Picking color schemes to spruce up an old space

For the cost of a couple of can of paint and some elbow grease, any space can be dramatically changed using paint and the right colour scheme.

Some standard rules can help homeowners choose colors that work well together, creating a unifying theme, even if the colors themselves are far from uniform.

To start, one basic rule is that selecting too few decorative colors makes a room cold and uninteresting, while choose too many can make a room loud and hectic. However, even when selecting multiple colors, using the color wheel is a good way to make sure the multiple colors work together.

Monochromatic color schemes use varying shades of the same color. Many homeowners use this route as it closely relates to the natural harmony found all around us, such as the different shades of green on a tree, blues of the ocean, etc.

Analogous color schemes, usually considered to be more of a monotone color scheme, typically use three colors that are next to each other on the color wheel, for example green, complimented by a yellow-green and a pure yellow.

Complementary color schemes use any two colors that lay directly across from one another on the color wheel. Complementary color schemes tend to create a dramatic effect of contrast and visual balance. For example, red and green, commonly used for Christmas-themed decorations, would be considered a complementary color scheme.

Another factor to consider is color temperature. Warm colors and cool colors divide the color wheel into two sections. Cool colors tend to have a calming effect on people, while warmer colors are seen as being more energizing.

By using the color wheel and some simple theories and guidelines, picking a color scheme can be stress-free.

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How to make smart color choices

With spring finally here (although we aren't all feeling it quite yet!) color is beginning to surround us all - that Mother Nature has an eye for color, doesn't she? I have good news. You don't have to wait for Mother Nature to add color to your life. Painting is the most affordable and easiest change you can make to update your space. If you are afraid of selecting color fear not, I'm here to assist.

Let's talk about some common myths and I'll offer a few helpful suggestions.

Myth: Dark colors make a room feel smaller.
Not necessarily true. High contrast between large pieces in a room make it feel smaller because the contrast highlights the size of the room. It breaks up the room rather than expanding it. If you paint your room dark blue and have a sofa of a similar shade they will "blend" and open up the room. If you are painting a room a dark color just keep the contrast of large pieces (sofas and curtains) down and you will expand the room.

This of course also means that light colors don't necessarily make a room feel bigger. Again, contrast impacts that perception.

Myth: When decorating, pick your paint color first.
Paint is available in ANY color. If you can't find the color you want on a chip, a paint store can custom mix a color to match anything. So, since sofas and bedding are not available in ANY color, begin your color selections with the large pieces in your room. Then, pick a paint color to coordinate. It doesn't have to match exactly, but should compliment the larger pieces in the room.

This is not to say that you can't decorate around a paint color - for example, if you know your decor will be black and white the sky is the limit for wall color - but selecting paint first can limit your choices in other areas.

Myth: If you like the color in the store you'll like it at home.
Please, please, please do not go to a paint store, pick a color from a chip and go home with a gallon of paint. There are so many reasons why you should not do this. The first is that a tiny paint chip cannot begin to show you how actual paint will look on your walls in your house.

Every color looks different in every space. Your room's light, floor color, furniture and surrounding room colors will impact how a color looks on your walls.

Here are my suggestions for selecting paint colors for your home.
Based on the note above about basing color on furnishings in your home, visit the paint store and select as many paint chips as you like and think might look good and bring them home! Feel free to bring inspirations with you to help you make your decision. Take 10 strips of blue, take 20 if you need them. It's okay; they are free.

Once home, use painters tape to attach the chips to the wall. You need to look at the colors on the wall - not in your hand. The color looks different at different angles. Try to narrow the colors down to 2 - 3 that you like.

Next, buy samples of each and paint a 2' x 2' size swatch on your walls. Make sure you do two coats if needed. You want to see how the colors will really look. Look at the colors in the day, the night, give them a few days to make you happy or turn you off. Go with your gut. This is not a time to talk yourself into something, it will not look better with time!

If you are making a dramatic color change make sure to use the right primer, your paint supplier can provide the right primer for your color.

It's not unusual to experience a bit of shock when a room is painted a new color, but these steps are the best way to "test drive" a color and reduce the post-painting shock.

I can't tell you what colors to pick (unless I'm in your house!), but I know this will get you off to a great start and I always encourage folks to try new things in the world of color... be brave!

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