People are always looking to create a certain feel in a room. They may want energy in a workout room or calm in a bedroom. Many people do not know how to create that feel so let me help by giving you a little Color Knowledge.

Here is a list of colors and the emotion it will generate. The depth of the color as well as the hue and underlying tones will definitely play a factor in the degree of emotion created.  

A bright orange wall versus a soft pastel tangerine, while both being energetic colors in the orange family, will bring a different level of intensity, drama and feeling into a room.

 PINK: Gentles, acquiesces, promotes intimacy and affection.

ORANGE: Cheers, expands, promotes informality and activity. Declassifies.

BLUE: Relaxes, refreshes and cools. Supports tranquility and trust.

YELLOW: Expands, warms, promotes communication and anticipation.

RED: Empowers, stimulates, dramatizes, impulsive, increases appetite.

GREEN: Rests, balances, normalizes, encourages emotional growth.

WHITE: Lights, purifies, cleans unifies, enlivens other colors.

BROWN: Stabilizes and supports. Secures. Is friendly and receptive.

BLACK: Strengthens, authorizes. Denotes status. Elegance. Ominous.

PURPLE: Creates mystery. Enlivens imagination. Spiritualizes.

Choosing a paint color is not the easiest task. There are underlying tones in every color and not everyone can see that color clearly. I recently did a Home Staging consultation and commented that the kitchen and dining room should be painted. The response from the client was “we just did”. Ugh, not the response I would want to hear. The color was very pink. The client thought they were selecting a basic tan; there is no such thing in my opinion. This tan had a definite pink undertone which became even more apparent with their lighting. A pink kitchen and dining room is not a Home Staging “Do”, it’s a Home Staging “Don’t”.

Suggestions when choosing paint color:

1)     Look at the paint colors on the entire card from the paint store. Some of the other colors on the card may give you a clearer idea of what that underlying tone really is.

2)   The color you see in the paint store is not what you will see in your home. All lighting is different with the types of bulbs used and even the time of day. Check the paint in YOUR lighting.

3)   As I stated above, the paint will look different during different times of the day, you need to look at it in ALL lighting. ALWAYS, ALWAYS pick two to three colors and paint them on your walls in various spots. In a dark corner, near the woodwork, next to the carpet or sofa. Then look at them for a couple days in different lighting. Sunny, cloudy, evening, etc. This makes a HUGE difference. If you don’t want to mess up your walls just yet, paint large pieces of tag board and tack them to your walls.

4)   Hire a professional. If you are nervous or just want a second opinion, it is always nice to bring in a professional who may see tones that you do not see, or have ideas that you may not have thought about.

Do what I say, not what I do, ha. I learned my lesson on this subject years ago when I was painting my home. I was swamped and I described to my painter that I wanted a deep sage green for my living room. He bought a sample and painted it on different areas of my walls just as I recommend. However, I came home when it was dark, and woke up and left for an appointment when it was dark (one of those short winter days) and told the painter to go ahead, I loved the color. Oops, didn’t take my own advice. I woke up the morning after the painting was done on a bright sunny Saturday morning and walked down to a living room so green I thought I was a pimento inside of an olive! Thus, the repainting began.

Take the advice of a professional that learned the hard way. Choose two to three colors, apply them on the wall, and look at them for a few days in ALL lighting.

One question I get a lot relates to color. The answer depends on whether you are selling your home or looking to change the look for yourself. If you are selling, neutral does not mean white!! You need color to sell a home but of course it cannot be taste specific.

If you are refreshing your own home for personal enjoyment, don’t be afraid of color. Color is powerful and it can calm your mood after a hectic day or energize you in the morning. Paint color sets the immediate feel of a room. You need to think about how you use a room and what feeling you are trying to convey or want to experience while you are in that room. Is the room for rest and quiet time? Is it for cozy family and friends gatherings? Or is it where you want to be uplifted and energized.

One look I love right now is black and white. You can do so much with these two basic colors and combine it with almost any style. It can be extremely elegant, funky, or art deco. From black on white toile fabrics to popping it with hot pink, lavender or lime accents, there is no limit to what you can do. Use seasonal colors to change it throughout the year. Warm wood tones of furniture or flooring will ground and balance the room. And don’t forget about texture. This can be done with the fabric in linens, throw pillows, or sofa throws.

If you are nervous about using black and white, start small. I recently changed the look of my guest bathroom. Previously done with a fun kids theme for my visiting nieces, they have grown up and I personally needed a change. I kept the basic light café latte wall color, added a black and white classic patterned shower curtain with velvet, a couple of fun new prints and inspiration woods on the walls and black, white and tan towels. I LOVE those three colors together, very classy. What a transformation and I did it all for under $200.

Be inspired. Take a risk. Have fun.