CHOOSING THE RIGHT COLOR SCHEME
S ick of those satin-sheen faded blue walls in your kitchen? Groan every time you pass that purple-painted hallway? Has that plain white bedroom outlived its colorless lifespan?
It’s probably time for a repaint. But you’ll want to think long and hard about the right hue and sheen for you and your future needs, the experts agree.
“It’s important to upgrade or reinvent a room with fresh colors from time to time. This can help refresh and revitalize a space. A new coat of paint can completely transform the look and feel of the room, making it appear new and inviting again,” says Artem Kropovinsky, founder of Arsight, an interior design studio in New York City.
“Repainting a room can also be a great opportunity to reflect your personal style and interests. And choosing new colors or paints can be an effective way to solve any design challenges you may be facing. For example, if a room feels too dark or gloomy, a fresh coat and a lighter, brighter color can help open up the space and make it feel more welcoming.”
Updating and changing colors also helps your home keep up with current styles, thereby increasing resale value – “making it easier to sell in the future,” notes Scott Hamilton with Hester Painting & Decorating in Skokie, Illinois.
But you want to ponder more than just the new paint selection. Give thought, too, to the color palette of the entire room/area, including colors you can upgrade to mesh with the flooring, furniture, window treatments, and décor.
“A color scheme that isn’t well planned out can feel haphazard or overwhelm a space rather than work in harmony,” cautions Teri Simone, head of Design and Marketing for Nieu Cabinet Doors.
Indeed, a color scheme that is too bold or vibrant may create a sense of chaos, while one that is too dull or monochromatic may look boring and uninviting, says Kropovinsky.
“Consider the color scheme of the surrounding rooms. If your home has an open floor plan, it’s important to choose colors that flow seamlessly from one room to the next,” he says. “Look also at the natural light within the room. The color of the walls may look different at different times of the day, so it’s wise to consider how the natural light will affect the color. Furthermore, take into account the color of the flooring and any fixed elements like cabinetry. These can be difficult and expensive to change, so it’s crucial to choose colors that will harmonize with them.”
To future-proof your hues, try picking colors that are timeless, such as shades of white, creams, blues, and grays. Ultimately, ponder how different colors make you feel within a given space.
“Is having a bedroom that is orange peaceful or overwhelming for you? Is lime green cabinetry playful within a kid’s bathroom? It doesn’t matter what is trendy if there are tones you don’t like in your home,” says Simone.