When it comes to home decor one of the easiest, most inexpensive ways, to update a room is to paint the walls. But where do you start? With countless paint colors available, choosing the right one can be completely overwhelming! Here are a few ways to help you identify the perfect color and shade for any space.
Have you heard of color theory? This is an important aspect of home decor and any professional designer will use this theory when selecting paint, accents, furniture, and decor for a space. Color theory affects the mood, atmosphere, and overall aesthetic of a room. If you want to design like a pro, the three main color theory rules applied in home decor are:
1. The Color Wheel: The color wheel is a visual representation of the relationships between colors. It helps choose color schemes for a room by identifying complementary, similar, and monochromatic color combinations.
2. Complementary Colors: Did you know complementary colors are the opposite of each other on the color wheel? That is right, they are known to create a balanced and visually appealing effect. For example, blue and orange, red and green, and yellow and purple are all complementary color pairs.
3. Monochromatic Colors: Monochromatic color schemes are trending this year! They use different shades and tones of the same color to create a cohesive and harmonious look. This is an easy and safe way to decorate a space, especially if you're unsure of what colors to use.
Speaking of mood, different colors can evoke different emotions and feelings. Here's how some common colors can impact mood:
1. Blue: Blue is often associated with calmness, serenity and trust. Light blues can create a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere, while darker blues can be more serious and sophisticated.
2. Green: Green is associated with nature and growth - it is often used to evoke a sense of calm and balance. Light greens can create a fresh and revitalizing feel, while darker greens can be more grounding and stabilizing.
3. Yellow: Yellow is often associated with happiness, optimism, and energy. Light yellows can create a cheerful and uplifting atmosphere, while darker yellows can be more bold.
4. Orange: Orange is associated with warmth, enthusiasm, and playfulness. Light oranges can create a joyful and energetic atmosphere, while darker oranges can be more dynamic.
5. Red: Red is associated with passion, excitement, and energy. Light reds can create a warm and cozy atmosphere, while darker reds can be more dramatic and intense.
6. Purple: Purple is associated with creativity, spirituality, and luxury. Light purples can create a dreamy and imaginative atmosphere, while darker purples can be more mysterious and alluring.
7. Black and White: Black and white are neutral colors, and when used together, can create a modern and sophisticated look. Black can be associated with power and sophistication, while white can evoke a sense of purity and calmness.
So now that you have a basic understanding of color theory, and how color impacts your mood, how do you choose the right paint color for your home? These steps can help you make the best decision:
1. Determine your color scheme: Choose a color scheme based on your style. Use the existing color scheme in the room or establish the feel you want to create. Use the color wheel as a reference to select complementary or similar colors that jump out at you!
2. Select paint samples: Get paint samples and paint them on a large enough area in the room to get a good idea of how the color will look. Live with the paint sample for a few days to get a sense of how the color will look in your home over time. This can help you make a final decision.
3. Consider the lighting: Light affects the appearance of paint colors, so it's important to view paint samples in the room where they will be used. Look at them at different times of the day to see how the natural and artificial light affects the color.
4. Take a risk: Don't be afraid to go bold with color, however, make sure it compliments whatever mood you wish to evoke. If you're unsure, choose a neutral color for the walls and add pops of color with accessories.
If you want to make sure your space is keeping up with the current trends. We have a list of the most popular paint trends for 2023.
1. Earthy Tones: Natural and organic colors like olive green, terra cotta, and earthy browns are becoming increasingly popular for their calming and grounding effect.
2. Soft Pastels: Soft pastel colors like lavender, powder blue, and light pink are becoming more popular as they add a touch of whimsy and playfulness to a space.
3. Bold Accents: Bold accent colors like jewel tones, such as emerald green and sapphire blue, are being used to add drama and energy to a room.
4. Neutral Grays: Classic neutral colors like gray continue to be popular for their versatility and ability to complement any color scheme. Don’t believe the whole, gray is out rumor. It’s neutral which means while it may ebb and flow, it remains a classic!
5. Warm Neutrals: Warm neutral colors like beige, taupe, and cream remain popular for their ability to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
As we know color trends can change quickly, but with the right shade and scheme, you will be able to enjoy your new space for years to come! It's important to note that your personal preference and the specific atmosphere you want to create in your home are the most important factors when choosing a paint color. Be you, and have your space reflect that. Happy painting!
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