Does the thought of choosing a paint color turn you yellow with fear? When it comes to paint color, many people are so afraid of change that they end up sticking with the same colors for years. Yet, all they often need is a bit of guidance to get out of their color rut and adopt a more current look for their living spaces.
Top 5 mistakes people make when choosing paint color and how to avoid them:
1. Choosing color out of context. Contrary to popular belief, taping a small swatch to a wall won’t help you choose the right color for your room. Instead, examine paint chips against furniture, rugs, accessories, countertops and other items in the room, making sure to test the colors in direct, indirect and artificial light at all times of day.
2. Playing it safe with neutrals. Neutral paint colors tend to be a popular choice, yet there are times when a more saturated color may bring out the best in a room. A good way to introduce some color to your walls is to apply the “new neutrals” – greys, whites or beiges that are infused with a small amount of color such as blue, sage or lilac. Take a neutral room up a notch by painting an accent wall a deeper shade of the wall color or a more vibrant, coordinating color.
3. Going with the same old, same old. Just like an out-of-date hairstyle, it’s easy to get comfortable in your room’s décor. Take a step back, examine your space and ask: What year is this room stuck in? If the answer dates back at least a decade, it might be time for a change.
4. Fear of using more than one color. There’s no reason to use only one paint color on the walls of a room. In fact, using two or even three shades can turn a room from ordinary to extraordinary. A good rule of thumb is to use a base color in about two-thirds of the room and introduce other colors in smaller quantities. To achieve an elegant, relaxing feel, try a monochromatic color scheme, with one main color supported by others from the same color family. For a harmonious effect, combine colors located beside each other on the color wheel. To create a dynamic look, choose complementary colors found directly across from one another on the wheel.
5. Failing to consider a room’s function. Will you be playing, sleeping, eating or relaxing in the space to be painted? Make sure you choose your color accordingly. Yellow, red and orange, as well as soft grey, violet, blue and green, are known to be more conducive to appetite-building, entertaining and conversation, making them good choices for the kitchen and any main-floor living space. Bright red will energize and stimulate kids in a playroom, while cooler blues have a calming, serene effect ideal for a bedroom. Golden yellows and warm apricots tend to flatter any skin tone in a bathroom.
A change of wall color is the best and most economical decorating tool out there. With paint, the possibilities are endless.