In modern open-plan homes, where kitchens, living rooms, and dining areas blend into one, paint colours play a key role in defining spaces and adding interest to otherwise plain rooms. The challenge lies in knowing which paint colours to choose and where to apply them to create focal points and improve the overall aesthetic.
Picking paint colours means understanding some important factors. You need to think about undertones, lighting, texture, sampling, undercoating, and finishes. When you know about these things, you can choose your colours with confidence. Our guide is here to help you with selecting the perfect paint colours.
How to Choose Paint Colours
1. Make a Colour Chart that Matches Your Home’s Furniture
Creating a colour scheme that matches your home’s furniture can make a big difference in how your space looks and feels. When choosing paint colours, it’s important to consider the style and colour of your furniture pieces. For example, if you have a lot of dark wood furniture, you might want to choose paint colours that complement those tones, such as warm neutrals or rich earthy shades.
On the other hand, if your furniture is more modern and minimalist, you might choose paint colours that are clean and crisp, like whites, greys, or soft pastels. By coordinating your paint colours with your furniture, you can create a cohesive and harmonious look throughout your home.
One popular approach is to use paint colours to highlight or accentuate certain features or pieces of furniture. For example, you might paint an accent wall in a bold colour to draw attention to a statement piece of furniture, like a vibrant sofa or a striking piece of artwork.
No matter what paint colours you choose, the key is to have fun and experiment until you find a combination that feels right for you and your space. With a little creativity and imagination, you can use paint colours to make your home stylish and inviting.
2. Pick paint colours that match the mood you want in the room
When it comes to painting your wall, choosing the right paint colours can make a big difference. Let’s break it down in simple terms:
Start with Your Feeling
Think about how you want each room to feel. Do you want it to be calm, cozy, or energetic? The paint colours you pick can influence that mood.
Neutral Foundations
Begin with a neutral base. Whites, greys, and browns are versatile and work well in most spaces. They create a clean wall painting for other elements.
Here’s the paint colour psychology
Happy Colours
Yellow: Associated with happiness, energy, and positivity. It’s like a burst of sunshine!
Orange: Radiates warmth, vitality, and creativity.
Pink: Brings a sense of playfulness, gentleness, and affection.
Red: Bold and passionate, it symbolises love, excitement, and determination.
Sad Colours
Grey: Often linked to neutrality, but it can also bring out feelings of sadness or boredom.
Brown: Earthy and grounding, but too much brown might feel dull or heavy.
Beige: Subtle and calming, but excessive beige can be bland.
Calming Colours
Blue: Known for its calming and soothing effects. It’s like a serene ocean or clear sky.
Green: Symbolises nature, balance, and harmony. Perfect for creating a peaceful atmosphere.
Baby Blue: Lighter shades of blue create a sense of tranquility and freshness.
Lilac: A soft purple that brings a touch of elegance and relaxation.
Mint: Refreshing and cool, like a gentle breeze.
Energizing Colours
Bright Red: Bold and intense, it sparks passion, action, and vitality.
Yellow (again!): Also energising, like a burst of sunshine.
Neon Green: Vibrant and electric, it screams energy and creativity.
Turquoise: A mix of blue and green, it’s refreshing and invigorating.
Magenta: Bold and attention-grabbing.
Remember, paint colours set the tone for your home. So, take your time, explore different shades, and find what resonates with you. Whether it’s serene whites or vibrant reds, let your personality shine through!
3. Want to make the room feel bigger or cozier?
The right paint colours can significantly impact how you perceive a room. Whether you want it to feel more spacious or cocoon-like, play with these colour ideas to create the perfect ambiance!
Making Small Spaces Feel Bigger
a. Light Neutrals and Whites:
White, cream, and beige are go-to shades for creating an illusion of spaciousness.
These paint colours reflect light, making the room feel airy and open.
Tip: Use pure white or off-white to maximise natural light and highlight raised ceilings.
b. Pale Pastels:
Light blue, soft green, and other pastel colours work well.
They add a touch of colour without overwhelming the space.
These hues create a sense of openness and freshness.
c. Neutral Greys and Taupe:
Light neutral shades of grey, taupe, and greige (grey-beige) can stand in for white.
They add warmth while maintaining a spacious feel.
Creating Cozy Vibes in Small Spaces
a. Darker Colours:
Contrary to the “lighter is better” rule, darker colours can make a room feel cozier.
They create an enveloping effect and add depth.
Consider shades like charcoal grey, midnight blue, forest green, chocolate brown, or matte black.
b. Moody Accent Walls:
Paint one wall in a darker hue to add drama and coziness.
The accent wall will recede, making the room appear more expansive overall.
c. Warm Tones:
Reds, oranges, and warm yellows evoke a sense of intimacy.
They make a small space feel snug and inviting.
4. Using two different paint colours in a room
Why Use Two Paint Colours?
Interest: Using two colours in wall painting adds visual interest to a room. It can be subtle or dramatic, depending on your choices.
Highlight Areas: Paint one wall differently to create a focal point or use patterns for attention.
Room Division: Define spaces, even in open-plan layouts.
Illusion of Space: Lighter colours on top and darker colours below can make a room appear more spacious.
Colour Combinations in wall painting
Tonal Scheme: Different tones of the same colour (light to dark).
Harmonious Scheme: Shades next to each other on the colour wheel (e.g., blue and green).
Contrasting Scheme: Two colours opposite each other on the wheel (e.g., yellow and purple)
Popular Colour Pairings
White + Grey + Blue + Brown + Rust: A versatile combination for a balanced look.
Warm + Cool: Mix warm (yellow, red, orange) with cool (blue, green, violet) for visual impact.
60-30-10 Rule: Use dominant, secondary, and accent colours in proportion.
Remember, balance is key!
5. Sample First
After narrowing down your colour options, it’s time to put them to the test in your own space.
Here’s how
Test at Different Times. Observe the colours during various times of the day. Natural light changes throughout the day, affecting how colours appear.
Also, check under artificial lighting at night. Some colours may look different in artificial light.
Consider Key Areas. Review the colour near your sofa, as it’s a central piece in the room.
Check near your kitchen cabinets, as they contribute significantly to the overall colour palette.
Lastly, assess how the colour looks against your favourite artwork.
Lighting Matters. Natural light can significantly impact colour perception. If your room receives abundant natural light, cooler colours might be more suitable.
For rooms that need a lift, consider using a warmer tone. It improves light reflectance and brightens the space.
Remember, paint colours can behave differently in different environments, so it’s important to test them where they’ll actually be used! And with a house painting, there’s a different method to it.
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