The Power of Color
The way you decorate your home is a language of its own. It tells the world how you feel about yourself. It’s living art! However, choosing the right colors can be overwhelming. It's often difficult to have the clarity and objectivity needed to make the best decisions. Don’t be discouraged—most people feel this way!
Here are some guidelines to help you make good color decisions. And remember, at Builders Supply, we're always here to offer our professional opinion when you need us.
Tips and Tricks
1. Get a Wish Book
Pictures are worth a thousand words and can really help with your color decisions. Do you prefer traditional or contemporary styling? Choose pictures that inspire you and set the mood you'd like to create in your own home. Pinterest and Houzz are great tools for this!
2. Consider Existing Elements in a Remodel
What are the structural elements in your existing home? Do you have existing hardwood, tile, or countertops to consider? What color is your cabinetry, and what type of hardware is on them?
Key Points for Remodels:
Painting Over Oil or Latex Paint: Scrub a small area with household detergent and warm water, rinse, and dry. Rub the area with an alcohol-soaked cotton ball. If paint comes off, it's latex, and another coat of the same is needed.
Know When to Say When: Often, less is more. Complement, don't compete with existing features like granite countertops.
Mind Your Foundation: For exterior projects, consider the color of your roof, brick, stone, siding, and landscaping.
3. Invest in Your Foundation for New Construction
Start from the outside in and the foundation up. Choose exterior stones, bricks, roofing, and windows first. Inside, prioritize quality for flooring and cabinetry. Cutting corners here can cost you more in the long run.
4. Be Inspired by Your Surroundings
Are you in a historical community? You might need to follow local design guidelines, and there could be grant money available to help.
5. Be Inspired by Nature
Consider the landscape around you. Living near a forest, mountains, lake, or coast can influence your color choices.
6. Highlight Your Favorite Art and Decor
Choose colors that highlight your favorite artwork, rugs, and decor. Use your room or house as a canvas to showcase these items.
7. Consider Fabric
Think about your upholstered furniture, window coverings, pillows, and bedspreads. We are proud suppliers of Greenhouse Fabrics!
8. Consider Lighting
Direct sunlight or its absence affects your color choices. Don't shy away from dark colors in dark rooms—they can create a dramatic look with the right lighting.
9. Ensure Home Flow
Create a color chart to see how your house flows from room to room. Consistency and good transitions are key, especially with open floor plans.
10. Emphasize (or De-Emphasize) Features
Highlight beautiful features like moldings with contrasting colors or higher sheen. Use lower sheen on imperfect drywall to minimize flaws.
11. Personal Color Preference
Look at your wardrobe for color inspiration. The colors you feel good wearing are likely the ones you'll enjoy living with. The least expensive way to transform a structure is through color. Whether it’s a room, house, office, or downtown building, the power of color is phenomenal!
12. Sample Before You Commit
Always test paint colors in the actual space before making a final decision. Paint small swatches on different walls to see how the color looks at various times of the day and under different lighting conditions. This ensures you’ll love the color in every situation.
