(by 56 people)
Whether you are an experienced decorator or new homeowner painting for the first time choosing the exact paint color from the hundreds available can be a daunting task. My purpose in creating this lens is to help you take some of the mystery out of finding the perfect paint color for your home interior.
Color For Your Home has additional information about color.
LOOK OUT....WET PAINT!
I am currently in the process of updating this lens to provide you with more specific information on choosing colors
PLEASE EXCUSE THE MESS WHILE THE RENOVATION IS BEING COMPLETED
What's your greatest challenge in selecting a color for your home's interior?
Choosing and matching colors can be nerve-wracking for any number of reasons.
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Overview: From Inspiration to Interior Color Perfection
Now that you've shared your greatest challenge to picking the perfect paint color I'd like to give you some ways to make the process easier and more enjoyable.Here are a few simple steps to...
...take the beautiful color vision you have in your head and have it be the one you see on your walls.
Step 1: Define the mood you want to create in the room
Step 2: Determine the color family
Step 3: Select the perfect tint, tone or shade
Step 4: Sample the color
Step 5: Study the color
Step 6: Paint the room
Step 7: Show off the fabulous results!
Step 1: Finding Your Color Inspiration
Before you even start thinking about color you need to define the type of look you ultimately want to create and the mood you want to set.
Sometimes this is easy. For instance if you're painting your daughter's room and she insist on pink and you insist on her being able to sleep you are well on your way to finding your perfect paint color because you know the color family (pink) and have defined the mood (restful, tranquil, dreamy) you want to create. Jump on the fast track and go right to Step 3!
If however you aren't sure what color you want then start by thinking about the mood or feeling you want to create in the room. Is it a family room that you want to feel warm and welcoming? Is it a kitchen that wakes you up in the morning and energizes you for preparing a meal at the end of long day?
For every room you decorate you are setting the stage for the activities and interactions that make up your life. So if you don't already have a vision of the finished room close your eyes and see yourself or your family in the room, imagine how you want it to feel and and capture that feeling in your mind.
Once you have discovered the feeling of the room you can begin figuring out how to create that ambiance with the furnishings you already have or the ones you plan to acquire.
If you are going to be adding new furnishing and accessories in addition to a new paint color I suggest that you start a notebook for your reference materials, which may include catalogs, magazine photos, paint and fabric swatches. Putting these things all in one place is a great way to help you to define colors, styles and decorating element that appeal to you.
Sometimes this is easy. For instance if you're painting your daughter's room and she insist on pink and you insist on her being able to sleep you are well on your way to finding your perfect paint color because you know the color family (pink) and have defined the mood (restful, tranquil, dreamy) you want to create. Jump on the fast track and go right to Step 3!
If however you aren't sure what color you want then start by thinking about the mood or feeling you want to create in the room. Is it a family room that you want to feel warm and welcoming? Is it a kitchen that wakes you up in the morning and energizes you for preparing a meal at the end of long day?
For every room you decorate you are setting the stage for the activities and interactions that make up your life. So if you don't already have a vision of the finished room close your eyes and see yourself or your family in the room, imagine how you want it to feel and and capture that feeling in your mind.
Once you have discovered the feeling of the room you can begin figuring out how to create that ambiance with the furnishings you already have or the ones you plan to acquire.
If you are going to be adding new furnishing and accessories in addition to a new paint color I suggest that you start a notebook for your reference materials, which may include catalogs, magazine photos, paint and fabric swatches. Putting these things all in one place is a great way to help you to define colors, styles and decorating element that appeal to you.
Step 1 Reference: A Glimpse Into Our Emotional Responses to Color
Our reaction to color is almost instantaneous and has a profound impact us whether we recognize it or not but not sure which colors create which responses?
I created a lens to give you a quick look at general responses to colors based on research, historical significance of color and word association studies.
Of course people from different cultures may react to colors differently and your own personal associations with color can change how you might respond to certain colors but this will get you thinking about how most of us respond.
A Glimpse into the Meaning, Symbolism & Psychology of Color
I created a lens to give you a quick look at general responses to colors based on research, historical significance of color and word association studies.
Of course people from different cultures may react to colors differently and your own personal associations with color can change how you might respond to certain colors but this will get you thinking about how most of us respond.
A Glimpse into the Meaning, Symbolism & Psychology of Color
Step 1 Reference: Additional Information About Color and Mood
- AUDIO: Kate talks Color Courage with Christopher Lowell
- The program was called "Color Courage" and we chatted about emotional responses to color, favorite colors and then talked to two of his callers.
- ARTICLE: Does Selecting Paint Color Scare Hue?
- Selecting a paint color should be added to the list of "Things That Fear People The Most" following closely behind dying and public speaking. This is unfortunate, because paint is the least expensive and quickest way to conceal a multitude of challenges.
- ARTICLE: You Are What Hue Paint
- Color can define your mood, or your mood can pick a color. Find out which colors create just the right mood for you.
Step 1 Reference: Color For Your Every Mood
This book has been around for several years but the information is just as valid today as it was when it was first published.Leatrice Eiseman shows you how to discover your true decorating colors and this book is a helpful reference to use when choosing color schemes.
She provides ways to identify your responses to color, looks at color's use in creating a mood, and provides different settings that can help inspire color choices.
See "Colors for Your Every Mood" at Amazon.com
See books on all topics related to color on my website
Step 2: Determine the Color Family
Once you have determined the look and feeling you want to create and understand a bit about how color can help you to create that mood you can start to think about which color families will work in your room.A color family is the most general term for describing colors. Most people think in terms of Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red, Pink, Purple, Brown, Gray, White or Black when it comes to broad definitions of color.
I usually recommend narrowing down your options to a color family or two. By narrowing your focus you will be able to put your energy into finding just the perfect hue in that color family.
In order to decide you need to take into consideration the elements in the room that aren't going to change. For instance the color will need to work well with the color of the flooring or carpet. It will need to complement any furnishings that are in the room or that you plan to purchase. It will also need to harmonize with the colors in adjoining rooms.
While there are many things to consider the good news is that all of them can help you to hone in on the perfect color by quickly ruling out some color families that you know won't work.
Also keep in mind that the color you paint your wall is a backdrop for the room and does not need to match anything exactly so don't worry about finding the exact yellow of the little square in your upholstery fabric and in fact it is often more appealing if it doesn't match exactly but rather harmonizes with the elements in the room.
Step 2 Reference: Color Visualizers
Once you have a color family or two in mind that you think you might like you may want to go online and see if you like the look in a room.Almost all paint companies have an online color visualize that can help you to image how a color will look within a room.
If you want to use an online tool to spark your imagination then a good place to begin visualizing your color is with the House Beautiful Paint Brush.
This tool allows you to see and select colors from three top paint brands--Valspar, Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore.
A visualizer is a wonderful tool for giving you an idea of how a color will look but that is all it is...an idea of the color.
You need to take that "idea" to the paint store and find a actual paint color that will produce that results you desire and I can almost bet it won't be the one you the exact color number you chose online.
TIP: Your computer may be able to do most things with great accuracy and consistency however displaying colors is not one of them.
Step 3: Selecting the Perfect Tint, Tone or Shade
I recommend three trips to the paint store when selecting your color. One to get all of the swatches that you think might work, the next time to buy some paint to sample and finally a trip to pick up the paint for the project.
I know that for many the only trip to the paint store is to decide on the color and purchase the paint all at one time but considering a rather high percentage of the paint sold is purchased to replace a color that someone didn't like the first time. Add to that all of the people that say they don't really love the color but didn't have the energy, time or money to redo it and I'd say the chances aren't very good your going to be happy with the outcome if this is your approach.
Okay that being said once you've got a color family or two in mind it's time for your first trip to the paint store.
The good news is that rather than feeling overwhelmed with hundreds of choices you have already narrowed your focus to one or maybe two areas.
Take along any reference fabrics or pictures that might help you but this is NOT the place to try to find the exact color. What you want to do is pick up a range of swatches in your color family that are close to what you have in mind to take home.
For example if you have decide on green pick up some swatches that in the paint store look slightly more blue than the color you have in mind and some that are slightly more yellow. Also some that are darker, lighter, brighter or more muted than what you have in mind. You might be amazed at home different the colors will look in your home so don't try to narrow your selection too much while your at the paint store. It is much better to do that at home.
Don't worry about taking too many color swatches. That's what they are there for and better to take a few extra colors than have to make an extra trip back to the store.
TIP: Don't match color in the store even if they have an area with special lighting. The lightening in your home is never the same and you must look at the color in the actual room if you want to get it right.
I know that for many the only trip to the paint store is to decide on the color and purchase the paint all at one time but considering a rather high percentage of the paint sold is purchased to replace a color that someone didn't like the first time. Add to that all of the people that say they don't really love the color but didn't have the energy, time or money to redo it and I'd say the chances aren't very good your going to be happy with the outcome if this is your approach.
Okay that being said once you've got a color family or two in mind it's time for your first trip to the paint store.
The good news is that rather than feeling overwhelmed with hundreds of choices you have already narrowed your focus to one or maybe two areas.
Take along any reference fabrics or pictures that might help you but this is NOT the place to try to find the exact color. What you want to do is pick up a range of swatches in your color family that are close to what you have in mind to take home.
For example if you have decide on green pick up some swatches that in the paint store look slightly more blue than the color you have in mind and some that are slightly more yellow. Also some that are darker, lighter, brighter or more muted than what you have in mind. You might be amazed at home different the colors will look in your home so don't try to narrow your selection too much while your at the paint store. It is much better to do that at home.
Don't worry about taking too many color swatches. That's what they are there for and better to take a few extra colors than have to make an extra trip back to the store.
TIP: Don't match color in the store even if they have an area with special lighting. The lightening in your home is never the same and you must look at the color in the actual room if you want to get it right.
Step 4: From Paint Swatch to Paint Selection
The next step is to look at the swatches in your home and pick one or more colors that you think will work in your room.There are many dos and don'ts involved in this part of the process that I've put together a downloadable report that helps to guide you and simplify the process and more importantly shows you how in a few simple steps you can take the beautiful vision of color in your mind and have it be the one you see on your walls when the project is complete.
Click here to access the Step 4 guide
Just make sure to check your email box and click the link in the message confirming it was you that requested the information otherwise you won't receive the report.
Step 4 Reference: Option for Your Paint Sample Boards
I used to use boards or foam core that I primed for my sample board but once I found Tru-Hue Paint Test Boards , which are a sturdy, premium quality white board that are already primed I have never used anything else.No need go to the trouble of keeping foam core or poster boards from curling up while drying and no need to wait for the prime coat to dry and believe me I'm not any more patient than you are when it comes to seeing what the color is going to look like.
Once painted, simply place your Tru-Hue Paint Test Boards around the room or on the wall to see how a color will look in your room while keeping your walls clean and ready to paint.
Step 4 Reference: Think About Your Lighting
The lighting in your room will affect the way the wall color appears. This is why I suggest looking at your color in daylight as well as in the evening with your light sources turned on.
Most rooms have incandescent lights. These bulbs wash your room with warm yellow tones, which will enhance red, orange and yellow based colors and dull blue and green based colors.
A standard fluorescent bulb on the other hand brings out cool tones and has a bluish cast that can be unflattering. Fluorescent light enhances blue and green based colors while dulling red, orange and yellow based colors.
There are also warm fluorescent bulbs, which like incandescent add warm casts do not have the same power to intensify colors as incandescent lights.
A popular choice recently has been halogen lighting, which is a bright, cool white and while it tends to distort color the least but it can tend to add a slight coolness to the hue.
Most rooms have incandescent lights. These bulbs wash your room with warm yellow tones, which will enhance red, orange and yellow based colors and dull blue and green based colors.
A standard fluorescent bulb on the other hand brings out cool tones and has a bluish cast that can be unflattering. Fluorescent light enhances blue and green based colors while dulling red, orange and yellow based colors.
There are also warm fluorescent bulbs, which like incandescent add warm casts do not have the same power to intensify colors as incandescent lights.
A popular choice recently has been halogen lighting, which is a bright, cool white and while it tends to distort color the least but it can tend to add a slight coolness to the hue.
What Else Would You Like To Know?
I've tried to give you the basics in a nutshell but maybe I've overlooked something that you need to know in order to be successful in finding your perfect color.
Let me know and I'll do my best to add it to the lens.
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Color_Expert
Thanks so much for your kind words and 5-star rating. I truly appreciate it. ~Kate Posted October 09, 2008 |
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ThomRichards
Very good information on interior painting here. Everything is explained very well, and I will excuse your dust....5*****s! Best to you! Posted October 09, 2008 |
Kate on Martha Stewart Colors
Martha Stewart remains a decorating favorite because she instructs us on how to make everything in our home more beautiful.She has taken the same approach with her paint line. Unlike most paint sample cards that include a single color or several shades or tints of the same color, Martha's color swatches include stripes of two coordinating paint colors that would work well with the main color.
Continue reading Kate's take on Martha Stewart Colors...
Explore Martha Stewart Colors paint line at Lowe's
Kate on Citron Paints
Color that shifts and winks and breathes
Doesn't it make sense that paints blended from eight to fifteen different color pigments would interact more with light than the standard two- or three-pigment paints?
CJ Volk thought so, so she created full-spectrum Citron Paints.
In addition to using more pigments, CJ also omits light absorbing black, allowing her paints to reflect a broader range of light. I think you'll enjoy how her multi-faceted colors interact and play with light.
Continue reading Kate's take on Citron Paint...
Go directly to Citron Paints
Doesn't it make sense that paints blended from eight to fifteen different color pigments would interact more with light than the standard two- or three-pigment paints?
CJ Volk thought so, so she created full-spectrum Citron Paints.
In addition to using more pigments, CJ also omits light absorbing black, allowing her paints to reflect a broader range of light. I think you'll enjoy how her multi-faceted colors interact and play with light.
Continue reading Kate's take on Citron Paint...
Go directly to Citron Paints
Kate on Ellen Kennon Full Spectrum Paint
The beauty of a sunrise is created without black, so why not the beauty on your walls?Paint with a broader range of light
What I like most about Ellen Kennon's beautiful palettes of paint is that her colors are blended from the seven colors of natural sunlight. Without light-absorbing black or gray, her paints reflect a broader range of light.
By using several pigments, rather than the usual two or three, Ellen creates colors that seem to change in different light and space.
Continue reading Kate's take on Ellen Kennon Full Spectrum Paint...
Explore Ellen Kennon Full Spectrum paint line at her website
More Signature Paint Lines
Ralph Lauren
A wealth of information on design and decorating. Their portfolio allows you to plan decorating strategies with all of Ralph Lauren home products in one location.
Christopher Lowell
I've selected some of my favorite tried and true colors. Just neutral enough to act as background (to go with the things you love), but dramatic enough to really make a difference in any room. I've chosen these paint colors because they're ideal for creating dynamic results on your walls, trim and oh yes, don't forget those ceilings.
Devine Color
A color solution company that believes background color should create "harmony without monotony and contrast without conflict."
Kelly Hoppen
Kelly has created the perfect palette of subtle, neutral colours which are both an end in themselves or provide an ideal backdrop for bold statements of individual taste and design.
Donald Kaufman Color
Designed by artist Donald Kaufman and Taffy Dahl have developed a unique way to mix colors to produce full spectrum colors.
Susan Sargent
Fine Paints of Europe enjoys collaborating with multi-dimensional artisan and color evangelist Susan Sargent. This energetic visionary has dedicated her life to understanding the relationships that exist between color and mood.
A wealth of information on design and decorating. Their portfolio allows you to plan decorating strategies with all of Ralph Lauren home products in one location.
Christopher Lowell
I've selected some of my favorite tried and true colors. Just neutral enough to act as background (to go with the things you love), but dramatic enough to really make a difference in any room. I've chosen these paint colors because they're ideal for creating dynamic results on your walls, trim and oh yes, don't forget those ceilings.
Devine Color
A color solution company that believes background color should create "harmony without monotony and contrast without conflict."
Kelly Hoppen
Kelly has created the perfect palette of subtle, neutral colours which are both an end in themselves or provide an ideal backdrop for bold statements of individual taste and design.
Donald Kaufman Color
Designed by artist Donald Kaufman and Taffy Dahl have developed a unique way to mix colors to produce full spectrum colors.
Susan Sargent
Fine Paints of Europe enjoys collaborating with multi-dimensional artisan and color evangelist Susan Sargent. This energetic visionary has dedicated her life to understanding the relationships that exist between color and mood.
Waverly Home Classics
A Valspar signature paint line
Classic designs, updated for today's active lifestyles, are a hallmark of Waverly. The Waverly Home Classics paint line coordinates with their wallpaper, paint, window treatments and lighting. Explore the lines and see the colors at the Waverly website.Explore Waverly Home Classics paint line at Lowe's
Waverly also offers a line of bedding, bath and home furnishing products under the banner Waverly Home though Target that coordinate well with their paint line.
Coordinated Paint Lines
Eddie Bauer Home The Eddie Bauer Home interior paint palette consists of 192 beautiful colors from four archetypal American collections.
Crayola Paint Crayola paints will allow parents to really put fun back
into their decorating and add a real splash of colour to their
children's bedrooms with a selection of amazing effects.
Disney Paints Mixing the magic of Disney with the quality of Behr.
Crayola Paint Crayola paints will allow parents to really put fun back
into their decorating and add a real splash of colour to their
children's bedrooms with a selection of amazing effects.
Disney Paints Mixing the magic of Disney with the quality of Behr.
Popular Interior Paint Brands
- Behr
- Color Charts Available Online using their Color Smart tool; Save Selections Online in My Workbook; 8 oz. Color Samples Available; Sheen Chart Helps You Choose the Right Paint Sheen; Paint Calculator; How-To Advice
- Benjamin Moore Paints
- Personal Color Viewer, 2 oz. Color Samples, Color Makeover, Color Magazine, Color Trends
- Dunn-Edwards Paints
- Perfect Palette Tool Allows You to Select and Compare Colors Online, Order Color Chips by Mail, Online Survey Leads to Painting Tips, Techniques and Recommended Products for Common Painting Projects, Downloadable How-To Brochures
- Dutch Boy Paints
- Ready to Roll paint containers, Project planner includes retailer selection, product determination, option selection, color selection, color matching, gallon calculator, and tip section
- Glidden
- Color palette, Color consultant online, Color calculator, Color visulizer, Color quiz, Sheen guide, how-to tips, Team colors(with Home Depot) for MLB, NFL, Colleges, Soccer, Olympics and NASCAR.
- Pratt & Lambert Paint
- Williamsburg palette
- Sherwin-Williams Paint
- Color selection tools, Color samples, Martha Stewart Signature line, Color trends, How-to tips
- Valspar American Tradition Paint
- Color samples, Laura Ashley line, Painting hints, paint calculator
- Van Sickle Paint
- Van Sickle Paint is an industry leader in the manufacture and sale of superior quality coatings to rural America.
- Duron Paints
- George Washington's palette- The Estate of Colours, Colors of Historic Charleston, Carolina Lowcountry Collection
- Fine Paints of Europe
- Fine Paints of Europe paints offer savvy homeowners unmatched beauty, durability, and value.
- California Paints
- Color guide, 4 oz. color samples, Historic Colors of America, Designer color schemes
- True Value Paints
- Quality paint, samples and how-to tips.
- Fuller O'Brein Paint
- For many years, Fuller O'Brien® paints has been a preferred brand in the western U.S. and has the intimate knowledge of the product needs of the western U.S.
- PARA Paints
- PARA Paints offers quality Architectural paints, stains, varnishes and faux finishing products for almost any painting project.
- Pittsburgh Paint
- The Voice of Color
Environmentally Safe Paint Lines
YOLO Colorhouse
Premium, environmentally responsible paint products with a user-friendly color palette.
Bioshield Natural Paints
BioShield Paint offers non toxic, low voc (no voc) environmentally safe paints, stains, finishes and household cleaners.
Auro Paints
Harmony from Sherwin-Williams
Horizon by Rodda Paint Company Low VOC coatings that was first introducted in 1995.
Sydney Harbour Paint Company The finest
architectural paints, using the highest quality ingredients gathered
from around the world, blended by hand, we achieve uncomprised beauty.
Aura from Benjamin Moore
Premium, environmentally responsible paint products with a user-friendly color palette.
Bioshield Natural Paints
BioShield Paint offers non toxic, low voc (no voc) environmentally safe paints, stains, finishes and household cleaners.
Auro Paints
Harmony from Sherwin-Williams
Horizon by Rodda Paint Company Low VOC coatings that was first introducted in 1995.
Sydney Harbour Paint Company The finest
architectural paints, using the highest quality ingredients gathered
from around the world, blended by hand, we achieve uncomprised beauty.
Aura from Benjamin Moore
Historic Colors of America from California Paint
California Paints has developed the Historic Colors of America collection in conjunction with Historic New England.-Colonial Mid 1600's - 1780
-Federal 1780 - 1830
-Greek Revival 1825 - 1855
-Victorian 1840 - 1900
-20th Century Eclectism 1900 - 1955
A summary of these historic color palettes with links to more information can be found here...
Historic Colors from Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams offers historically accurate paint color palettes for wall, trim and accent colors.Their are six color palettes for home interiors and four for exteriors. Shown here are two color schemes from the Arts and Crafts collection of colors.
You can get a quick look at the palettes as well as find links to download all of the color here...
Historic Paint Lines
Craig & Rose
Craig & Rose is a specialist paint manufacturer. We have been making high-quality paints and decorative finishes and the paint range includes decorative emulsion, eggshell and a wide range of special effects as well as novel and exciting finishes such as glitter, magnetwall, heat sensor and glow-in-the-dark.
The Old-Fashioned Milk Paint Company
A faithfully produced genuine Milk Paint as close as possible to the old primitive, home-made paint made on the back porch with skim milk or buttermilk, crushed limestone and pigments found around clay pits, or chimney soot and mineral colors crushed and powdered.
Farrow & Ball
The last remaining traditional paint manufacturer in Britain still manufactures paint to original formulations.
Heritage Village Colors
Replicating the qualities of paints used throughout Colonial America, Heritage Village Colors are perfect tools for the country-color enthusiast as well as for use in reproduction of 18th and 19th century decorating.
Craig & Rose is a specialist paint manufacturer. We have been making high-quality paints and decorative finishes and the paint range includes decorative emulsion, eggshell and a wide range of special effects as well as novel and exciting finishes such as glitter, magnetwall, heat sensor and glow-in-the-dark.
The Old-Fashioned Milk Paint Company
A faithfully produced genuine Milk Paint as close as possible to the old primitive, home-made paint made on the back porch with skim milk or buttermilk, crushed limestone and pigments found around clay pits, or chimney soot and mineral colors crushed and powdered.
Farrow & Ball
The last remaining traditional paint manufacturer in Britain still manufactures paint to original formulations.
Heritage Village Colors
Replicating the qualities of paints used throughout Colonial America, Heritage Village Colors are perfect tools for the country-color enthusiast as well as for use in reproduction of 18th and 19th century decorating.
Paints Kids Love
- Disney Paint Colors
- The wonderful world of color for your kids room.
- Crayola Colors
- The perfect way to put crayon colors on the wall.
Color Trends for Home Interiors
Home interiors colors for 2008 & 2009 show some interesting new directions...
Home décor trends continue to mimic fashion trends. For example, Christian Dior's haute couture collection for Spring 2007 is geisha-themed. And indigo is the new black, giving way to deeper blues. Deeper purples and purple-tinted browns are more sophisticated and intense. A Japanese theme is reflective of sober, refined plums, purples and olive greens.--Christine Chow, director of membership for The Color Association of the United States
Authentic and Traditional Paint Hues Refresh and Excite the Senses in 2009 The Paint Quality Institute
From the Today Show Weekend Edition segment What are the hot colors for 2007?
Pantone asked the designers to translate their spring 2007 fashion colors to interior paint colors and describe the room. See what they said
Visit my Color Trends lens For more insights into all of the lastest color trends
Home décor trends continue to mimic fashion trends. For example, Christian Dior's haute couture collection for Spring 2007 is geisha-themed. And indigo is the new black, giving way to deeper blues. Deeper purples and purple-tinted browns are more sophisticated and intense. A Japanese theme is reflective of sober, refined plums, purples and olive greens.--Christine Chow, director of membership for The Color Association of the United States
Authentic and Traditional Paint Hues Refresh and Excite the Senses in 2009 The Paint Quality Institute
From the Today Show Weekend Edition segment What are the hot colors for 2007?
Pantone asked the designers to translate their spring 2007 fashion colors to interior paint colors and describe the room. See what they said
Visit my Color Trends lens For more insights into all of the lastest color trends
Find Your Inspiration
Images and ideas to inspire your decorating scheme
- The Interior Paint Colors of Wisteria Lane
- Interior colors of the hit TV show Desperate Housewives
- Ralph Lauren Home Lifestyle Pages
- The definitive guide to creating the world of Ralph Lauren in your home.
- Hundreds of images and articles from Behr
- The Behr inspiration page where you can get home interior decoration ideas and learn more about color scheme
- Design ideas from Sherwin-Williams
- Explore local color, rose-colored glasses, hide & chic, what's the big teal, dream weaver, bold luxury and olive grove
- Dutch Boy Inspiration Center
- Inspiration by the room- kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, bedrooms and living rooms
- HGTV articles and videos on colors for you kitchen
- Get clues on hues that can make your kitchen go from drab to creative and colorful
Consider Feng Shui
I am not a Feng Shui practioner but many people believe it is essential to creating a home they are comfortable in and I do find I naturally incorporate many of the principals so I am including a bit of information and links to those that have expertise in this arena.
The following information is excerpted from Feng Shui Style and is provided courtesy of Jennifer Emmer.
Originating in China almost 6,000 years ago, Feng Shui literally means "wind"(Feng) and "water"(Shui).
It is an ancient method of constructing and optimizing residences to bring about happiness, abundance and harmony. It includes garden design, interior decorating, and placement of objects in our environment.
It also involves the layout, framework, materials and colors of building structures. These rules of thumb allow us to make the most ideal arrangement in any given situation. The Chinese also believed there were energy forces (Chi) in the body as well as the universe. They believed that there must be a balance between the Yin and Yang aspects of this energy in the body, for perfect health, and in the earth, for growth.
Feng Shui is the art of detecting the Chi in a room, building, or site, and regulating it for results. The benefits of Feng Shui were once restricted only to the rich and powerful in China, but are now becoming widely available. Once you learn about Feng Shui, you will never see the world the same way again.
The following information is excerpted from Feng Shui Style and is provided courtesy of Jennifer Emmer.
Originating in China almost 6,000 years ago, Feng Shui literally means "wind"(Feng) and "water"(Shui).
It is an ancient method of constructing and optimizing residences to bring about happiness, abundance and harmony. It includes garden design, interior decorating, and placement of objects in our environment.
It also involves the layout, framework, materials and colors of building structures. These rules of thumb allow us to make the most ideal arrangement in any given situation. The Chinese also believed there were energy forces (Chi) in the body as well as the universe. They believed that there must be a balance between the Yin and Yang aspects of this energy in the body, for perfect health, and in the earth, for growth.
Feng Shui is the art of detecting the Chi in a room, building, or site, and regulating it for results. The benefits of Feng Shui were once restricted only to the rich and powerful in China, but are now becoming widely available. Once you learn about Feng Shui, you will never see the world the same way again.
- Color Your World With Feng Shui
- Feng Shui is flourishing and it can be incorporated into a room without jeopardizing your personal taste.
- The History of Feng Shui
- A wonderful lens explaining the origins of Feng Shui.
- The Life Producers
- Good advice on decluttering using the principals of Feng Shui.
- Feng Shui Style
- Help on incorporating Feng Shui into your home or office.
Planning Tools
- Digital Color Wheel
- Use the Digital Color Wheel to help you look at a range of color schemes.
- Paint Calculator
- Use the Paint Calculator to help you determine how much paint you need.
- Paint Quality Institute Color Solutions
- Connecting Rooms With Color, Tips for Choosing Color, Adding Color to the Ceiling, Color Can Manipulate a Space Without Changing the 'Fixed Assets', Enlivening White & Beige
Painting Kitchens
Paint is one of the most dramatic and inexpensive ways to revitalize a room, so it is no surprise that we?re always seeking new color ideas and tips to make the job run smoothly and yield eye-catching results.Different rooms pose different challenges and requirements, and kitchens are no exception. For example, walls can be spattered with grease or oil, requiring a washable, durable paint. You may want to choose colors that work with your built ins, or you may want to repaint your cabinets. The author addresses these concerns,and many others related to kitchens, pantries, and eating areas.
Beautiful decors are shown, complete with swatch samples and accent and trim colors, including every possible color combination imaginable. This book allows the reader create a dream kitchen where ideas know no bounds.
See "Painting Kitchens..." at Amazon.com
The Color Scheme Bible: Inspirational Palettes For Designing Home Interiors
What a cool idea for the color challenged among us. Design expert Starmer claims to have sifted through 16 million color possibilities to produce 200 combinations fit for a king and queen and their royal family. The up-front introductions simply whet the appetite, from an abbreviated discourse on the color wheel to two all-too-short ideas on gathering inspiration by creating scrapbooks or a mood board. Then come the palette choices, separated into nine hues. Each individual palette features eight hues: one main with three variations, along with an overview and mood; room applications (e.g., living room or kitchen); ideas for accents; and highlights, whether for balance or contrast. The only issue? Too many selections--and too few ways to cross-index and cross-reference.See "The Color Scheme Bible" at Amazon.com
Featured Designer Line: Jaima Brown Home
Complement your paint with designer wallpaper
Be InspiRED by Passionate Reds from Jaima Brown HomeRED is a sizzling color full of symbolic meanings and many hues. Whether you prefer scarlet, crimson, maroon, ruby, rose or tomato, there is a shade for everyone.
Red creates the perfect accent for any space when paired with timeless neutrals like brown or cream.
In the 18th century red garlands and scarves were part of cultural wedding ceremonies. Chinese brides wore a traditional Kwa; a heavily embroidered formal wedding gown in red...
Read the rest of this article and see other inspiring posts from Jaima »
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Today's Color Dilemma
Every day I offer free expert advice on my blog "Color For Your Home"
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byMore Ideas for Color Scheme Inspiration
If you have a color family in mind but don't feel confident in developing a color scheme you may want to look to nature for ideas. One way to do this is to find a nature photo or group of photos that appeal to you and include your main color as a starting point.
I wrote a blog post recently on how to translate the colors in the photograph into paint colors that will work in an interior.
See "Autumn Inspired TJ Colors"
I wrote a blog post recently on how to translate the colors in the photograph into paint colors that will work in an interior.
See "Autumn Inspired TJ Colors"
