Choosing Paint Colors for Different Rooms

Choosing Paint Colors for Different Rooms

Posted By: Designer Mjanja Blog on 7th of November 2013

Paint color is widely known to have quite a considerable effect on many elements in a room’s design scheme. The color applied on the walls, trim and ceiling can affect the atmosphere and mood while also reflecting the overall design style. Paint color can be used to highlight or emphasize architectural features or downplay them when you want a different effect. Having these factors on mind can help you choose the best colors even in challenging rooms with unusual design features such as living rooms with lofts. Room Size Emphasis The design of a high ceiling living room with is similar to that of a great room.  If you choose to emphasize this design feature, paint the room in very light colors such as shades of white or beige. White colors with cool undertones of blue or green will make the walls and ceiling appear to recede thus emphasizing the spaciousness. Pale shades of blue or green will have the same effect. White colors with warmer undertones of yellow or pink will lessen the effect slightly. Room Size Downplay If you aim to lessen the effect of a large space and create more of a warm, enclosed space, choose a darker and warmer color. Muted hues in golden yellow, orange or red will make the walls appear to advance. Dark brown will warm the room and make it appear smaller. Dark blue or green can make the room feel hollow. When aiming to downplay the room size care must be taken when it comes to choice of the color to apply as a dark wall color is harder to change should you decide that the color doesn’t look appealing anymore. If you use a darker color and decide to change it to a lighter one you will first have to cover the dark color with primer before painting the walls a lighter color. Try on a dark color by painting just one wall and observe the color effect under different lighting. If the color appears to be overwhelming on all the walls, keep the painted wall as an accent wall and choose a lighter shade in the same tone or a coordinating tone for the rest of the walls. Design Style Consider choosing the paint color that will enhance the design and style of the building. Most often go for bold and brighter colors when dealing with modern styles of architecture. For traditional home styles go for deep or dark color as they add some sense of sophistication to the home. Coastal, beach or cottage-style homes are often painted in light or pastel colors. Rustic and country homes tend to embrace natural colors with an emphasis on nature. Neutral color schemes are commonly found in contemporary homes and are quite satisfying to the sight when blended with accents rich in color and texture.