Choosing the Best Colors for the Interior of Your Home

When choosing the best colors for the interior of your home you should keep a basic understanding of color in mind as well as your own personal style and character. There are only a few basic tips on painting and choosing colors and then some basic guidelines and information on color that you should know.

The first thing you should keep in mind when choosing colors is that when you paint, the paint usually looks slightly different than what the paint can or paint chip portrayed. It is best to choose your color and then paint with a shade lighter. If you would like a deeper color, simply add layers. Remember the principle of addition: it is always easier to add then it is to take away.

The second item to keep in mind is the color of your ceiling. To maintain a light-filled room, keep the ceiling white or an extremely light shade that complements your walls. The last tip for painting the interior of your home is keeping in mind furniture and atmosphere of the room. The atmosphere of a room is dependent on the activities that are performed there. A family room can generally take a brighter, more fun color than a sophisticated dining room can.

Now it is time to discuss the basics of color therapy. Color therapy is an old idea that color affects our mood and our behavior (as well as sometimes reflecting it). Here are some basic attitudes associated with each color of the rainbow:

• Red is generally considered energetic and sometimes aggressive. In moderate amounts, red can energize and help you overcome small bouts of depression. In excess, red can contribute to irritability and stress.
• Orange also energizes and in moderation can contribute to immune status and resiliency. In excess, orange (like red) can be stressful.
• Yellow is a cheerful color that can contribute to mental and emotional clarity. In excess, yellow can over stimulate the mind and cause exhaustion.
• Green represents moderation and balance and can therefore contribute to those qualities. In excess, green can create pessimistic energy.
• Blue can soothe the mind and often represents serenity. Blue in excess can result in sorrow.
• Purple also represents serenity and in excess can contribute to negative attitudes.

Remember to keep color therapy in mind as well as the basic tips suggested and you will surely be happy with your color choices for the interior of your home.