Paint is truly the easiest way you can refresh the look of a room without having to do too much to it. However, even though it is an easy way to elevate a space, it is also important to know the type of paint you are selecting, the color, the finish, how much sunlight will it receive, and all the details in order for you to end up with a successful result and not otherwise. Obviously there are experts that know in depth about paint and know exactly the right direction to take with regards to your specific needs, however, I think it is still important to know the basics for you to make smart decisions when the time comes and you want to take the step forward whether it is on your own or with the help of a professional.
FIRST THINGS FIRST – COLOR!
Obviously a particularly important aspect of painting – what color am I going to use? Well, if you did not know the psychology of color exists, and it has been scientifically proven that every color, tint, tone, and shade has specific psychological effects on each of us. This is the case because color is light that our eyes capture, and this light is energy, and this energy (or electric impulses) pass through the same part of our brain that also process our emotions (amazing right?...). It is an interesting subject to talk about and it explains why in certain institutions they pick certain colors. For example have you noticed how psychiatric hospitals have white padded rooms and white strait-jackets, this is not a coincidence, white is used in this case because besides being a color that gives a feeling of peace, it also can clear your mind and offer emotional safety. However, too much white can also be perceived as cold, isolating, and remote – which is why we see these days how hospitals, care homes, and schools are moving away from all-white environments.
When selecting a color for your room, keep in mind how colors might affect your emotions; you always want to create a positive emotional response. Also, being very mindful of the tone you decide to go with.
-Red can cause feelings of physical energy, excitement, strength, and courage. Ideal area in the home to use it could be the dining room – since it can stimulate conversation. Areas to avoid it are any rooms that feel hot or receive a lot of sunlight, as well as areas you want to relax in since red can overexcite.
-Blue causes feelings of calm and serenity, can aid mental stress and tension. It can be used in bedroom, study, and bathrooms. Depending on the tone and how you use it, it can suppress your appetite.
-Yellow causes feelings of happiness and optimism. Ideal areas in the home to use it include hallways that do not receive much natural light, breakfast areas, or any area you want to lighten up a bit.
-Green causes feelings of harmony, tranquility, and it can help you feel connected with nature. Ideal areas to use it include bedroom, study, living room. Avoid using lime green or greens with too much yellow in them since it can overstimulate.
-Brown causes feelings of warmth, coziness, and safety. Areas to include it are a study or living room. Areas to avoid darker tones of it are nurseries and infant rooms.
-Greys are usually used as accent colors, be careful when using grey since it can make a room feel small and a bit cold.
-Whites are ideal for kitchens and bathrooms mainly because they convey the feeling of cleanliness.
Every person is different and even though color affects everyone in general ways, people might feel a stronger connection with a specific color over another one.
PRO TIP – Always get paint samples prior to painting the entire space and try them out on the walls you want to change. Leave them there to dry and see how they feel and how they work with the sunlight being receive throughout the day; paint color looks different as it dries and when it interacts with natural light.
WHAT FINISH SHOULD I GO WITH?
This is a common question when selecting paint as well. The different finishes include: Flat/Matte, Lowsheen/Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Gloss, and Glossy. Be mindful of what area it is that you will be painting, how much traffic will it recieve, and whether you must be cleaning the area very much.
-Flat-Matte finish does not reflect light, so they are good to cover imperfections on the wall. They can give depth; however, they are not easy to clean. Mainly used for ceilings.
-Lowsheen/Eggshell finish is slightly glossy, generally good for walls, and are easier to clean.
-Satin finish has a glossy smooth look. It is mainly used for walls, but it is also used for windows, doors, and trim. It holds up cleaning very well.
-Semi-Gloss finish is often used in doors, trims, and kitchen/bathroom cabinets. It is very easy to clean and has a bit of a shine.
-Glossy finish has a very shiny finish, it is not widely used in home interiors, however, many people use it to cause a dramatic look on cabinetry, trim or furniture. However, be mindful that the more shine, the more imperfections you will be able to see!
ADDITIONAL PRO TIPS…
Having an idea of the color and finish you want to go with is already a big step forward towards the right direction. Now here I want to add some additional information I find useful mainly when you want to be the one doing the painting on your own!
-Empty out your rooms before painting. You do not want to get anything dirty, so move big furniture to the center of the room and cover everything up with old sheets.
-Wipe down your walls to remove any dust, cover any holes or cracks, tape off adjacent walls, windows, or trims, and (very important) add a coat of primer to your wall (if your paint does not come with it already).
-Careful with your cans! Not every single can of color is the same, even if you buy it from the same store. Why? Because they will always have small differences in shade, so it is important for you to pour all your cans into one container and mix them all. This will cause the differences in shade to blend and you will not need to worry about having a wall look a slightly bit darker than the adjacent one.
-Drying time? Paint dries the quickest at 70 degrees Fahrenheit, so it would be a good idea to set your thermostat accordingly and try to avoid moisture since this will slow down the process.
ALRIGHT LETS PAINT!
Painting does not have to be a headache; it should make you feel excited since you are about to experience a whole new feeling once you enter your renewed space! I truly hope this information will be of great use to you when deciding to move forward, and help ease your mind since now you have more knowledge and can make better paint decisions!
Also, if the topic of color psychology really interests you, I highly recommend reading “The Little Book of Colour” by Karen Haller. Absolute great read and gives you insights on how to use color to improve all aspects of your life.
Now tell me, what rooms are you planning on painting next?
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