Since the range of paint colours is theoretically unlimited, professionals advise to select a colour at the end, after all remaining arrangement elements are chosen.
While selecting a paint colour it’s worth taking into consideration the following.
1. ROOM CHARACTER.
A colour may ‘manipulate’ the size and shape of the room. There is a principle that small interiors should be painted by light paints, which reflect large amounts of light and make an impression of bigger space.
In large premises we can afford to apply more intense colours since they won’t overwhelm us and the room itself will become cosier.
Sometimes the shape of the room requires a ‘correction’. Bearing in mind that the ideal interior must be similar to the shape of square, we can try to achieve this effect by applying relatively darker paint (it will zoom it in) upon the distant walls from the centre, while the others lighter. It can be the same colour of diversified value or two completely different ones.
2. ILLUMINATION.
While selecting a colour we should pay painstaking attention to illumination of the room. The amount of daylight has enormous significance since the very same colour in different illumination looks differently. Another impression will be in artificial light. In rooms whose windows go towards the south and the west, where very warm light is often present, we can use cool paints.
In rooms where there is very little of light and it falls at a big angle, it’s better to apply warm colours. We should be driven by the following principle, the less light the lighter a particular colour should be.
3.DECOR.
We should adjust the colour so that it harmonizes with accessories and furniture. A large number of shades within interiors may contribute to the impression of mess thus it’s better to reduce the number of colours, by taking advantage of their varieties (various shades of the same colour).
It’s worth paying attention so that the furniture is not blurred with the background since the interior will look dull and uninteresting then. We won’t feel comfortable in such a room. The principle is, in the event of dark furniture we should use light paints, and vice-versa.
Such a diversification makes that rooms, bedrooms or living rooms are a great deal more interesting. If colours of the furniture and walls are similar, the interiors can be supplemented by various and colourful accessories.
4. FUNCTION.
While selecting an appropriate colour we are also driven by psychological knowledge. Colours have a significant influence on our feelings. They can clam us down or stimulate, make us cheerful or sad. Hence, depending on whether we choose a colour for our living room, bedroom, dining room or study, we should put other emphasis on the same colours.
Warm colours such as yellow, red, orange always carry a big dose of energy. They stimulate to action, activate and enhance both optimism and appetite. Light blue and green are the colours of peace and harmony.
They contribute to relaxation and calm. Pink and violet are favourable in terms of creativity. Thanks to them we become more creative, feel accepted and secure. Brown is a balance and comfort. In its surroundings we feel calm and relaxed.
5. OWN PREFERENCES.
Colour influence on human being is well-known in psychology, however, each of us is different and sometimes our subjective colour perception departs from generally accepted assumptions. When decorating our house it’s worth listening to our inner voice and trust it. The colour selected in accordance with our feeling, will just make us feel comfortable in our interiors.
