Picking the right paint color for your home can be an overwhelming experience, especially for the homeowners who work without any professional help. I am starting a new series on paint colors where I shall be giving tips for selecting the right paint color for homes.

Colors are all around us yet when it comes to picking one for our homes it becomes an exhaustive task in itself. There are so many options to choose from and finally, when it is applied on the walls, it looks either too dark or too light. Sometimes we even feel that it is something we never selected!

It is inconceivable to live without colors. Color is the most powerful element of the design process. Colors can make or break any design. What we need for a successful design is the right mix of the right colors. Visualizing a color palette is like making a delicious dish with just the right proportions and mix of ingredients. 

Here are some tricks and tips which you can follow to pick the right paint color for your homes. So next time you have a paint job at your home, feel more confident after grasping these easy guidelines.

#1. Pick a whole house paint color scheme

Always view space as a whole. Especially if you have an open house plan, where one space leads to another and there is a visual connection between them. Figure out all possible sightlines. The colors of one area must work harmoniously with the next area. They must have some commonality. E.g. We can use gradations of the same color. The rooms or areas should appear to flow from one to another. The transition from one area to another should not appear disjointed or drastically different. This also holds for a layout with separate rooms. The variations should provide a sense of belonging together.

#2. Work with a mood board and base it on an inspiration

Colors in any space are not defined by only the wall colors. Although walls contribute to the major part of your color story, they form the backdrop for other decor items. When we select a color palette we must have a cohesive approach. We can coordinate all the colors together by working on a mood board. This is a very helpful tool to understand beforehand, with the help of swatches, how colors of all the components of interior space will work together. As a starting point, you can draw inspiration from a piece of art, a fine painting, a piece of your favorite fabric, or even flowers. Start with an inspiration and then build your own color story over it.

#3. Consider orientation and lighting to select the paint color

It is fascinating to note how light changes the way colors behave. Check the light entering the space.

A north-facing room gets diffused light with no direct and harsh exposure to the sun. The light here remains uniform throughout the day and has a blue hue in it. The light from the north is cooler and therefore enhances the cool colors ( blue, green, purple). So here we should keep the paint colors on the warm side.

A south-facing room receives more intense sunlight which changes in its character throughout the day. It is preferable to go for colors that are cooler or have cool undertones. As thumb-rule warm colors are more suitable for north and cool colors would complement the south orientation.

In rooms with eastern or western exposure, the light quality changes throughout the day. Paint color choice would depend on the part of the day the room is to be used. Neutrals are a good choice for such rooms. Also in rooms with mixed exposures like north-east, south-west, etc. we need to have a  combined approach.

Another important consideration is the interior lighting i.e. the artificial lighting. Again a warm light would make a paint color appear warmer whereas a cool light would make it appear cooler. So choose colors accordingly. A daylight fixture is fairly neutral and illuminates the colors without changing their character considerably. But at times we do need warm lights to create a more cozy and intimate ambiance. There keep your wall paint colors on the cooler side.

#4. Follow the 60: 30: 10 rule

As a rule of thumb, the dominant color in any interior space is kept to about 60%. The secondary color is generally kept to about 30% and the accent color is about 10% of the total scheme. This is a broad thumb rule that you can follow to get a well-composed theme. This keeps the colors in a pleasing proportion.

#5. Use the color wheel to select the paint color

The color wheel is a time tested tool used by designers. There are a set of primary colors, secondary colors, and tertiary colors. It is a useful tool to understand the basics of color theory. There are a set of warm colors and another of cool colors. It gives us an understanding of how colors relate to one another and how to pair them effectively. Colors do not work in isolation and are very interactive by nature. How they appear with one color is completely different from another one. We have some standard color schemes that we can follow –

Complementary color scheme – These are the colors on opposite sides of a color wheel. As the name suggests they complement each other and enhance each other. There is high color contrast being at two opposite ends.

Analogous color scheme – These are the neighbors on a color wheel. They help create a more subtle color scheme since the shift in colors is not so jarring.

Split complementary color scheme –  These include the base color and two opposite colors next to its complementary color. Again it gives a strong visual contrast.

Triad color scheme – These are the colors that are evenly spaced on a color wheel.

Monochromatic color scheme – These include all the shades, tints, and tones of a single color.

#6. Detect the undertones in paint color

Paint colors have undertones i.e. colors that are behind the scene. You must have observed some greys appear green while others appear purple or blueish. This is due to the small doses of underlying colors sneaking out from behind. Few ways to detect the undertone are :

Compare the color with its true or pure color.

Set it on a white background to compare it with true white.

Look at the bottom-most darkest color on the paint swatch strip, which gives a clue to the color undertone.

Compare the color with a complementary color.

#7. Go for test sampling of the paint color

Get the selected paint color sampled at the site. A 2′ x 2′ sample is good enough to give you an idea of the shade you have selected. Also, sampling should be done on walls with different light conditions.

Another important point to note is that within a room a color appears different as per its placement i.e. vertical or horizontal. Even on two adjacent walls, the same color looks different. It looks different on the ceiling. So it all depends on how much light is falling on each surface. Before finalizing a color always check the test sample at the site on all possible surfaces. You get to know how color behaves in changing light conditions of the room.

#8. Pick the right finish or sheen of the paint color

It is very important to select the right paint finish for various applications. An inappropriate paint finish can ruin the look of your interiors. Also, the paint finishes we select would depend on the area and purpose of their application.

As a thumb rule, we use:

Matt finish for the ceilings to hide any imperfections. Flat or matt paints absorb light and hence hide all the undulations and imperfections. They are difficult to clean though.

Satin finish has a medium sheen and is slightly more reflective. It is easier to clean and more durable. This finish is a good option for walls of moderate to high traffic areas. 

Semi-gloss for high traffic areas and humid areas like kitchen cabinets, bathrooms, and utility areas. We can go for semi-gloss for accent walls that make a statement or are the focal points, kids’ rooms, etc. Easy to clean, durable but shows imperfections.

High Gloss is to be used cautiously as it reflects a lot of light and reveals it all. It is a good option for glossy tabletops and some exterior applications.

#9. Keep that wood color in mind

Always coordinate your scheme with the wood color of your interiors. Wood by its inherent nature is warm. The undertones of wood generally range from yellow, orange, red to brown. Wood must be considered as a color in the interiors. Now, we need to decide whether we want to accentuate the wood or blend and merge it with the interiors. Your choice of wall colors will make all the difference.

contrast with color

Warm colors would blend the wood, being neighbors on the color wheel. At the same time, they play up and bring out the warm tones of the wood.

Cool colors on the other hand would accentuate the wood, being opposites or complimentary on the color wheel. They also balance the warmth of the wood.

Neutrals like white, beige, and cream complement the wood tones. They work as neutralizers and work well with all the tones of wood. The space looks light and modern. We can always add color through accessories and accents. But we have those hidden undertones in the neutrals as well. So we have to be careful before choosing a neutral.  

Cooler colors and undertones are preferred for pairing with wood tones since warm colors may play up the warmth a bit too much. The human brain always responds much better to a balanced environment. Even while choosing the warm colors being on the lighter side helps keep things in check. Stick to the top 2 shades on the paint card. This keeps the space light, fresh, and bright.

Natural, organic, and muted shades of blue and green work well with most wood colors. Very bright and warm colors are difficult to handle.

contrast with intensity

Also, to blend a dark wood tone and keep it subtle, go for a dark wall color. But ensure there is sufficient light in the space. To blend a lighter wood tone go for the lighter wall color. Here we need to keep the color intensity as equal. To accentuate a dark wood tone we use high contrast and therefore need a lighter wall color. Whereas to accentuate a lighter wood tone we need a darker wall color. We should aim at keeping the difference in the color intensity to about 3 times for the wood to stand out.

#10. Examine the paint color psychology

The color choices we make greatly depend on the style we are portraying and also the mood we are trying to create. Also, there are choices of colors as per Vastu shastra.

a. Pick paint color as per the style

Every style that we follow in interiors has some color palettes that suit and befit it more than any other. Therefore when selecting a color keep in mind the style that you are projecting. E.g. a minimalistic or contemporary style would feature more of greys, whites, and blacks. Whereas a traditional style would get enhanced with a warmer color palette like beiges, creams, oranges.

b. Pick paint color as per the mood

Color psychology is a science in itself. Each color evokes a particular mood or emotion. Certain colors are more calming like blues and greens while others are more energetic and stimulating like reds and yellows. So choose colors as per the activity or mood required for a particular area.

c. Pick paint color as per Vastu shastra

The ancient Hindu science of Vastu Shastra recommends certain colors that are more suitable for a particular direction. If you believe in Vastu shastra then you can follow these recommendations as well. I have written a post on Vastu shastra. Please click here to read the full article.

I have shared in this post some easy to follow, broad guidelines for color selection. These are like a few jumping-off points to assist you to develop a color scheme on your own. As we go along I shall be posting more to elaborate on each point. But ultimately you have to follow your gut feeling and select what you love. So go ahead and enjoy the process of color selection and come up with a spectacular one!

If you enjoyed reading, please share this post with your friends and do share your thoughts in the comments section below. I would love to get your feedback!

happy painting!

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If done properly, decorating with mirrors is definitely one of those magic tools which designers use to create captivating and charming spaces. Let us explore some spaces and try to figure out how.

mirrors do not lie!  

There is this popular saying – mirrors don’t lie. But it doesn’t hold ground in the world of interior design. On the contrary, mirrors are the biggest tricksters in this sphere of deception. If used at right place, they create an illusion of space and a sense of openness. They possess this reflective quality which bounces light around, increasing the brightness quotient of a space. Mirrors instantly uplift a space and take it to a domain that feels more airy and light. Mirrors can help add depth and dimension to monotonous spaces. They reflect the colors, art, textures in a space.They add a hint of glamour to an otherwise bland and dull space and do much more.

The dark gray color palette of this living room is sufficiently balanced by the ample natural light from a sizable window. The light and view is further enhanced by the elongated mirror on the wall.

Mirrors like other elements can play a vital role in establishing the style of a space with their profile and style. And they do so without adding much visual weight. They can range from very detailed, traditional and intricate, as in picture above or very sleek and contemporary.

The black lines in this space form a sophisticated, graphical look. The round edges of the mirror offsets and softens the straight rectilinear forms.

Mirrors form showy backdrops for artifacts and accessories. Enhancing the rich artistic flavor by reflecting those beautiful forms, textures and colors.

Mirrors enhance this layered vignettes.

Mirrors are fitting elements to juxtapose on expanses of patterns, textures and colors on walls to take the edge off them. Here a mirror with intricate frame holds back a venation of the stone.

A deep color and mirror playing together give a more restrained accent wall.

Decorating with mirrors is a great way to define a focal point in any space. In this living room the eye is automatically drawn to the mantle wall even though its in a neutral white.

Another intrinsic characteristic of mirror is that it contrasts well with most of the other materials. It has a very machine made, reflective, polished feel to it. See how it adds a contrast to the hand laid, earthen feel of the exposed brick wall and uplifts it to another level. The warm tones of the frame bridge the two elements.

Mirrors are perfect additions for blank spaces like entryways, hallways, corridors. Spaces which are otherwise left out or ignored while designing the whole house. They can be beautifully composed with a console or credenza, planters, seating etc.

An example of a well composed seating in a connecting corridor here.

Mirrors add the hint of glamour and drama to a space making it luxe. The dark and moody bathroom gets the right dose of sophistication by this back lit framed mirror.

Mirrors expand a space visually by dissolving those boundaries and creating an illusion of space.

Mirrors can look beautiful in outdoor or semi-outdoor spaces. They reflect the plants and other outdoor feature from various angles and merge so well with the landscape. if you want to know more about how to style with plants in interiors, click here.

A mirror gallery wall is another great way to add these jewels into interiors. Mixing frames of different styles, colors or having all the frames in same color and style, either way they add so much interest and character to any space. They are especially appealing on a dark, moody background.

Mirrors form a nice artwork on this wall with frames of similar shapes and forms. Abstract forms create interest in the whole composition.

Mirror finish furniture is another way to add some sparkle and glitz to the interiors. But restrict to one or two pieces only.

There are many ways of decorating with mirrors – as an accessory or a piece of wall art or as a finish on walls, shutters, ceilings etc. But be mindful of the multiple reflections they can create, if not implemented properly, which is not easy on our eyes. Also be watchful of the views mirrors would reflect from their installed position. Our intention is not to magnify something unpleasant or unsightly. Full height cladding of mirror can sometimes look like a salon, which is not desirable. It instantly reminds me of the last fight scene between Lee and Han in classic movie – Enter the dragon.

Hope these tips serve a helpful guide in including these show stoppers in your spaces.

Happy Decorating with mirrors!

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WHY  YELLOW?

Many people shy away from this bold sunshine yellow color but if incorporated thoughtfully it can bring so much cheer and vibrancy to a lackluster space. There is always an option of those mellower shades of yellow which are soothing and relaxing for those who don’t prefer bold colors. But this zingy hue is so much more fun to have around us in its more saturated and brighter appearance. It has this inherent ability to spread joy, energy and brightness. With this color around us it always feels like having some sunshine around.

Sun is the ultimate representation of this color. Sunshine yellow signifies energy, optimism, vitality, self confidence. Lemons, mangoes, sunflowers,straw, honey,saffron,turmeric – all connote the variations of this hue in nature. A little sunshine brightens and enlivens darkest of corners. It adds that dash of cheerfulness and optimism, brightening up our interiors.

Yellow is the color of rejuvenation and renewal. Turmeric is of great significance in Ayurveda and Hindu traditions and rituals. The golden spice possesses healing and purifying properties. Its used as an offering in worship rituals.

Brighter and bolder versions, of course, are the best to add that zing and pop of color.The hue ranges from being very pale and mellow to lemony and bright and saturated to a more muted mustard and ochre. It works well with any color and style. Works effortlessly with cool colors (green, blue,purple) or warm colors (orange) or neutrals (white, gray).

The lemony hue refreshes and uplifts our moods like no other color. Having a little goes a long way. There are so many ways to incorporate it into our insipid spaces. Sunshine yellow so warm and inviting, best suitable for social, engaging spaces.

Bold and bright yellow has this attitude and confidence to stand on its own alone and grab all the attention.

Art is the most beautiful form of expressing a color in your decor. What else can one ask for when art itself is the focal point and draws the eye in a space. Yellow, teal and burnt orange form a primary color scheme here.

This statement piece of furniture looks so inviting and warm in this otherwise neutral space. Lots of white and natural light freshen up the look. The yellow picks off the honey toned wood in the room.

What about a reading nook to curl on, in this zingy color. This yellow with green undertones is enhancing the sunlight entering in this room. It contrasts well with the black of console, lamp and art.

A clever way to add any bold color, without committing too much, is to play with accessories.We can always swap them later with another color of our choice.

The ocher shade of this accent chair adds the right amount of warmth and sophistication to the grayed background of this space. It adds warmth to the stark white and moody gray color palette.

Doesn’t this vase full of flowers feel like a lit up lamp. Its adding that much needed dash of sparkle and organic feel to this neutral palette .

Yellow is a natural choice for kitchens. It warms up not just traditional but contemporary kitchens as well. The accent wall adds the warm and whimsical color to the neutral color palette. Black stools and floating white shelves contrast well against this bright sunshine hue.

Gray always gets a new lease of life on pairing with yellow. The cool color is nicely balanced by the warm yellow hue in this contemporary bedroom.

For those who prefer paler mellower yellows. This is almost like a soft neutral. Paler versions work well in traditional spaces. Its a soothing and serene palette to relax in a bedroom.

Cheery yellow is an apt choice for kids’ spaces as its gender neutral and also so invigorating for the little ones. Colors always help stimulate their creative abilities.

Notice how yellow is making the frames of these pictures pop on these soft pink walls. Pink and yellow are like natural allies. They always work well together.

Yellow and blue is a classic color combination which can never go wrong. Its is especially appealing when combined with sophisticated navy. It gives the much needed maturity to the vibrant yellow.

Yellow is a nice color choice for exteriors as well. The earthen tone of yellow blends well with the surroundings and is so warm and inviting. Stark white window surrounds provide the contrast. This Spanish style of architecture combines red clay roof tiles, ocher paint finish, wrought iron railings and white bands in an appealing and pleasing manner.

Hope this inspires you to consider this cozy, vibrant and versatile hue in your deco

Happy decorating with sunshine yellow!

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`Pantone’ as every year announced the color of the year 2020- Classic Blue 19-4052. Now for those of you who don’t know about Pantone. Well its the standardized color matching system and is hence a standard language of color communication for designers, manufacturers, retailers etc. The company announces annual color to forecast the color trends after understanding how societal changes influence our color selection. To know more about Pantone click here.

Now coming to the color, Pantone Classic blue 19-4052.

As the name suggests, it is a very traditional, deep, fairly saturated blue hue. It has no undertones. The LRV (Light reflective value) is very low.

The hue can be said to be very close to cobalt blue and royal blue. Its definitely not close to navy which is darker in shade and not Indigo either which has very strong purple undertones. It can be easily confused with all its sibling hues though.

The depth of this blue is relatable to the sky at dusk. Time when the skies are preparing to retire into the deep dark night. We look forward to the restful, peaceful time ahead. We are visually more connected and aligned to the restful, cooling celestial bodies above.

All of us are so accustomed to the color blue. It is everywhere around us in abundance. Mother earth is also known as the blue planet. Its the color of nurturing, refreshing waters and expansive, limitless skies. But there is another side of blue which is icy, cold and gloomy. Remember blue color is related to poison as well. Lord Neelkantha is another name of Lord Shiva. As per Hindu mythology, he drank the poison that came out of churning of the ocean. As a result his neck turned blue but he saved the mankind. I would not recommend overdose of blue.

Shiva, The Lord with Blue Neck – Neelkantha.

This particular hue is not evoking those sentiments though. A very grounded and stable color of the spectrum. It is timeless and gender neutral. The hue has something deep and mystical about it. But its not moody or exotic. Its quite relatable and livable.

Most of my clients have preferred blue color over others and are most comfortable or agreeable over it. It is one color where there is least amount of difference of opinion. Most people like the entire spectrum of blue. It almost feels as a neutral. I have always enjoyed working with this palette . Almost every other color works out well with it effortlessly. So the color blue gives no design blues!

Coming back to Classic Blue, I feel it is quite versatile. On one hand it reminds me of the pair of jeans paired with a crisp linen shirt. Its casual and relaxed.

On other hand it reminds of my school uniform or any uniform in general. So it is also a very formal or corporate color. Most of the logos you see around you are blue- facebook, amazon, even wordpress. So its a very business like, official color for me.

The hue strongly reminds me of the ethnic `Ikat’ patterns. The deep traditional patterns which use a lot of blue. I like the wallpapers or fabrics in these patterns. They have a very blurry, earthen, traditional feel to them.Talking about patterns it also reminds of chinoiserie – vivid blue patterns on ceramics. Blue subway backsplash is another thing i can instantly visualize on seeing the color. Also a faded oriental rug with touches of complementary burnt orange.

Chinoiserie

There are innumerable ways to add this hue to your decor. The color is visually heavy, a little dose would be enough to render a space. Add it as an accent against a neutral background. Or If you are bold enough then treat it as a neutral and make another color pop against the backdrop.

A few pictures where the hue has been used in different manners and proportions are shown below. If you don’t want to commit too much to the color just go ahead and add a few throw pillows, a rug, shades,accessories…

or just go ahead and add an accent – a door, a sofa or kitchen cabinets…

or a painting, wallpaper, rug…

If you really like the hue maybe then take a plunge and go all out…

How much and where you want to commit to the color is totally your choice.Go ahead and add it to your decor and share a pic maybe. Hope this post inspires you to do so.

HAPPY DECORATING!

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