Color Your World: Choosing The Right Hues For Your Home

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

Old homes are generally better quality and more durable. On the other hand, newer homes (frequently) have more space, more “room” (due to open concept construction), more light and obviously more modern and upgraded amenities.

But, besides design, regardless of the home you choose, the ambiance it exudes may all be part of YOUR design and not the architect’s or the designer’s.

According to experts, décor, especially color is a huge part of that atmosphere, and creating it.

And, that means choosing your colors carefully and noting that each room should set a certain tone or mood based mostly on hue.

Eat, Drink, And Be Merry:

Professionals point out that the kitchen is among one of your abode’s most highly trafficked areas, where most family gatherings and activities take place, and what often makes a house a “home”. And, they note, that it should be bright, airy, cheerful, and welcoming.

While white is a timeless traditional and compliments almost any décor, aesthetically enlarging any room, some experts suggest that brighter shades such as sunny yellow are a better option for your culinary chamber or breakfast nook. They note that yellow is fun, whimsical, bright and cheery. And they recommend using a lighter shade of soft lemon that is easier on the eyes.

Creating Spaces:

Need more space? You don’t always have to invest in a larger mortgage and home. Instead experts suggest learning about how colors can help you create the desired “results” via optical illusion.

They note that cool color combinations such as blues, violets, and greens generally make items recede and the room appears larger. On the hand, warm colors such as reds, oranges and browns make objects appear closer and the room looks smaller.

Concentrate On Color:

Rooms designed for rest, relaxation, or where you plan to retreat to concentrate and focus need to induce this mood.

Experts suggest using green in rooms such as studies, libraries or dens, primarily darker shades such as Hunter or French green that are somber and sophisticated.

Avoid Feeling Blah, By Avoiding The Blues:

At least where your kitchen or dining room are concerned. According to experts, since there are few foods (except for berries and a hint of blue in blue cheese) that are blue, shades of blue can make food look unappetizing. On the plus side, they can help curb your appetite.

Raise The Roof:

High ceilings are all the rage these days, but if yours doesn’t offer that “effect” you can make the ceiling appear higher than it is simply by painting the walls a slightly darker shade. Experts suggest painting ceiling a lighter color than your walls, and they note, that while smaller rooms DO demand lighter colors, that doesn’t necessarily mean white.

Lighten Up:

Since both natural and artificial light will impact the color effect and since most paints will appear darker the more coats you apply and as they dry, experts suggest choosing a color that is a shade or two lighter than what you see on a paint chip card. In fact, they suggest first painting a piece of cardboard or poster board and taping it to the wall to view it at different times of the day and if different types of light.