Many people think that painting the walls of their homes white will make decorating much easier, simply because white matches everything.
However, what eventually happens is that too many colors end up forced into a room and no real color scheme is ever defined. Studies have shown that painting walls a saturated color actually makes it easier for homeowners to decorate. With a few cans of paint, the room can instantly look decorated and polished.
But how do you commit to a color palette?
Start with some inspiration. Take a look at your favorite photograph or a special piece of furniture. What colors do you find you’re drawn to the most? Once you’ve established that you like a certain color, you have a few different options. One option is to paint an entire room that color (usually excluding the ceilings and floors).
Another is to use your favorite color as the dominant color in the room and choose lighter or darker shades of that color as secondary or accent colors. By viewing a standard color wheel, homeowners can also be guaranteed that the opposite shade on the wheel will be a complementary color for the room.
Keep in mind that warm tones make a small room appear bigger and deep hues can make a large room feel small and cozy. Certain colors can be used to make furniture or wall decor “pop,” or subconsciously encourage home dwellers to relax. For example, light blues are used in spas for relaxation, while oranges and reds are often found in restaurants to increase a person’s appetite.
Wall paint is economical, always in style and available in every color imaginable. And why not hire a professional? Just think of all of the time you’ll save … time you can spend picking out furniture and wall hangings to decorate your freshly painted walls.
“Choose a painting contractor that uses only trained operators and applicators, and works with a professional appearance and conduct; one that you can trust,” says Ian Van Heyst of CertaPro Painters Commercial Services.
Carie Schelfhaudt works as public relations coordinator for Communicators International Inc., a marketing communications firm in the Old Port, where she helps numerous clients in the tile and stone industries. She can be contacted at schelfhaudt@yahoo.com.