Painting And Decorating

August 21, 2008

Want to make some decor changes? Paint is an affordable way to make an exciting transformation to any room.
  
  Words of wisdom from Pantone, the world-renowned authority on color, suggests that for next season:
* Keep it simple
* Keep it uncomplicated
* Make it interesting not distracting
 
 
• The inspiration for home color trends and interior design comes from fashion. Fashion influences fabric and fabric color, patterns and texture in turn influence paint color.
• Color evokes different feelings. The correct color can create a feeling of comfort and ease — but the incorrect use of color can put you on edge. Model homes should give you a welcoming feeling.
• Catalogs are a great place to look for inspiration, as are model homes. It can help to see colors used together to realize what they look like in your home. 
 
 
Benjamin Moore helps take the guesswork out of finding the perfect paint colors. They are offering color palettes that group colors together in a pleasing way.
According to the Boston Globe, “The palettes center around three trendy themes: an antique nostalgia theme of soothing creams, greens, and grays; an organic nature theme of earth tones; and a multicultural theme which offers deeper, bolder colors such as dark reds and blues.”
 
 
• First, chose the background color. Then look to nature, fabric or clothing for inspiration for your accent walls. The accent walls will add interest and make your rooms memorable.
• Background color - used to tie the rooms together. Some ideal selections are Balsam Bark, Desert Fawn, Krisp Kahki and Tavern Taupe.
 
 
Look at the psychology of color to help you select color for your accent walls.
Red — the most emotionally intense color, red stimulates a faster heartbeat and breathing. Reds that are great for accent walls are Frazee’s Roasted Pepper or French Red.
Blue — causes the opposite reaction of red. Peaceful, tranquil blue causes the body to produce calming chemicals, so it is often used in bedrooms. Paint suggestions include Frazee’s Impressionist Sky, Grey Expectations or Terrazzo Grey.
Green — is currently one of the most popular decorating colors. It is the easiest color on the eye and can improve vision. It is a calming, refreshing and relaxing color. Paint colors include Dunn Edward’s Baby Frog or Frazee’s Eddystone.
Yellow - is cheerful, sunny and is an attention getter. Although considered an optimistic color, it is the most difficult color for the eye to take in, so it can be overpowering if overused incorrectly. Excellent yellow selections are Frazee’s Millet, Tobacco Road or September Leaf.
 
After you have determined the mood you want to evoke with your paint color, get a sample and do a few test areas. Note how the paint seems to change color throughout the day depending on natural light — and determine if that is the ambiance you desire. The most important thing to remember is to have fun and choose paint colors that make you happy.

Posted in Around The House