When you choose home paint colours and applications, you get to decide how your space will look. Between getting a painter to prep and paint the surfaces or doing it yourself and deciding on colour palettes and which areas will be painted, you might feel like you have a lot of work to do.
How to Choose Paint Colours for Your Home Interior
Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Use the Colour Wheel as a Basis
First, take a serious look at your colour wheel. There are different colour wheels to make it easier for you to understand. Colour wheels made for professionals have numbers on them to help you understand different shades. The paler the pigment, the higher the number. However, you can also use a colour wheel made for the home to understand which shades are lighter, darker, and more similar to each other.
2. Understand How Colours Work with Each Other
Next, get an understanding of how colours work together. As a general rule, you want to choose colours opposite on the colour wheel.
You can also choose a colour similar to the main colour in your home to make it stand out. Colour schemes can look great when using a complementary colour because the colour stands out.
Colours similar to accent colour, such as the one your home has, will make the area stand out, but it won’t take away from the main colour. It will make your home look complete.
3. When Choosing Paints, Be Mindful of the Finish
The finish of the paint matters a lot. It’s the reason why your kitchen cabinets look different from the walls. When painting kitchen cabinets, it’s best to match the glossy finish of the cabinets with the gloss. The glossy finish is slippery, so it repels dirt easily.
The smooth, flat finish of the walls makes them easier to clean
4. Consider the Age, Condition, and Purpose of Different Surfaces
You might not want to paint your walls when you’re choosing colours. The colour of your walls will change after they’re repainted. The lighter colours will chip and show dirt, while the darker colours will stain. However, you can paint your walls if you know that it will happen. If you’re planning to paint the walls your favourite colour, consider hiring a professional. You might also paint the ceiling since it can look great when painted a colour. Finally, choose colours that are meant for each surface. Colours that are meant for ceilings might affect the way your walls look.
5. Consider Hues and Tones
Most home painters have a particular theme in mind. If you do, too, find paint colours that fit in with the scheme. Instead of buying every colour in the colour wheel, find colours that stand out without looking out of place. For example, if you have a blue accent wall, you might choose shades of blue for the walls surrounding that wall. It will make the accent wall feel more like a part of the home. Don’t be afraid to make a few mistakes when choosing paint colours. It’s hard to know if the colours are right until they’re on the wall. Instead, make a plan. Make sure you have some paints that you like and enough paint. This way, you won’t have to worry about having enough paint when you come to a part of the room that needs several coats.
Impact of Paint Colours on Room Size Perception
Choosing paint colours correctly can drastically change your perception of a room’s size. Let’s go through some popular colour choices and techniques that can create desirable optical illusions:
Light Colours to Maximize Space
Light and neutral paint colours for walls, like white, off-white, or light shades of pastel colours can make a small room feel larger and brighter. This is because they reflect more light, maximizing the effect of the natural light present and giving an airy, open feel to the space.
Dark Colours for a Cozy Feel
On the other hand, dark and rich hues can make a large room feel more intimate and cozy. Using dark colours like chocolate brown, deep burgundy, or midnight blue can make the walls appear to recede into the background, reducing the perceived size of the room.
Accent Walls for Depth
Playing with accent walls can add depth to a room. Try painting an accent wall a darker colour than the other walls. This creates an illusion of depth, making the room appear longer.
The Psychology of Colours in Interior Design
Colour can have a significant impact on our mood and behaviour. Therefore, understanding the psychological effects of colours can be incredibly beneficial in creating the desired atmosphere in your home.
Warm Colours for Energy
Warm colours, including reds, yellows, and oranges, tend to evoke feelings of happiness, optimism, and energy. For instance, red can stimulate conversation and appetites, making it a great choice for dining rooms.
Cool Colours for Relaxation
Cool colours such as blues, greens, and purples typically have a soothing effect. For example, blue is often associated with calm, making it an ideal choice for bedrooms or bathrooms where relaxation and tranquillity are key.
Neutral Colours for Flexibility
Neutral colours like white, beige, and grey can create a balanced, flexible backdrop for varying moods and styles. These colours can make a room feel timeless and sophisticated. They’re versatile, enabling you to alter the mood of the room with colourful accents and décor.
Remember, these are general associations and can vary based on personal experiences and cultural backgrounds. The important thing is to consider how you want to feel and function in a particular room when choosing your wall paint colours.
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