With the vast array of paint color choices available, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. And if you’re like many homeowners, you’re not only trying to choose the right colors, but also colors that flow seamlessly from room to room.
Keep reading for tips, tricks, and ideas that will help you confidently create a cohesive color palette for your home.
Find Inspiration at Home
If your home is already furnished, look to your favorite rug, piece of art, or fabric for inspiration. The colors in these pieces likely appeal to you, so use them as a guide when choosing paint colors.
Consider any permanent fixtures or finishes in the room, such as cabinets, tiles, or fireplaces. These should also factor into your color choices. For instance, if your kitchen cabinets have a warm undertone, select a paint color that complements it.
You can also highlight your home’s architectural details, like crown molding or arched windows, by using a contrasting paint color – either lighter or darker than the walls – or by painting them the same color but with a glossy finish.
Consider Room Size
The dimensions of a room can significantly influence its atmosphere, but you can manipulate this with color to achieve your desired effect.
Lighter colors can open up a small space, while darker colors can make walls feel closer, creating a cozier ambiance in larger rooms. Cool whites can make a space feel airy and expansive, while warmer tones create a sense of intimacy and warmth.
In a long, narrow room, you can create the illusion of width by painting the shorter walls a slightly darker shade than the longer walls. Similarly, you can make a ceiling appear higher with a lighter color or lower with a darker hue.
Reflect on Light Sources
Keep in mind that the color you select might appear different depending on the time of day and lighting conditions. The warm glow of incandescent lights will have a different effect on the color compared to natural daylight. By understanding how various light sources can influence your color choices, you can adjust the “mood” of your room to align with your daily activities.
This is why it’s crucial to choose your paint color in the actual room, rather than relying solely on how it looks in the store. We suggest testing a paint swatch on your wall and observing it at different times of the day and under different lighting conditions.
Create Room-to-Room Flow
To effortlessly harmonize the colors throughout your home, consider selecting various shades from a single color palette. Explore the latest Colormix Forecast for professionally curated palettes, designed to be mixed and matched seamlessly.
Incorporate a neutral shade to create a visual break between rooms or hallways adjacent to spaces with bolder hues.
Unify the different areas of your home by using the same neutral color for all trim and doors.
White paint can also achieve this effect. Most homes already feature white accents, so find a white paint you adore and use it consistently for all your white surfaces.
Consult Color Psychology
Color plays a crucial role in setting the mood of a space. The color you choose can determine whether a room feels inviting enough to curl up with a book or vibrant enough for lively dinner conversations.
Consider the function of the room. Is it a social gathering space or a private retreat? For social areas of your home—dining rooms, kitchens, and living spaces—warm colors within the yellow and red families often feel appropriate. In more private spaces like bedrooms, bathrooms, and home offices, cooler blues, greens, and neutrals can be a better fit.
