Choice of color is intensely personal: Color combinations have profound effect on our mood and well-being.
1. What color appeals to you?
2. Investigate your closet. What is predominant?
Flooring: Flooring is a key element of interior design, the basis of every room, and represents the largest surface area of the home. It is the surface we are in constant physical contact with.
1. Is your floor a reflective or matte surface? i.e. wood, stone or carpet.
2. Is it the dominant color of the room?
Atmosphere: Perhaps you have a specific picture in mind, or are attempting to copy an illustration, take into account the variables in light and scale. Walls are more than just backdrops. Color can be decoration enough, especially if the color is strong.
1. How do you want the room to make you feel?
2. Do you envision the overall effect to be warm or cool? Spacious or cozy? Tranquil or energetic?
Dark and Light Colors: Dark colors can work well in small rooms and can create intimacy, but you need to consider the lighting to avoid colors sinking into black. Light, warm colors feel open and expansive and elegant.
Shades of whites can feel stark, uncluttered, cool and clean.
1. How big is the room?
Lighting: Incandescent bulbs give a warm glow. The blue white light of fluorescent fixtures cools off colors considerably, halogen fixtures tend to flatten colors.
What kind of lighting do you have?
When will the room be used most?
How much natural light is there?
Will this be affected with the addition of window treatments diffusing the light?
Does the room get more light in the morning or afternoon?
What color are your lampshades? A white paper shade throws a much cooler light, for example, than a natural silk or parchment shade.
Accent Walls: Consider using different colors. Color does not have to mean bold hues lavishly applied. Even if you don’t want to live with strong colors, don’t assume that a mix of colors isn’t for you. Some of the most beautiful rooms are combinations of neutrals creatively used.
Consult with your A. Allbright Painting consultant for further advice. We’re always available to help you, and we’re up to date with all the latest color trends and products. For more information, please call 661-294-1159.