AT HOME COLOR CHOICE By Tresa Erickson When it comes time to paint a room, some people adopt a similar approach. They go to their local hardware store, find the paint swatches and stand there for some time contemplating the choices. Some may have an idea of the color they want and purchase a few samples, while others may be at a loss and take home whatever swatches interest them. Even then, selecting a color might be difficult. What’s a person to do? First off, take it easy. Choosing the wrong paint color is not the end of the world. You can paint again. Keep that in mind as you look for color cues. Study the accessories, artwork and furniture in the room. Think about the purpose and mood of the room. Is it a place to chat, watch TV or get work done? Is it lively or quiet? Bolder colors will work well for more sociable areas like kitchens and dining rooms. Muted tones will work better for quieter areas like home offices and bedrooms. If you are dealing with an entertainment room, you might want to choose a dark color for the walls to enhance the viewing experience. Consider lighting and the color palettes of surrounding rooms. The more light there is in the room, the darker or bolder color you might be able to choose. Look at the color of the rooms that connect to the room you are painting and try to select a complementary color. That way, you will not interrupt the flow from room to room. When selecting a color, don’t be afraid to think outside of the box. If you see a bright teal that you like, consider using it. It does not have to be on every wall. Try it on the trim, ceiling or just one accent wall. Consider using glazes or different finishes to add depth and texture to the room. Use flat paint on the walls and satin on the trim for a twist. When you have narrowed down your color choices, take the time to test them out. Get some samples and paint some large patches on the wall. Look at the samples in the morning, afternoon and evening. Compare them in different lighting and against items already in the room to determine what is going to be a good fit. Selecting a paint color takes time. Don’t expect it to happen in a few minutes. While it is possible, it is not likely. Explore all of your options, and should you run across a program that will allow you to import a photo of the room and paint the walls virtually, do it. It will be far easier to see how the room will look on the screen than it will be to envision it in your head.
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