Redecorating with Color by Nigel Costolloe
Using paint in home decorating is a powerful way to express who you are, and how you want your home to be perceived. Many people are afraid to paint the walls of a room, either out of fear that the room will seem smaller, or because the commitment of color on the walls is intimidating. But never fear! Redecorating with wall color can give your room a whole new look and feel!
Painting a room in your house can have a whole host of positive effects. It can make your home feel more comfortable to you and to your guests, and it will have a whole new updated and stylish appeal. You will be surprised by how changing the color of your room can be such a simple way to improve your home!
Painting a room can set a mood or tone
Something as simple as adding a splash of color to your walls can set any particular mood you might be going for.
• Use earthy tones like browns, and dark reds or greens for a warm and cozy feeling
• Use bold colors like bright blues, reds, or even purples for something fun and funky
• Use subtle pastels like yellows, pinks, or light grays and blues for something light and airy
The sky's the limit when it comes to the feeling you want to convey in your newly painted room!
Painting a room can help establish a theme
Using wall color is an excellent start for a particular room theme that you might want to achieve. This can be useful in nurseries and kids' rooms, bathrooms, and family rooms. For example, if you are designing a nursery that is a "moon and stars" theme, you could use a dark blue paint color, or even a lighter blue (for a girl's nursery), to simulate the night sky. Wall color can literally be the backdrop to your room's theme!
Painting a room can be an extension of your personality
Adding wall color to a room can not only improve its appearance, but it can also be a fun way to express your personality. Your home is an extension of who you are, and by expressing yourself through its color and décor, you are showing the world your personality, whether you are fun, laid back, or intense!
Painting a room can make it feel larger
Many people resist wall color out of fear that it will box the room in, making it feel smaller. This is simply not true! In fact, using bold and darker hues can actually make the room feel larger, by helping to blend the corners of a room together. This gives the feeling or continuous space, and therefore, more space!
Painting can define the limits of a room
Many modern floor plans are open, meaning that it is hard to define where one room starts and another room begins. This can make painting a bit tough. But, by defining spaces with wall color, you not only break up big white spaces, but you create a stylish living environment. But remember, try to coordinate the colors you choose for each space. Otherwise, the walls will look choppy rather than cozy, and the effect you are going for will not materialize!
Are you afraid to paint the whole room one solid color? If so, then take baby steps! Start with one wall in the room. Paint it the color of your choice! This wall can act as an accent wall, or even be used to establish the focal point of the room, such as a fireplace, a piece of art, or even a piece of furniture. You will be surprised at how effective painting just one wall can be! Even the subtlest of changes can make a big difference!
The bottom line is, do not be afraid of color on your walls! It's only paint, it can be changed if it doesn't look the way you envisioned it! But, you never know, by taking a chance with wall color, you might end up tapping into a hidden creativity that you never knew you had! Redecorating a room with color can change the entire look and feel of your home, and how you feel in it!
About the Author
Nigel Costolloe is the principal of CatchLight Painting, a fine residential painting company that specializes in historical home renovation in the Greater Boston area. Visit CatchLight at http://www.catchlightpainting.com
