With an infinite number of colours in the world, it's no
surprise that choosing just a few to paint your home is a difficult
task. Your head is probably spinning with questions about
complementary colours, warm versus cool shades or reflective
properties, so take a few moments to go over our info and tips; it
could help you find your way.
The general rule of thumb for colours is that each primary
colour has a complementary secondary colour. The good combinations
are red and green, blue and orange and yellow and purple. So think
about trying terracotta with slate blue, a brown red with an olive
green or eggplant and a camel colour.
Hot or Cold?
Most colours come in warm or cool variations. Basically, warm
colours have more yellow in them, while cold colours have more
blue. A warm room will be just that - warmer, and it's good for
making a large space seem homely. Cool colours can open up a small
space and work well in rooms with lots of natural light.
Part of the Furniture
Consider the colours of your furniture. If you have dominant
colours (like dark wood or a bold pattern) make sure any paint
colours you choose will match. If your furnishings are neutral,
bright walls will look really striking.
Pick Favourites
Why wouldn't you choose your favourite colours - this is your
room after all! If you're nervous, try a softer hue of your
favourite, and save the full strength for accents.
Feeling Blue. Or red, or yellow…
Colours can change the feeling of a room quite dramatically, so
thinking about how you want it to feel can often lead you to your
colour choice. If you want your lounge room to be calming and
relaxed, try blue and green colours. If you plan to entertain a lot
in the space, oranges and reds can be more stimulating.
The white choice
Even white's not simple when it comes to painting! It's great
for creating a sense of space and also makes a good highlighter
when you're using a bolder colour on the walls. Try cool whites
(with blue or grey tints) in small spaces, and warmer, creamier
whites in larger and open-plan areas. Be careful with yellowy
whites in rooms with lots of natural light, they can get very
bright. Whatever your colour choice, a white ceiling will always
make the room look taller.
Inspiration, not perspiration
If you're stressed, get some outside inspiration. A favourite
piece of clothing or a bunch of flowers can hold a colour
combination that will work just as well on your walls. Home
decorating magazines show what colours work in what spaces, and of
course the internet is an endless resource. Take a few pictures of
your inspiration in to the paint store with you; it will help you
choose your samples.
Call someone who cares
If you're struggling to find your colours, call a Taubmans
Colour Consultant. They will take into account your space and your
ideas, and present you with a solution that will work perfectly for
you and your home.
