelings of sadness. Blue is known to bring down blood pressure and slows respiration and heart rate.

Green Green is suited to almost any room. In a family room or living room it encourages unwinding with a feeling of warmth, comfort and togetherness. A wonderful choice for the bedroom. It is believed to reduce stress and giving a room a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. Perfect as a main color choice.

Purple Light purples such as lavendar and lilac bring the same serene and calming qualities as blue without the risk of a cold feeling. Really dark purples like that of eggplant can be rich, dramatic and sophisticated as a secondary color or accent.

Orange Orange is an energetic color that evokes enthusiasm and excitement. While not a recommended choice for bedrooms and living rooms. It is a great color for exercise rooms where you need lots of energy or art/craft rooms to get your creative juices flowing.

Neutrals-Black, White, Gray and Brown These colors are flexible. Use them to liven things up or to tone things down. Black or deep brown furniture can add depth to a room or can be used sparingly as accents. Too much black can cause feelings of depression.

In Closing I hope you found this general information useful but remember color is your choice and your the one who has to live with it. So choose colors that fit your lifestyle and suit both you and your family.