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When it comes to transforming the ambience of your home, few things have as big an impact as the right choice of interior paint colors. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy, relaxing atmosphere or want to add a vibrant touch to your living space, the colors you choose can make all the difference. In this article, we will discover the ideal combinations of paints and shades that will bring life to each space in your home.
The colors you choose for each area of your home are personal, but there are some guidelines you may wish to consider. Whether you plan on living in your home for some time or are considering a move in the near future, your choices can have a dramatic effect on how the room feels. Extensive studies in the psychology of colors have shown how emotions are attached to certain colors, temperatures, and saturation as summarized below.
KITCHEN
The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, where delicious meals are prepared and memories are made. To create an inviting atmosphere, try a cool or muted neutral. Light blue, green, or taupe pairs beautifully with both light and dark-colored cabinetry, creating a cozy and welcoming environment for family gatherings and culinary adventures. Darker but more muted blues are a great complement to crisp white countertops and cabinets. You can get more ideas about the latest trends in kitchen colors by visiting Sherwin Williams. Don’t forget to toggle on the “Expert Picks” dropdown for all colors!
LIVING ROOM
For some people, the living room is the part of the home where friends and family gather to relax and unwind. Which colors you use will depend in large part on the mood you wish to create, but for resale purposes, consider a soothing neutral color on the walls to create a sense of calm and comfort. Green or blue-tinted grays, light browns, and warmer beiges all can create a nice framework for a comfortable space. You can also infuse a hint of energy into the room by adding pops of color in furniture and accessories. More ideas for living room colors can be found here.
BATHROOM
The bathroom is a place of tranquility, retreat, and rejuvenation. To create a peaceful, spa-like environment, choose lighter, toned-down greens, grays, or blues. Check these recommendations for bathroom colors from Sherwin Williams. Soft or muted shades of green or blue bring a sense of freshness and serenity to your bathroom. These evoke feelings of nature and relaxation, making them the perfect choice for unwinding in a warm bath or getting ready for the day ahead. Pair these colors with natural materials, such as bamboo or wooden accents to enhance the organic feel of the space and create a truly peaceful oasis.
BEDROOM
The bedroom is a personal sanctuary where we seek relaxation and rejuvenation. To create a serene and peaceful atmosphere, opt for colors that won’t elicit strong emotions. Muted (lower saturation) tones in either cool or warm colors will work well when paired with complementary bedding and accessories. When it comes to picking the best colors for your bedroom, Sherwin Williams recommends these choices.
CHILD’S ROOM
A child’s room is a place of imagination and playfulness. To create a vibrant and energetic environment that sparks creativity, consider painting the walls in a playful shade that stimulates the mind and brings a sense of joy and warmth to the space. Combine it with bold patterns, colorful accents, and interactive elements to create an inspiring and stimulating atmosphere for your child’s growth and development. Which color works best depends upon your child’s age and preference, but here are some good color choices.
OFFICE / DEN
If it’s creativity, focus, and productivity that you’re looking for, the best color choices for an office or home study are blues, greens, and grays. Pale blue will be airy and relieve stress, gray allows for more concentration and focus, and green shades evoke more productivity. Certain hues of orange or teal may be more suitable if you would like a more artistic, creative, or cheerful vibe. Martha Stewart provides more ideas for office colors in this article.
Whatever primary color you choose to paint a room, some contrast between that color and the main focal point of the room should be kept in mind. While the two should contrast with each other, they should not conflict. Accessories in complementary colors also add visual interest. Pillows or throws in the living room, linens in the bedroom, and towels in the bathroom are all possibilities for pops of complementary colors. Lastly, to break up too much color overload, consider using neutrals. For example, a beige sofa in a blue living room acts as a buffer when you add complementary orange-toned pillows.
Remember to consider your personal preferences, the room’s purpose, and the overall style of your home when selecting the ideal paint color, but stick with more of the neutrals and common colors in order to get top dollar when it’s time to sell your home. You will want to avoid deep purples, reds, and darkly muted tones that shrink rooms down and tend to feel gloomy.
Choosing the right interior paint types and colors for each room can transform your home and create the desired ambience. Each color choice has the unique ability to enhance the atmosphere of the space and create the desired emotional responses. If you need more help in choosing colors, a contractor to paint your home, or would like feedback about your color scheme, let me know!