Update Your Home With a Touch of Color
If your house is starting to feel a bit stale to you it may be time to revive it with some color. If big bold colors are not your thing do not be afraid; color is available in more subtle tints. If you are going to be painting a room you can paint one wall in a darker hue and the rest in lighter pastels or neutrals to soften the effect. When you do not want to paint there are may other ways to add some new color and depth to your living space. You can add new textiles or accessories to any room for an instant makeover. Sometimes new curtains are all that it takes to make a room look completely different.
Painting can be a very scary experience for many people. It takes a little work and it seems like a huge commitment. In a way it is and you should do the proper preparation to ensure that the new paint looks its best and has staying power. A great paint job is really about the prep work that goes into it. Take the time to prime your walls before you paint and make sure you tape off anything you do not want painted. Smudges and mistakes look sloppy. The extra time you spend doing the preparations will actually cut down on the time you spend painting. If you are going to paint the ceilings remember to cover the floors.
The new sample cans of paint that are becoming so popular mean that you can paint small sections of your wall in the color you are considering. This will give you a much more accurate feel for the effect than color chips. You will be able to see what the paint really looks like on your walls and under your lighting. Keep in mind that if you plan to change the lighting or curtains, you need to do this before you choose a paint color. These subtle differences can completely change the way the paint looks. You can compare more than one that you like side by side. When you have made your final decision you will just primer and paint over your samples.
You can add color to any room by changing fabrics and accessories. You can use new curtains, slip covers for your furniture, lampshades or throw pillows to punch up the color in your rooms. The great thing about these items is that they are small so you can really get creative with them. Small accents are a great way to incorporate deep or bright colors. Try alternating throw pillows that are solid colors with ones that have interesting patterns. This way you can add patterns to your space without it becoming overwhelming. Another great hint; curtains do not have to be the same color on every window. You can use the same type of curtains only in complementing colors on each window. This works exceptionally well if your room has different sized windows. This works best with neutral or earth tones. If you are using bold colors for your window coverings it is best to stick with the same color for each window, or use solid color on some of the windows and a subtle pattern that incorporates the same color on the other windows.
Choosing colors that go together may seem like a daunting task. It really can be very simple. Look up various color wheels on the internet as a starting point. Colors that are across from each other are contrasting and can always be used together. A really easy rule to follow is the law of nature. Any colors that appear together in nature will look great together in your home. Take a look around outside to get inspiration for decorating. Think of the desert or a rain forest. You can even pair greens with bright colors and get your inspiration from flowers.
You do not have to make big, sweeping changes to update your home. There are many great ways to add a little color here and there. Start with a few new accessories and then try adding an accent wall. Pretty soon your home will be the colorful paradise you have been dreaming of.
About the Author:
David Beart is the owner of the Professors House. Our site covers cat information, decorating a house, family forums, recipes and other household issues.