http://www.care2.com/greenliving/the-power-of-paint-diy-qa%ef%bf%bds.html
The Power of Paint and Color: DIY
Imagine for a moment that you are standing in the paint department of your local home improvement store with paint chips and fabric swatches in hand. While contemplating the overwhelming color selection of eco-paint color choices, you start asking yourself “Do I want the room to feel soothing, energized, sexy, dramatic, calming, appetizing, healing, nature inspired, neutral or just plain white?”
According to a very reputable source (the guy behind the counter at my paint store), DIY interior painting is a cinch, but selecting a paint color can be mind-numbingly difficult. He says, “People get dizzy looking at all the color choices.”
Why do it yourself?
• It’s cheap.
• It’s easy to do.
• It’s easy to green.
• It’s a mood elevator.
• It’s satisfying to do it yourself.
• It’s a quick decorating solution.
What is the power of color?
Think of paint as color therapy for your home. Paint is the key element that can be used to revitalize a room. The color you choose can have therapeutic effects. The psychology behind choosing a paint color is well documented here in this Care2 article. Color impacts mood, appetite and energy level. Certain colors elicit specific and strong responses.
How to choose a color scheme?
The Paint Quality Institute suggests you choose a “warm or cool” color scheme to enhance the mood of your home.
Which are warm colors?
Colors in the red, orange and yellow families are referred to as “warm” colors since they evoke images associated with heat, like fire or sunshine. As a result they make us feel warm in a psychological sense.
Which are cool colors?
Blues, greens, violets and their intermediates are considered cool colors because of their references to pastoral landscapes and ocean vistas. When we look at these colors they elicit feelings of peace, tranquility and relaxation.
What’s new about the color green for interiors?
Green may just become the newest “neutral” color. It’s used as a subtle backdrop to reflect an enhanced eco-consciousness and green represents the growing environmental movement. Mid-tone hues of fern, palm, pine and sage on their own, or coupled with clear blue or aqua create a living space that conjures up a sense of outdoor-friendly living. Sandy tans and warm browns are intermingled to complete that earthy and eco-friendly feel.
I am inspired by nature. How can I capture my love of nature in paint colors?
Got an iPhone? Get a free color app. Just snap a picture and you can instantly match it to one of the more than 3,300 hues in the color system app. Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams provide coordinating color palettes for your inspiration. If you don’t have an iPhone, you can take a cue from these apps and bring a photo with you when you choose colors.
Which are good Eco-Friendly paints?
Eco-Friendly paints come in every color of the rainbow. Here’s an article from Dwell magazine that reviews and compares some eco-friendly paints. We recently used Benjamin Moore’s Natura and got great coverage. Also, I can’t say enough good things about the product American Clay for your walls. Read about it here.
How much paint should I buy?
Here’s a handy paint calculator to help you determine how much paint you’ll need to cover your space. With DIY projects like painting a room, you’ll want to get it right the first time. Most paint companies provide coverage estimates on the paint can label.
Need more inspiration?
Check out this New York Times article, Casa de los Colores for some fun and extreme home color combos.
As for so many DIY projects for your home, know your color choices and “Measure twice, Paint once.”
More from Ronnie Citron-Fink (117 articles available)
related stories
-
(5 comments)
-
(1 comment)
-
(3 comments)
Robyn
Melissa
Deepak
Eric
Dave
Dr. Brent
Isha
Susan
Delia
Michelle
Wendy
Megan
Hilary
Ann
Judi
Ronnie
Kelly
Lily
Terri
Betsy
Cait
Andrew
Jana
Annie B.
Veronica
16 comments
add your comment »thanks for the great advices!
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
good story!
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Thanks for the info. =)
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
People spend a lot of time being indecisive about color because they are talking themselves into what they are "supposed to" do. Many of my clients will say, "I guess I have to pick cool colors because they're supposed to be calming." Not if you don't care for cool colors. I often will pull out a fan deck, spread it out, and ask the client to show me which area he/she is drawn to. Bingo. We have a starting point. People know what they like. It's that little voice in our head that argues with it. Once you get to that point, you can figure it out in no time at all. If it seems daunting, then work with a professional. Typically, consultations are less than 2 hours for an entire home. One room takes just a few minutes. It's unfortunate living in colors you don't like. It's why most people leave their houses white or beige.The right colors for you make you feel so good. That's what design should be all about.
Mary-Frances Cimo
Color Designer
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
That's interesting, but most people don't have time to do it.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
My kitchen went from a non-descript white to a warm, sensual coral color. Everyone who sits at the table against the wall looks healthy and vital w/this color as a backdrop. When you walk into the kitchen, you immediately feel revitalized. It's where everyone loves to hang out. Very inviting...
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Color is very personal and people have emotional responses to it. The myth is that certain colors make people feel a certain way. You have a personalized reaction to color whether it be in your DNA or conditioning. Warm colors calm some people, while cool colors calm others. The key is finding the colors that feel good to you. Experiment and feel the colors rather than analyzing them with your mind. You'll find your colors in no time.
Mary-Frances Cimo
Color Designer
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
my entrance is violet and orange, very intensive colors, and it looks so great, I love it so much and feel so well...............
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
I love deep colours for my rooms, I actually love the colour red for rooms
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
i just cant find a color that i would like for my kitchen
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Facebook account: