Paint Color Theory: Choosing Paint For Your Home
The ability to completely customize your space is one of the best perks of owning a home. Often, one of the easiest ways to give a room a makeover is with a fresh coat of paint. Whether you opt for a cool blue for the bedroom or a vibrant red for the dining area, the freedom of redecorating with paint is a great way to make a house feel more like home.
Of course, picking the right color is easier said than done. To help get you started on your quest, here are some tips on using color theory to pick the perfect paint color.
Understanding the Basics of Color Theory
First, it helps to go over what color theory entails. Put simply, it is the science of how colors work together to please the eye and how they affect us on a deeper level. Color is really amazing when you consider all the ways it can impact our emotions and perceptions. Because of this, a lot of study is conducted on color — not only by artists, but by scientists, as well.
It’s through color theory that designers mix, match, blend and ultimately choose which colors are best to capture the desired mood or message for the project. You can put it to use, too. One simple way to do so is by using a color wheel. Inexpensive or possibly available for loan from your local paint shop, a color wheel displays the primary and secondary colors in a circle.
Underneath each primary color chip are different shades of those colors, typically going from dark to light. This display is constructive in that it allows you to see how colors might relate or complement each other with a simple turn of the wheel. Different from swatches, this tool helps you generate a color scheme or visualize similar ideas, instead of just picking the exact colors you see on the wheel itself.
Sourcing Ideas From Elsewhere
Color theory isn’t the only way to find inspiration for your paint color. There are thousands of design books, magazines and catalogs to offer up ideas. You can also peruse the vast online landscape to support your brainstorming. From social media sites such as Pinterest to academic resources on the subject, there is a plethora of ways to gain insight into the art of color choice.
You could also turn to the natural world to discover your muse. Mother Nature puts on a dazzling display of color in all sorts of ways. Consider capturing the laid-back blues and yellow tints of the beach for your bathroom remodel. Or you could look to the rich browns and serene greens of the forest foliage to help make your living room restful and relaxing. The possibilities are endless.
If, after all this, you’re still unsure how to pick a color, consider reaching out to the professionals. There are color consultants and interior designers who can provide practical advice as well as residential painting services who have years of experience to help guide you with this challenging decision. Refer to the accompanying resource for more information on choosing the right paint color for your home.
Infographic provided by Steadfast Painting Solutions, Elmhurst house painters for interior and exterior
Anthony M. Salvatori is President of Steadfast Painting Solutions. He has 20 years of painting experience and has been operating his own company for nine years. Salvatori is proud to be leading such an incredible team of individuals with the common goal of providing excellent service and quality.
