If your home is looking dated and you’re thinking about remodeling, paint is an inexpensive way to make an upgrade! Choosing the right paint colors can instantly transform the look and feel of your home, inside and out. Discover some of the best tips and tricks for choosing the right paint color for the interior and exterior of your home.
Interior Wall Color. The colors you choose for your home’s interior should reflect your personality and pair well with the furniture, lighting, and wall decor that you already own. To create a space that is uniquely yours:
- Use paint samples. You can find them at the hardware store where you buy your paint. Use the paint samples to test the colors in different areas in your home. Make sure to test paint under different types of lighting (natural and artificial) to see whether the paint changes, if at all, how it works in that particular space. Testing your paint colors also allows you to see how the color will work with your existing flooring and furniture.
- Choose a mood. Think about the main purpose of the room, including what you will do in it. This will help determine what kind of an environment you want to create. Different colors can change your mood and mindset. The professionals of McHenry County, IL painters recommend using softer colors to create a more casual and relaxed environment in bedrooms, and the use of brighter colors to evoke a sense of energy in kitchens and living spaces.
- Examine your lighting. It is important to consider the amount of light cast upon your walls because it can make a space feel larger or smaller than it actually is. If you’re working with a smaller room and want to make it feel larger, use a subdued paint color and a mix of natural and artificial lighting to expand the look of the room.
- Search for inspiration. Keep an open mind when renovating your home. Absorb new ideas from magazines, home improvement shows, and even in-store displays. Design inspiration can come from anywhere at anytime, so keep your eyes peeled for the latest and greatest in interior color ideas.
- Opt for neutrals. When it comes to colors, neutral color combinations will never go out of style. Neutral colors like beige, tan, and off-white can work wonders when it comes to opening up a room and making it brighter. It also allows for more freedom because you can combine it with various colors and textures.
Exterior Wall Color. The color of your home’s exterior will leave a lasting impression on all those who pass by it. Consider the following when you’re updating the color of the outside of your home:
- Examine any architectural details. Think about the aspects of your home you want to emphasize. With the right color combination, you can make certain details on your house can stand out. For example, outlining your siding with a white border can make your siding color pop and creating crisp, clean lines that make your home stand out from the rest.
- Avoid colors that will clash. You should be careful not to clash with your home’s surroundings. This includes the plants and greenery that surround your home, as well as the other houses located on your street! Try to color coordinate with the neighboring houses as best you can.
- Consider your climate. Lighter, pastel colors reflect strong sunlight and keep a home cooler. Earth tones and bright colors absorb the sun and make your home warmer. This is an important consideration when it comes to energy consumption and efficiency. Think about the area in which you live, then choose an exterior paint color that will work to your climate’s advantage.
- Test your colors. As with your interior wall color, use paint samples or color swatches to see what you like, or what fits best. You can paint them on each side of your house to see them at different times of the day and in varying amounts of sunlight to see what looks best to you.
In the end, everyone has their own unique style and taste. To stay true to yourself, choose colors that you are naturally drawn to. Let inspiration come from everywhere and take note of what you like and don’t like. Then apply those color to your own home. Remember that no home design is permanent – take chances and be bold with your color choices!
