June 23, 2009

Tips to Create the Look You Desire with Paint

Paint color choices are difficult for many. However once the paint color has been selected other decorating decisions become easy.

Below are some helpful tips to create the look you desire with paint.

Consider the mood or feeling you want to achieve prior to selecting paint. If you want to achieve a beach feeling then select blues, greens or beige colors and not bright red or orange colors. I suggest using magazines or book photos or something meaningful to use as a starting point for your desired look.
Think of selecting paint colors as if you were building a house. You need to have a good foundation in order to build the rest of the house. Choose a neutral paint color for the hallways first and then select a complementary undertone of paint colors for each room.
Purchase paint samples and live with the paint color on the walls for a few days. The paint color will shift during the times of the day. Make sure to apply two coats of the sample paint color and apply it to different areas of the room so you see the changes the paint color will take on from the shift in the natural light.

Don’t forget to paint ceilings, trim and doors. The ceiling is your fifth wall and must be considered when selecting paint colors. Try using a warm off white a light green on the ceiling instead of the standard bright white. Evaluate elements such as the size of the room, the floor color, how many windows are in the room and the room’s furniture when selecting a ceiling paint color. To bring drama or interest to a rooms ceiling try adding a bold red or soft blue. The ceiling paint color completes the entire space so have fun with it and don’t be afraid to experiment with paint!

If your desire is greater than the time you have, then considering hiring a professional color consultant and or painter to do the job. For a minimal investment a color consultation will create a custom paint palette for your home. I suggest getting a paint estimate so you can determine if your budget warrants having a painter paint. A professional painter will complete the project in an efficient and cost effective manner versus the time it will take you to paint at your hourly rate. Life does get in the way of many home projects. And don’t forget, you do have an hourly rate so make sure to calculate it and triple the amount of time you think the project will take from start to finish. Then see if it is worth having the painter take on the project.