This is something many people find hard and I am always being asked to help clients pick paint colors for their home. Usually when faced with open living spaces it can be tough deciding which wall should be painted and what colors to pair with what. With the vast array of colors and brands to choose from in todays market it can be daunting, overwhelming and a real head spinner. However there are ways to avoid the chaos and simplify the process. Here are some simple steps that can help you to figure things out.
The first thing I always do when looking at a clients room for a color consult is the light, how much does the room get and does it have a warm or cold feel to it. This will help you decide whether you should favor light or dark, warm or cool undertones. If you are really stuck on color I like to choose something in the room to guide me. It could be colors in a rug or a painting or one piece of furniture in that space. If your room is dark brighten it up with the use of light colors, either on the walls or with the use of light colored decor (rugs, pillows, drapes etc). Just because a room is small doesn’t mean you can’t use a rich color – just make sure everything else is light and bright to balance it out (see photo).
This is my small guest bedroom which had a makeover with Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray HC168, it’s actually lighter than it looks, the shadow in this photo don’t really do it justice. But buy using white for everything else in the room it somehow doesn’t make the room look any smaller just adds character and makes it appear cozy and inviting. So don’t be put off with the use of saturated color in small spaces.
I always recommend to my clients whatever they choose always use paint samples before committing, this avoids costly mistakes that no body wants to live with. Paint onto a piece of paper or directly on the wall in that room and see how it looks in the natural light and the electrical light of that space. Light can change the appearance of color drastically so it’s always best to test first.
Slanted ceilings can often be difficult to work with and daunting, however if you accept the room and it’s special contours you can make it work to your advantage. Here’s how. For a seamless clean look especially in a small attic space you might consider painting the walls and ceilings in the same neutral light color to camouflage odd lines. Bigger spaces and higher ceilings can afford to have slightly darker or more saturated color. Here are some ideas for sloped ceilings in various situations.