Choosing the right interior paint color for your space can be a daunting task. There are so many colors to choose from, and it can be hard to know where to start. Color theory is an accurate scientific method that can help you narrow down the right tones for your home.
According to science, some colors inspire more calm emotions, whereas others can be more invigorating. Using relaxing colors in the more tranquil parts of your home and vibrant colors in the more active areas can be a great way to create the right visual aesthetic and mood for your home.
If you want to select colors in your home that will complement one another, or pop as the perfect accent to your main color themes, you should know about color theory and how it can make your home more beautiful.
Once you’ve picked out your color palette, contact At Home Pros to put you in touch with prescreened, local painting professionals that will transform your home in no time at all. Here are some ways you can use color theory to make your home more appealing.
What is color theory?
Color theory attempts to describe how colors might relate to each other as well as how different colors, combinations, and palettes might impact human perception and emotion.
The psychology behind color
You read that right. Color affects human feeling and behavior. But it’s not just fascinating; it can help you when you’re looking to paint specific rooms of your home. The kitchen is the heart and hearth of the home, and will support vibrant, bold colors like red or orange, or fun patterns — especially in sneaky spaces like backsplashes.
Bedrooms and studies are places that most people like to be calm and focused, so ocean hues or natural woodsy colors match these moods best. As you can imagine, trying to fall asleep in a room painted fire engine red might be a challenge!
Here are a few elements to consider when you’re picking the palette in your home, according to color psychology.
Consider your style
The first step is to consider the style of your home. What kind of look are you going for? Do you want a modern, sleek space? Or something more traditional? Once you know the style of your home, you can start narrowing down your color choices.
Most of us have a natural affinity for certain shades. Pick the color you want to be most dominant, and two secondary colors to back it up. This is your home’s palette, and you can play with color within these choices to create a coherent and engaging aesthetic.
Think about natural light
The amount of natural light in your space will also affect the way that paint colors look. If you have a lot of natural light, you can get away with using brighter, bolder colors. But if your space is more on the dark side, you’ll want to stick with more muted colors.
Once you’ve decided on a main color palette, it’s a good idea to use an analogous color scheme for a monotone look. Paint your main formal room, like your dining room, in the darkest shade of your chosen color, and then use lighter shades of the same hue to paint the adjacent rooms, creating a color flow in your house.
Consider your furniture and other décor
If you love the color orange, but every stick of furniture and piece of art you have will clash with your beloved hue, you may want to rethink your plan. The furniture and other décor in your space will also play a role in choosing the right paint color.
If you have a lot of dark furniture, you’ll want to choose a light paint color to brighten up the space. But if you have a lot of light furniture, you can get away with using a darker paint color.
Take home color samples
Once you’ve narrowed down your color choices, it’s time to take some samples home with you. This will give you a chance to see how the colors look in your space with your own furniture and décor.
Many people go to a paint store, take the tiny paint samples, and stick them on their walls to see if the hue will be a good match. This method works, but having a larger sample will tell you much more quickly if the color is the right one for your space and your light options.
Ask the paint dealer if they can paint a piece of paper for you or mix up a very small amount, which you then can use to paint a sample bigger than the palm of your hand. If you get a larger sample, pin it on your wall in a patch of natural light for a very quick decision-making process.
Know when to ask for help
If you’re still having trouble choosing a paint color, don’t be afraid to ask for help from a professional. A paint consultation can help you choose the perfect color for your space and give you some tips on how to use it. They’ll be able to give guidance on design or painting trends that might be of interest, and can address specific concerns or questions you might have about the space you’re trying to transform and the color that might work best for it.
Many people who work at paint or hardware stores can help you choose color for your space — but it is a highly personal decision, so you should have the final say on what goes up on your walls.
Here are some additional quick tips to keep in mind while you’re perusing paint colors:
- Use a paint color wheel to help you choose complementary colors — those that sit on the opposite sides from one another, like teal and coral.
- Consider the undertones of a color when choosing it. For example, a blue with green undertones will look different than a blue with red undertones, especially in natural light.
- Don’t forget about the trim! Choose a paint color for the trim that will complement the walls.
- Test out different colors in your space before making a final decision.
- Have fun with it! Painting is a great way to add personality to your home.
In addition to exploring painting advice and inspiration, you may need help with the physical labor involved in a big painting job. If ladders, scaffolding, tarps and rollers just aren’t your thing, don’t panic or procrastinate. Contact At Home Pros. Recommendations for licensed, insured paint professionals in your area are just a few clicks away.