Interior Paint Choices for a Living Area

Use color theory to guide you in your paint color choice.

Choosing the right paint color for your living area will depend mostly on your personal taste and sense of style. Use color theory to guide you in this process. Color theory is based on the emotional and psychological response that various colors and tones evoke. Each color will have many different shades to choose from. Which one you choose will depend on the rest of your decor in that space.

Warm Colors

Warm colors include reds, oranges and yellows. These colors, in the right tones, will stimulate your sense of warmth and comfort. Steer clear of vibrant reds and oranges in large doses, as these colors are known to increase aggression and anger in most people. Soft yellows and oranges will create an ambient feeling. Small touches of bright red or orange will only enhance this effect. These colors can be altered by adding white paint, creating a softer tone, for larger areas. Add visual interest by painting small sections of more vibrant color from the same color family.

Cool Colors

Cool colors include purples, blues and greens. These colors, when in lighter tones, will produce a calming effect. Colors that have too much black mixed in may cause feelings of melancholy or sadness. The darker the shade, the more depressive these colors will seem. Try to develop a standard base color. Then, elaborate on that theme with different tones and shades. By painting smaller areas with vibrant colors and keeping the larger areas soft and sedate with lighter more neutral tones, you will create an atmosphere of rest and relaxation.

Mixing Cool and Warm Colors

Each primary and secondary color has what is known as a complementary color. These colors are contrasting. By using a color wheel, you can determine each hue's exact opposite, or complementary, color. This practice will give your living space a cohesive and balanced appeal. For example, if you are thinking of using large amounts of indigo in a darker shade, consider breaking it up with small splashes of yellow or light orange. This will keep the vibe happy and warm while creating a restful environment.

Black and White

Black is a shade that absorbs color. It is basically the absence of all color. White is a prism of all color. By painting in black and white themes, you add the highest level of contrast possible. Creating patterns with black and white paint will add visual interest and stimulate the mind. This should be done tastefully though, so the senses are not overwhelmed. Adding small touches of red, either with paint or with decor, can help break up the color scheme and bring it all together.

References

• Color Matters: Color Theory
• Color Theory: A Brief Tutorial
• Color Wheel Pro: Color Meaning