Painting a room can completely transform its look and feel, making it feel new and lively. However, if you’re new to painting, selecting the right interior paint can be quite daunting due to the wide range of colors, finishes, and brands available. Whether you’re undertaking a major renovation or just sprucing up a single room, the abundance of interior paint choices can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there is valuable advice that can help you navigate through the options, providing tried and tested tips for choosing colors and considering practical aspects, ultimately guiding you toward a successful outcome.
1. Embrace colour psychology
Embracing color psychology is the first essential step, as all the color recommendations are related to this science in some way. Colors have a significant impact on our mood, emotions, and how we perceive space, which are crucial factors to consider. For example, soft blues and greens can create a feeling of tranquility and calmness, making them perfect for bedrooms or bathrooms where relaxation is important. Warm colors like reds, oranges, and yellows are known to stimulate conversation and appetite (often referred to as the ‘hungry colors’), making them ideal for dining and living areas. Neutral tones such as whites, beiges, and greys offer flexibility and can establish a sense of balance and stability, making them suitable for nearly any room.
2. Look to light
When selecting interior paint, it’s essential to consider both natural and artificial light in a space, as they both have a significant impact on how colors are perceived. The changing natural light throughout the day can greatly affect how paint colors appear. For instance, in the morning, warm tones are enhanced by the sunlight, causing cream paint colors to radiate. During midday, subtle colors may appear washed out, while deeper tones such as navy or forest green can become more vibrant and lively.
The perception of colors can be influenced by the direction of natural light. In New Zealand, rooms with north-facing windows receive consistent, soft, and cool light from the sun throughout the day. This type of light is perfect for bringing out warm colors such as soft yellows or creamy whites, which can help balance out its coolness. Different types of artificial lighting, ranging from LED to fluorescent bulbs, also have their own color temperatures, which can either enhance or distort the appearance of paint colors. While it’s relatively easy to swap out and change light bulbs, particularly LED bulbs, it’s still important to be mindful of their impact on colors.
3. Size matters
When selecting a paint color, the size of a room is a crucial factor, particularly if your goal is to create a more spacious or cozy atmosphere. Lighter hues and neutral tones have the ability to reflect more light, giving the impression of larger and more open spaces in small rooms. Conversely, dark and vibrant colors can impart a sense of intimacy and stability to larger rooms, introducing depth and character. In small areas with limited natural light, choosing warm, light colors can replicate the brightness of sunlight, enhancing the room’s attractiveness. Furthermore, introducing an accent wall with a contrasting color in a large room can provide visual interest and depth without overwhelming the space.
4. Be inspired by the outdoors
Kenya offers stunning natural landscapes around our residences, providing great inspiration for our interior design. Depending on the location, this can be a wonderful option for bringing the outdoors inside. For instance, homes in coastal areas can take cues from soft blues, greens, and sandy neutrals, reflecting the sea, sky, and beach to seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor spaces. Conversely, properties surrounded by lush wilderness can integrate deeper greens, browns, and earth tones to mirror the dense foliage and rugged terrain, infusing the home with the tranquility of nature.
In urban homes, using shades of grey alongside bright pops of color can mirror the sophistication and vibrancy of city living. This approach not only boosts the visual attractiveness of your home but also establishes a significant link with the local surroundings.
5. Remember the “fifth wall”
The ceiling, also known as the “fifth wall,” is a crucial element of any room and should not be overlooked. Traditionally, ceilings have been painted in white to bounce light and give the impression of height, which can make rooms appear more spacious and open. However, going beyond white, such as choosing soft pastel shades, can introduce warmth and personality while still maintaining an airy atmosphere. For spaces aiming for a more striking and cozy ambiance, using darker colors or even the same shade as the walls can draw attention upward, creating a sense of closeness and dimension. In homes with tall ceilings or architectural elements like beams, using contrasting colors or finishes can emphasize these unique features.
6. Look at contemporary colour trends
Before making a decision, it’s always beneficial to conduct some research on the current interior color trends to ensure that your space feels contemporary and rejuvenated. Observing color schemes and combinations in new construction projects and remodeling efforts can provide valuable insight. Particularly, high-end residences are often designed by top talent well-versed in the latest local and global design trends. At the very least, it serves as a valuable source of inspiration to help you develop your own distinct ideas.
7. Don’t undervalue durability
Interior paint’s durability should not be underestimated, even though it may not be as affected by weather conditions as exterior paint. It still needs to endure everyday wear, moisture, and sunlight exposure to maintain the color and finish of walls for longer periods without the need for frequent touch-ups or repaints. This is especially crucial in high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways, where the likelihood of scuffs, stains, and moisture damage is greater.Choosing top-notch, long-lasting paints can lead to cost savings in the long run by minimizing the frequency of maintenance and repainting. Additionally, they are typically more manageable to clean and upkeep, particularly those with washable or scrubbable paint surfaces, ultimately saving you both time and money.
8. Find the right finish
The painted surface’s appearance and functionality are significantly impacted by the type of finish, making it an important factor to consider. Matte or flat finishes provide an elegant, non-reflective appearance that is perfect for concealing wall imperfections, making them well-suited for low-traffic areas or ceilings. However, in environments with high humidity, satin or semi-gloss finishes are often preferred for areas prone to high use or moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms, because they are easier to clean and offer better resistance to moisture.Glossy surfaces, despite being highly durable and easy to clean, have a tendency to reflect a significant amount of light, which can accentuate surface flaws. They are commonly employed for trim, doors, and spaces where you want to attract attention.
9. Sample your selections
Before finalizing your decision, it’s important to test paint samples to ensure the color looks right in your specific space, taking into consideration the room’s unique lighting, furniture, and surroundings. It’s crucial to note that paint colors can look very different at different times of the day and can be affected by the room’s orientation, artificial lighting, and reflections from outside. By applying samples directly to the walls and observing them over time, you can avoid any surprises and make sure the color sets the desired mood and complements the space as intended.