Getting ready for some home remodeling? Thinking about the best color palette to choose? Finding the right color scheme for your home or business is important. It creates the overall energy that your space gives off: its aura.
There are quite a few considerations you need to be aware of before remodeling – are you going to paint or use wallpaper? Which room are you improving? Perhaps tiles would be a better choice? (see ABL for more on this) How much of your chosen material will you need? How will this affect your budget?There are endless psychological studies that show conclusive proof that colors affect us on many levels. We are stimulated, or depressed, by certain colors, and their derivatives. So choosing the best color scheme really is essential. No depression allowed!
Choosing a color palette for your paint:
You want your color schemes to be pleasing, of course. There are colors, depending on the individual, that bring about feelings of comfort, warmth, excitement, relaxation and an array of others. Before we go further here, let's take a minute to review the basics of what colors actually are. Here are some color facts you may have forgotten:
- Color wheels are used to demonstrate color families. They show how one color relates to another and provide side-by-side views so that your brain can decide if it likes certain color combinations.
- There are 3 primary colors: blue, red and yellow.
- Secondary colors (green, violet, orange) are made by mixing equal parts of primary colors (like blue and yellow make green).
- Tertiary colors are colors made by mixing unequal amounts of primary colors together.
- Hues are basic colors, like both light and dark blue colors have an underlying blue hue.
- You can change the tone of a color by adding gray to it (white mixed with black).
A good color wheel will bring together loads of colors, and give information about each color. Here are some basics about different colors and the affects they may induce:
- Green is the dominate color of nature. It adds feelings of renewal, and fortitude, like a forest in the rainy season.
- Red is the color of passionate power! It has also been clinically proven to cause increases in appetite, making it a fave choice for dining areas.
- Like the sky on a cloudless day, blue make a room feel open and light. Light blues add airiness, while darker shades bring on mystery and prestige.
- Yellow colors are generally uplifting, like positive energy emerging from your walls. Use yellow to brighten a dark area, or a dark personality.
- Orange makes an area feel warm, cozy and inviting. It's an easy hue to enjoy, but is used more for accent painting than on major wall spaces.
- Pastels are colors that have been toned way down with white. The are fresh, open, airy and pleasing.
- Natural colors are excellent for bringing the nature out of your walls and ceilings. The tones of nature make areas serene and calming.
Most color experts agree that you should begin with defining the color palette you are going to go with in a major area of the home. Then, base other, smaller areas off those colors in the larger areas. Choose complimentary color schemes for adjoining areas – and bring the entire realm together in harmonious beauty.
