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How to Choose the Right Room Color

July 26, 2021

How to Choose the Right Room Color

Are you ready to transform the look of your home's interior?

If so, you do not need to invest in an expensive, time-consuming overhaul. Sometimes, a fresh coat of paint can make all the difference! However, it only takes one trip to the hardware store to discover that there is an infinite number of options.

Staring at a row of rainbow paints and wondering how to proceed? We've got you covered.

Today, we are sharing our top tips for choosing the perfect room color for every space in your house, from top to bottom.

Start with a Style

Before you even begin looking at paint swatches, start by taking the time to think about the style that you want the room to have. This can help inspire you and ultimately help you choose your final color.

For instance, if you want to create a bright and happy environment in the kitchen, then consider going with a sunshine yellow! Not only is this color fresh, but it also feels clean and upbeat, which is ideal for the heart of your home.

On the other hand, you may want a more relaxed, cozy ambience in your bedroom. After all, this is the oasis you'll retreat to at the end of every day. Instead of a warm paint color in this space, consider using a cooler tone instead. Some of the most calming colors include:

  • Sky blue
  • Sage green
  • Dark gray
  • Light lilac

What should you do if you have a large space to cover, such as your family room or basement? In this case, it is best to stick with an eye-pleasing neutral, such as white or off-white. Today, many homeowners are also painting their spaces greige, which is a blend of gray and beige. 

Understand Color Theory

Why does the color red make you feel angry? Why does orange make you feel energetic?

These basic examples are part of a greater concept called color theory. In short, this is a theory that explains how and why certain colors evoke certain emotions. 

In addition to the feeling that you want your room to give off, it is also important to think about how you want your family to feel in each space. For instance, you might gravitate toward dark blue for a home office, as it sends signals of peace to your mind and can help you focus. Or you might choose crimson for the bedroom, as it can conjure feelings of romance and attraction. 

You do not have to stick to this theory too closely, but it helps to understand how it works. In general, warm colors tend to be energizing and positive, while cool colors are more calming and subdued. 

Hop Online for Inspiration

Gone are the days when you had to subscribe to home design magazines to get a sneak peek into how celebrities and influencers decorate their homes. Now, thanks to platforms like Pinterest, you can find inspiration in a matter of seconds. 

Search for terms that describe your personal style aesthetic, such as:

Save the images that speak to you. You can even print them out and add them to a mood board or save them in a folder for future reference. Social media sites like Instagram are also rich with inspiration, and it is easy to mark your favorites. 

If you know what paint brands you want to use, you can also head to the websites of certain manufacturers to see how their colors look in actual rooms. This is a great way to envision your own space and even get styling ideas. 

Reference the Color Wheel

There is a reason why yellow and purple look so great together. These two tones are complementary colors on the color wheel!

The color wheel is a scientific and artistic method for determining which colors look good together. The wheel is divided into 12 segments, with warm colors on one side and cool colors on the other. 

If you want to go with a monochromatic look, then stick with one segment on the wheel. For instance, you may choose to paint your room entirely red. To add dimension and visual interest, you can change the saturation of the hues, but you will not stray from the color red.

For a complementary look, choose colors that are located opposite from one another on the wheel. For instance, you may choose orange paint for one wall, and blue for the other. An analogous look, on the other hand, will incorporate colors that are right beside one another on the wheel, such as yellow, yellow-orange, and orange. 

Do not stress about getting too scientific with this approach, but definitely keep the color wheel on hand when you need to choose the right color!

Incorporate Current Decor

Looking for an easy way to choose a color for your room? Take a second to look around. What colors and tones do you see? 

Use these as starting points and look for any hues that you want to draw out and highlight. For instance, if you have a framed landscape print on your bedroom wall, then you might find inspiration from the light green grass! The same applies to a seascape that you have framed in your bathroom, or a floral picture in the kitchen. 

In addition to prints, also consider the furniture in the room, as well as any plants. Ultimately, these items will exist in conjunction with the paint color you choose, and you want to make sure that the final look is balanced. 

Choose the Perfect Room Color

Choosing a room color is no easy feat. You may feel as though you are stuck with any color that you choose, which can make the decision that much more intimidating.

Luckily, we live in an era where you can easily "try on" a color before you commit. Take advantage of these resources, including social media platforms, to visualize how each option will look. 

Feeling inspired after you clean out your room for paint prep? We can help you keep that neat feeling going! Book our team today and enjoy our professional, eco-friendly junk removal services.