Sometimes the biggest decorating challenge is where to begin. Whether you start with a gallon of paint, an area rug, or a handful of accent pieces, one thing’s for sure: the colors you choose can make or break a space. Here are a few tips on selecting colors to stop you from getting stuck in a rut or getting too carried away.
Living Room
If your furniture is mostly neutral, there is no end to what you can achieve in this highly visible area of the home. A number of elements, such as pillows, rugs, slipcovers, and accessories, can be swapped seasonally to create a whole new look. If you’re considering a particular shade for the walls but are feeling a bit unsure, go a few shades lighter on the color swatch or opt for an accent wall instead.
TRY: Pumpkin, sage, or taupe
Kitchen
Contrast works wonders in the hub of the home. For instance, mixed woods for the flooring and cabinetry make one material easily distinguishable from the next. Pops of color can be introduced in window treatments, dishes, countertops, and rugs. Though cheerful colors are particularly popular in the kitchen, go with your gut and what speaks to you.
TRY: Yellow, green, or gray
Dining Room
Many people tend to go dark in the dining room with various shades of red, purple, and other rich hues, but there’s no reason why you can’t bend the rules. If you’d like to brighten up the space, go with a dramatic metallic ceiling or a crystal chandelier that will reflect candlelight. Hang a mirror directly across from a china cabinet for a reflection that is sure to entice you and your guests.
TRY: Blue, taupe, or gold
Master Bedroom
This is where it makes sense to select a different palette from the rest of the house. Soothing colors reign supreme in spaces intended for rest and relaxation. But remember, the neutrals you choose don’t need to put you to sleep. Instead, stay away from beige and opt for a pretty pastel or a cool contemporary color.
TRY: Soft pink, powder blue, or gray
Bathrooms
This is a place to make your mark. While you may want to continue with a neutral palette in the master bath to mirror a serene scheme in the master bedroom, the powder room or guest bathroom can be a place to go a little crazy with color. Use high-gloss white on moldings and trim as a contrast to all that color.
TRY: White or cream for master and lavender or black for guest bath
Foyer
Think long and hard about the way you want to feel when you first enter your home after a long day. Do you want to wipe the slate clean (white) or would you prefer to be greeted with a bright smile (yellow)?
TRY: Yellow, white, or taupe
Family Room
In a room that tends to be more casual, it’s OK to do the unexpected. Add a pop of color with something bright, such as orange or lime green accent pieces. Happy hues make for a happy home. In the end, remember that the purpose of color is to set a scene, and the ambience should always create a positive reaction for you and your family.
TRY: Orange, bright green, or navy
Throw Caution to the Wind
If you are feeling cautious about color, consider the following tips.
Look to your closet for inspiration. Even if high-drama colors such as black rule, don’t be afraid to introduce the color to your surroundings. You might, for instance, paint a wall in a dark shade or an alternating stripe to create the same drama
in your interiors.
If you are already planning to paint an entire room, test the colors on all four walls and study them through day and evening and sunny and cloudy days. Keep in mind that even though you like a color, you may not want to live with it long-term.
Paint a piece of furniture to bring some color to a room. Make sure you do the proper sanding, priming, and any additional steps necessary for the project. This is a great way to unify disparate pieces in the same space or make a matched set appear to be mixed.
Experiment with color in small amounts before you go overboard. Try a vibrant picture frame, light fixture, piece of sculpture, or art. Even a collection of books or decorative objects can introduce a new hue to your home.
Written by Jeanine Matlow. Courtesy Home & Life Magazine
Photography provided by ©iStockphoto.com/Ruud de Man, ©iStockphoto.com/benz190, ©iStockphoto.com/mm88, ©iStockphoto.com/Rob Broek.