Let Your Rooms Come Alive With Color
Small rooms should be white or light can practically be considered a nasty rumor. It may work for you and your color scheme, but it’s not a rule written in stone. Often the reverse is true. A small room will never be a big room so see it for what it is and choose to make it either warm and cozy, strong and dramatic, romantic or decadent, or exotic and fun. If the illusion of space is your biggest objective then the lack of overall contrast is the biggest factor. Try selecting a color that can be used on your walls, ceiling, and floors to create the impression of a larger space.
Small rooms should be white or light can practically be considered a nasty rumor. It may work for you and your color scheme, but it’s not a rule written in stone. Often the reverse is true. A small room will never be a big room so see it for what it is and choose to make it either warm and cozy, strong and dramatic, romantic or decadent, or exotic and fun. If the illusion of space is your biggest objective then the lack of overall contrast is the biggest factor. Try selecting a color that can be used on your walls, ceiling, and floors to create the impression of a larger space.
In large rooms, the most critical decision is whether to make the room larger or scaled down a bit. A large room, however, may need to be scaled down to more human dimensions. Choose contrasting wall and floor colors, or keep a consistent background and group furniture into functional areas differentiated by color.
All of the colors you see when you view a room need to be considered, as does the amount and quality of light. Also your decorating style will play in the color decision, too. Some styles even imply certain colors. Earth tones are associated with a Natural Style, Art Deco’s palette uses strong pastels, Nautical Style is an American salute of red, white and blue, and Tropical Style calls for bright, bold hues. Just because you may like a particular style does not mean you are stuck with that particular style. Surprise yourself by going for a look that is fresher by using an unexpected color! Why not mix styles or add an uncommon splash of color to your favorite style. The point is to stretch your color conceptions – not work against the style you want to achieve.
Another aspect to consider in your overall style and color scheme is the floors and carpets, especially if you live in an apartment. Trying to pretend it isn’t there will actually work against you. Consider any furniture that you already have, and consider painting some pieces to pull in your color even more. Flea market style certainly lends itself to this approach.
By far the most important consideration is choosing a color you love. Select a color that has relevance for you, that expresses something of your personality. Use your favorite color in at least one room. If the color is trendy and might be hard to live with throughout the house, try a few bold strokes in a room or two may to make you smile. Or tone your chosen color down a to a more livable color.
Not sure what you like? Why not keep a color file filled with color swatches or magazine pictures. See which colors and pictures show up time and again. A room or two wrapped in color may be the breath of fresh air you have been looking for. Good Luck!
