Painting is one of the simplest, most economical ways to update your home. If you are building a new home, this is an exciting step toward seeing your vision take shape. As a Denver home builder we know that whether you are painting a new or existing home, choosing the perfect paint colors can be a daunting task. With thousands of color options, how do you find the best colors for your home?
Here are few tips to make the process go more smoothly:
Consider the room’s purpose and mood
Bold colors add drama and can also inspire a sociable atmosphere in the areas of your home where you entertain. Soft, cool colors are more restful and calming and may be the right choice for bedrooms (especially kids’ rooms). Deep blue-greens have a formal feel.
Use a color wheel to identify complementary colors
A color wheel is a helpful tool for developing your color sense. Warm colors are on one side of the wheel and cool colors are on the other side. Complementary (opposite) colors, such as red and green, are directly across from each another on the wheel. When paired, each brings out the intensity of the other. This is useful when you are choosing accents, either with paint or accessories. Don’t be afraid to use the wheel to experiment. You may discover colors or combinations you hadn’t previously considered.
Browse online and in magazines for inspiration
The internet is full of resources for home design and inspiration. Houzz.com, Pinterest and others are excellent sites to browse for ideas. Design and lifestyle magazines have pages of photographs of home interiors. Even if you have something specific in mind, it doesn’t hurt to look at a variety of styles and colors until you zero in on the perfect look.
Choose the right finish
Once you decide on the color, you will need to choose the finish. This is largely a personal preference. A glossy (shiny) finish reflects light and will draw attention to the texture of the wall, while a matte finish does not reflect light and will camouflage texture.
Don’t forget the ceiling
White makes the ceiling appear higher and makes the room feel more expansive. White paint comes with a variety of undertones, so be sure to choose one that works well with your wall color.
Purchase paint samples
Most paint stores sell paint in small quantities for this purpose. Apply good-sized color swatches to the walls (and ceiling) in various places throughout each room. Let the paint dry completely, as dry paint is darker than wet paint. See how light affects the color at different times of day, using both electric and natural light. Different types of light bulbs will also affect how the colors look.