Freshen Up with Some Paint!

To color or not to color…that is the question. Deciding what color to paint the walls can be overwhelming, but your décor and room size can help select that perfect shade whether you choose white or a pigmented color.

First let’s talk about white. If the space needs to be opened up, white may be the best choice. When picking out a white paint, go for the ones that contain gray or blue undertones and stay away from yellow undertones. In addition to opening up a space, white can modernize and freshen up a room. Don’t worry about a room being boring with white walls, you can always bring in color with pillows, throws, area rugs, and accessories like flowers, books, lampshades, etc. that can easily be changed.

Now we can move onto color! Pick colors that always work together, like blue and white…think of your favorite pair of jeans and white comfy t-shirt. But, if the thought of adding color to your walls is nerve-wracking, experiment with a smaller room that is not in the main living area of your home like an office, guest room, or powder room. Don’t be afraid to embrace darker colors to anchor a large room or cozy up a small room.

Lastly, let’s talk about some tips and tricks before you decide on making a change. Look to the color wheel for complimentary color families. Repeat the color palette to make cohesive and transitions seam-less. Use various percentages of colors (shades) in different rooms for added uniqueness. Understand the underlying personality of each color so you can match it to yours. For example, red is feisty and blue is calm.

On the other hand, too many colors and patterns can compromise your overall design. If heavy patterns are used, dial down the color. If the patterns are simple, go ahead and amp up the color. Additionally, avoid muddied color. Let’s say, white instead of cream and cocoa instead of sand. Make sure you have an overall concept in mind when beginning your project and as always…have fun with it!