Color has powerful impact
No matter whether you are painting your first room or if you’ve had years of experience, working with color seems to be the biggest decorating challenge there is. According to your many requests it certainly is the topic that garners the most concern and frustration.
Well, I can’t pick your colors for you, but I do have some time-tested suggestions that should make the job a lot easier. And I promise you that the right colors in your home will have a powerful and positive impact on how you feel every day.
How do I choose a color?
When I start designing a space, I always work on the mood I want to emulate first, then I fill in all the blanks, such as the color and furnishings. Color is so powerful that a can of paint will immediately change the mood of a room.
Vintage colors have a touch of black in them, murky greens and reds, grayish blues and ocher yellow. They will create a traditional palette that is warm and welcoming. Bright, cheerful colors — pink, periwinkle, orange, lime green — will make you smile and are ideal for kids or family rooms. Pastel, earthy Zen shades are soft and calming, whereas strong bold colors add a sense of drama. It’s all about first deciding on the mood for your room, then working with the colors that will build the ambiance.
How do I handle color in a room with awkward angles?
Use the angles to create interest. Light changes the way we see color.
Choose a color that you like, and paint the room. You will see many shades of the color depending on where the shadows fall; the mood of the room will change in day and night lights. The living room seen here has been painted a medium shade of blue. Although it’s just one color, the corners appear to be darker, giving the whole space an air of whimsy. The black furnishings bring drama to the space and ground each little section.
What color should my sofa be?
When you are decorating a room, it’s best to make the expensive selections first. A sofa is a major investment.
There’s no rule about the color you choose; rather, make your selection according to how you use the room and what pleases you. If you fall in love with a red sofa, then go for it; a vibrant color will rule the room, but that’s fine. Once you have chosen your sofa, then choose the room colors; a good sofa will last through a few paint jobs.
My daughter wants a purple room. Help.
Children have wonderful imaginations and haven’t yet been beaten down by what colors are socially acceptable. They choose a color because they love it. There’s a lesson there for all of us.
If the color choice is too heavy or energetic for a bedroom, show your child how you can have one solid accent wall of color or a lighter version. You can always repaint. Splurge on a few accessories such as a purple lamp or small area carpet with a bold design and invite your child to help you.
Debbie Travis is a columnist for King Features Syndicate. E-mail questions to her at house2home@debbietravis.com.