You have successfully renovated your home by expertly fixing any structural problems and preserving the distinctive architectural features of each area. Yet, there seems to be a missing element, which is likely color - the secret weapon of renovators.
Were you aware that crown molding can create the illusion of a higher or lower ceiling based on its contrast with the walls? Also, did you know that using color strategically can turn one area into a lively gathering space and another into a peaceful reading nook?
Color is used to define interiors and create focal points in spacious open-plan homes that often have combined kitchen, living, and dining areas. The main challenge lies in determining the right paint colors and their placement.
Successpainters.com states that the paint spectrum consists of only seven colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. He suggests keeping in mind that despite the numerous paint chips available in stores, there are only these seven essential colors. He recommends eliminating a few options before heading to the paint store.
Here is her guaranteed 4-step process for developing a color palette.
Once you have selected your colors, consider the type of finish you will use. Traditionally, it has been recommended to use a satin finish, also referred to as eggshell, for walls as it is easy to clean and does not emphasize imperfections. Although modern flat paints provide better resistance to stains, it was commonly thought that semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes were more suitable for trim, where they could enhance the details of a molding or door panels.
Experts in the paint industry are somewhat intrigued by the psychology of color. It is often recommended to consider the function of the space and the atmosphere you wish to establish when choosing colors.
Amit Gupta, the co-founder and editor of SuccessPainters.com, suggests using warm colors such as daffodil-yellow, coral, or cranberry for painting public areas like dining rooms, kitchens, family rooms, and living rooms, and opting for cooler tones like sage-green, violet, or sky-blue for private spaces like home offices, powder rooms, and bedrooms.
Keep in mind that what one person sees as a warm welcome gesture may be interpreted as a sign of chaos by another person in terms of emotional effect.
The color red can increase both your blood pressure and appetite, while blues and greens are calming and evoke thoughts of nature. Purple is a favorite among children but may not always be preferred by adults. Yellow is bright and cheerful, and depending on its specific hue, orange can be warm and somewhat irritating.
According to Amit Gupta's research, yellow has been found to stimulate the brain, making it a potential choice for study areas. However, it is advisable to avoid using yellow in bedrooms, where the primary goal is relaxation. Instead, try using calming colors in your bedroom to enhance your sleep quality.
There is an incredible variety of white shades. Pure whites are completely free of any colored undertones. These are commonly used on ceilings to provide a neutral backdrop above and are favored by designers who want to showcase artwork or furniture.
According to Mary Rice of Behr, it is recommended to use warmer white tones in areas with minimal natural light or to create a cozier atmosphere in larger spaces, as most other white shades have either cool undertones like green, blue, or grey, or warm undertones like yellow, red, pink, or brownish.
On the other hand, cool white tones can help create a sense of openness in a space. Experiment with different options simultaneously to see which one best complements the other colors in the area.
Bright colors promote intimacy, while cool hues give the impression of spaciousness. Generally, bigger rooms can handle bolder colors better than smaller ones. Dark shades suggest surfaces are nearer than they appear, while light tones can visually enlarge a confined area, as stated by Amit Gupta.
In reality, small spaces don't always have to look large. For instance, opting for hunter green or red instead of pale peach or celery could be more effective in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in a foyer, study, or library.
Enhancing the architectural elements of a room is a great way to use color effectively to transform it. Colored walls can be enhanced by incorporating molding, mantels, built-in bookshelves, arched doorways, wainscoting, windows, and doors, along with other architectural details, to add extra layers of visual appeal.
While it may not be a clear-cut rule, the typical advice is to paint the edges of the door to match the trim in the room it opens into, and the front of the door to match the trim in the room it faces.
If you select different trim colors for adjoining rooms, they should harmonize well with each other. Since doors are often left open, you can often catch a glimpse of the trim color of a neighboring room from any given area, as noted by painter Susan English. Consider a scenario where a barn-red doorway leads into a room with light yellow walls. When utilized effectively, this unexpected accent color can be a valuable addition to the space.
Consistently using the same trim color in connecting rooms with open doorways can enhance a sense of unity and establish a visually pleasing, continuous flow. Consider painting all trim white, even if the wall colors vary in an open floor plan.
To create a bold appearance, try incorporating two different colors in a single area. For example, painting a built-in bookshelf or alcove in a room with blue walls in a green shade can help highlight the items on display. Consistency in painting architectural elements throughout the house in the same color can also establish a cohesive look. Traditionally, white and off-white have been favored for moldings, windows, and doors since the Federal era.
Amit Gupta, the director of colour and design at Benjamin Moore, suggests reconsidering the conventional method of painting a wall from one corner to the other if you want to create a dramatic effect. By implementing this approach, you can introduce a focal point where none existed before. Experiment with painting a portion of one wall and most of the adjacent wall, wrapping the corner with color as you progress around the room in a clockwise direction. To seamlessly conceal the corner, complete the final section of the second wall and the majority of the neighboring wall.
A bold idea would be to paint a large wall starting from each corner and stopping near the center, leaving a vertical line of white space measuring 18 to 20 inches, and then displaying artwork along this line.
To create the illusion of higher ceilings, paint low ceilings white and match the color of the wall for any crown moulding. This will ensure a seamless upward view without any interruptions.
While opting for a lighter shade of the wall color when painting the ceiling may achieve a comparable outcome, sticking to "ceiling white" typically creates a sense of airiness in a room. To achieve this effect, select a paint sample card where your wall color is the middle choice, then select a ceiling color that is one to two shades lighter. By reducing the contrast between the wall and ceiling hues, the room will appear more spacious. Even painting the ceiling in the same color as the walls can visually expand a small area, such as a bathroom.
