Article:
Venture into decorating with color one step at a time
By Shelley Anderson
The Journal Newspapers - April 2006
Do you agonize over what colors to use inside your home? Do you look at magazines and watch design shows and think, “How can I update my home with color?” If you’re not quite ready for bold hues when updating your home with color, starting with updated neutrals is a good way to ease into the use of color.
Many people say they love color but are hesitant to use it in their homes. The fear is usually that it will be too dark. The tendency seems to be to choose the top or lightest shade on a paint strip. When you find a color that you like, take the next step and move down the paint strip one shade deeper. This will take you only slightly out of your comfort zone, but the result will be just enough color to update your interiors. The step of moving down the paint strip will add depth, warmth and attitude to your home.
If you have been living in an environment of “builder white,” it may be too much to jump into Red Rock, Terra Cotta, Gallant Gold or Rosemary. Neutrals, when used properly, will make a noticeable statement in your home. This will also give you a great updated neutral color that you can add that accent wall color to later.
There’s no question that bold is beautiful, but if you aren’t ready for it, the painting experience will be a negative one. I advise my clients to use a light to mid-range updated neutral in their entryways and halls. Hallways tend to be dark, so using the lighter color there helps off set the lack of natural light. As you move through your home, use deeper shades. The more personal the space, the deeper the color can be.
There are several factors to consider before selecting your paint colors. What colors do you like? Look at your wardrobe. Is there a color that is repeated more often than others? This will give you an indication of what colors to consider for your walls.
What are you already working with? Is there furniture or artwork that you need to consider before choosing colors?
Different colors bring out different emotions. Consider the feelings you want to have when you’re in the space to be painted. Red symbolizes power, passion and aggression. Blue symbolizes trust, security and order. Red based colors transmit a warm feeling, while blues feel cool. Think about this when selecting colors for south and west facing rooms, which tend to be warmer, versus north and east facing spaces, which are cooler. To offset these perceptions, choose a color that will finish the room with the feeling you are looking for.
If you have chosen a dark or bold color, use it on one wall and paint the other walls with a lighter version of that color—move up the paint strip. When using accent colors like Red, Green or Navy on one wall, you may want to use an updated neutral (mid-tone shades of taupe or beige) instead of a lighter version of the bold color. Lighter versions of red may look pink.
Shelley Anderson is an International Award Winning Designer, serving Shoreline since 1990.