Choosing The "Perfect" Wall Color

As you start your decorating project, choosing the right wall color can make the difference between a “so-so” room and a living space that your friends just RAVE about. Today, there are so many different colors that choosing the perfect color can be an exciting task! Just remember, the wall color will set the tone of your entire room.

Most of us will be redecorating one room at a time. If you are redecorating your living room, decide which piece you are going to use as the main “color” item. For example, your sofa has a fabric with a central color theme that you will use to set the tone of your room. Take a piece of fabric from the sofa (for instance a pillow) to the paint store to help you choose your wall color. Use this same process for your bathroom or your bedroom.

Let’s say you choose the bedroom for your makeover project. Usually your bed comforter will be the largest item on which to base the “color” theme.

Now may be the perfect time to browse either the SantaFeDecor.com or WesternCowboyHorseDecor.com website to choose a new comforter design to begin your bedroom project.

After you've chosen your comforter ensemble, study the colors to find the underlying tones or hues that can be used to enhance your decorating project. Many times, interior decorators will choose one of the lighter background shades in the fabric as their wall color.

MOOD
The color tone will set the overall mood for your new room, either a warm or cool tone. Southwestern decorators often use what is considered “warm” colors. Today, EARTH TONES are very popular; light browns, yellows, turquoise, sage, and very light rose. Darker blues, greens, and violets are considered “cool” colors and are typically not used with Southwestern color schemes.

TIP
Some decorators choose a “focal wall”, using a slightly darker color tone on that wall while using a complimentary lighter color on the other three walls.

WHITE
A note here about “white”, white is not always white – seems a funny statement, doesn’t it? Beiges and off-whites have very subtle color, make sure you compare paint chips along side your printed fabric, in the room with the light you would normally use. Most decorators recommend that you trim (window trim, door trim, etc.) your room in a shade of off-white or white. Some will also use the lightest shade of the color in your printed fabric for the trim.

Paint finish is an important consideration. Matte or flat finishes tend to hide underlying wall imperfections. Glossier finishes reflect light and are easier to clean, but often cause wall imperfections to be more noticeable.

Knowing the dimensions of your room is very helpful. You may want to create an “approximate” drawing of your room on a piece of notebook paper and keep it with you as you shop for paint. Professionals at the store can assist you with the proper quantity of paint from the dimensions you have on your drawing. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Enjoy your makeover project and get ready for those RAVE reviews!

SW Home Decor
SantaFeDecor.com
WesternCowboyHorseDecor.com