Flamingo's Dream, Roadster Red, Peach Scone, Hot Apple Spice... It's easy to get lost in a sea of paint colour options. Unfortunately, it's not quite as simple to decide which paint colours are best for your home. Though paint colour is really a matter of personal taste and preference, there are a few ways (seven, in fact) to make the decision a bit easier.
Find some inspiration. Flip through a few design magazines, read a couple of decor blogs - there's a plethora of colourful information out there. So much in fact, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Wait for a colour that really strikes you and see if it'll work on your own walls.
Inspiration doesn't have to come from the usual suspects. Maybe it's the colour of your favourite shirt or a hue on the takeout box you ate from at dinner - colour is all around us, so keep a look out for one that could be right for your space.
Bring your source of inspiration into your local hardware or paint store. They should be able to create a paint colour based on your muse (it should be at least the size of a quarter). If you can't physically bring in the colour you love (i.e. the colour of a friend's wall) ask if you can borrow a paint deck (a.k.a. a fan deck) and try to match the colour to one of the chips.
Take a cue from what you already own. Look for a colour that compliments your existing furnishings - it's easier to change your paint colour than buy new furniture! If you have a beige sectional sofa, consider adding some vibrancy to the room with a bold wall colour. The opposite it also true - if you have retro, patterned dining chairs, opt for something neutral on the walls.
The perfect colour for your walls could already be in your living room - take a look at your furnishings and accessories. Consider pulling a colour from a patterned pillow and carrying it over to your walls, for example.
Think lighting. A room's natural lighting is important in choosing an appropriate colour for the space. Generally, a room with lots of natural light - with floor-to-ceiling windows, say - is suited for darker, warmer colours. On the other hand, a space that doesn't get a lot of light - your front hall, for example - may be best painted with a lighter tone.
Take a chip off the 'ol block. A paint chip, that is. Explore your local paint shop and take home any paint colour chips that pique your interest. To avoid getting lost in the whirlwind of colours, try ruling out a few hues before stepping foot in the paint store.
As a rule of thumb, paint typically looks darker on the wall than it does on the chip sample, so consider going a shade lighter that your chosen colour.
Take the chips home and tape them to the walls. Look at the chips at different times of day, as the colour will appear to be different depending on the natural and artificial light in your space. Also compare the chips to your existing furniture to see if the colours work together.
Develop an accent. If you're in love with that bold, vivacious colour but are not sure if it's right for your space (or aren't ready to dive in head first), consider creating an accent wall. Paint one focal wall that great colour and the others a softer hue. It's sure to give the room some punch.
Accent walls are also a brilliant way to highlight a certain feature of your home. Have a recessed nook beside the window? Paint it a darker colour to create separation and draw the eye to your favourite feature.
The finish line. The type of finish you choose for your paint is as important as the colour itself. If you want to hide imperfections on the wall, opt for a flat finish. Be aware that flat finishes are harder to keep clean, however, so you may want to steer clear of them in your kitchen or bathroom. Glossy finishes reflect light and draw more attention to the surface; typically, they're best used on trim.
Speaking of which, don't forget the trim! The staple trim and baseboard colour is white, and for good reason - it creates a delightful contrast and can frame your choice colour.
If you're feeling a tad adventurous or want to change things up a bit, consider painting the trim a more unorthodox (and unexpected) colour. Painting the trim black, for example, can really make a statement.
Another somewhat unconventional idea is to paint the trim the same colour as the walls. Make a slight distinction by painting the walls with flat finish paint and the trim with a glossy finish paint of the same colour.
Whatever trim colour you use, remember that a colour can appear different when paired with another colour. Take chips of both colours and make sure they work well together for wall and trim harmony.
Above all, remember that paint is one of the least expensive changes you can make to a room. Don't be scared to be daring or take a few risks - with a fresh coat of paint, no one will ever know your walls were once Putrid Purple!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kaitlin_O'Brien
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