Interior Painting Projects take Center Stage during Winter
(ARA) – The dreary days of winter – oftentimes they leave many of us restless for change, particularly when it comes to our home’s interior where we spend so much of our time during the colder months. So, if you’re already tired of staring at four neutral-colored walls, you might want to consider a new coat of interior paint. Painting is the fastest, easiest and least expensive way to change the look and feel of your home. And, with the bold palette of colors available today, there is no better time than the present to pick up the roller and get to work.
But, choosing paint color can be one of the most challenging aspects of decorating your home. In fact, a recent poll by Dutch Boy found that 28% of consumers said choosing the right color was the biggest challenge when shopping for interior paint. There are so many beautiful choices available these days, you may end up feeling like you don’t know where to start!
The following tips from Donna Schroeder, Dutch Boy Paints Color Marketing & Design Specialist, are designed to help ease the worry and confusion about selecting an appropriate color palette for your needs:
How does color affect a room’s size?
"Generally, strong, warm colors like reds, oranges and yellows tend to draw walls in and make a room feel cozier," said Schroeder. "These colors are known as advancing colors because they jump out and meet the eye. Conversely, receding colors like blue, green and violet tend to make a room look larger because they ‘stand back’ visually. These are not hard and fast rules however; strong colors such as royal blue and hunter green will make the walls more dominant, and thus closer. Small rooms are best made to appear larger by painting them white or a light neutral color. Additionally, monochromatic color schemes will open up a room, while contrasting colors can make the room dynamic but smaller."
What is the best way to decide which color is best for my room?
There are many tools available these days to help consumers choose paint color, one of which is the color chip. Color chips have undergone a substantial makeover in the last few years, as many of them are now much larger and therefore more useful. Also, with the increase in size, some chips offer other features as well. For example, Dutch Boy’s new single color, oversized chips, found in the Color Simplicity System, feature a Peel & Position back that allows consumers to try their color on their wall before purchasing. Simply peel off the back of the chip and affix it directly onto the wall.
What color should I paint my ceiling?
Anymore, ceiling color is purely a personal preference. Typically, white or off-white colors are used to help create the illusion of having a higher ceiling and more open space. Medium to dark colors will create the illusion of a lower ceiling and a more intimate space. To unify the room, choose a color for the ceiling that is a tint of the wall color.
Should trim work or moldings be painted the same color as the walls, or should they be printed lighter or darker than the wall color?
To disguise ordinary or unattractive trim work, or to create a monochromatic look, use a trim color that is the same color as the walls. If you want to accentuate trim work, use a different color (lighter or darker) than the walls.
Will the paint I chose look lighter or darker on the wall?
Over a larger surface area, most colors appear darker. It’s a good idea to choose colors a shade or two lighter than what you want. Clean, bright colors can appear either lighter or darker depending on the surrounding colors and lighting in the room.
I’ve painted my room, and the color is much bolder than I expected. Is there anything I can do to soften the color?
You can apply a lighter or more muted color over the original base coat using a technique such as sponging, rag rolling, or color washing. This will visually "break up" the bolder color and soften the look of your room.
Finally, Schroeder says, "Decorating should be fun, so try to relax and enjoy the process, as well as the end-result."
For more information, or to locate a Dutch Boy retailer, log onto www.dutchboy.com, or call (800) 828-5669.
Courtesy of ARA Content