A Helpful How-to for Picking The Perfect Paint Color

October, the busiest painting month, is just around the corner and homeowners everywhere are heading out to their local home improvement centers to pick up the proper tools for the task, including paint rollers, primer and painter’s tape. And even though it’s easy to read labels to find the products you need to get the job done, finding the perfect color for the room can be a different story. With endless color possibilities available, it’s easy for any DIYer to feel overwhelmed. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

To help you get started, flip through some home decorating or interior design magazines to find inspiration. Tear out pages that catch your eye and compile them into a book. Or take a stroll through your home and find a few favorite accessories. It might be a throw pillow, a piece of clothing or an antique vase.

Eventually, you’ll start to notice a pattern of your likes and dislikes, making it easier to sort through your ideas to find the perfect paint color.

But don’t choose a color just because you like it. It’s also important to consider what the color says about you. Do you want it to be calming and relaxing? Or do you want it to be energetic and fun?

“Believe it or not, colors can tell a lot about a person’s personality,” says Peggy Van Allen, Pratt & Lambert color specialist. “If you really want to make a statement, bolder hues like reds and golds are the way to go. For a softer appeal, try lavender or beige.”

Here’s what the most common colors say about you:

Red

Red has the greatest emotional impact and is most closely associated with passion, romance and energy. Because it’s also known to stimulate appetite and conversation, this color might be best for the kitchen or dining room.

Orange

Orange, when paired with its complementary color, blue, can have a dramatic effect on a room. It is exuberant and active -- a perfect choice for a playroom.

Brown

Brown is associated with taste and sophistication. It is seen as confident, yet calming. Try it in a family or living room where guests can relax and unwind.

Green

Green is the ideal color for an office space. It’s been said to promote concentration -- perfect for picking up a good book or burning the midnight oil.

Yellow

Use yellow in rooms where little or no natural light has access. If you paint the den or basement walls, it can give the appearance of natural light and brighten up the living space. But when choosing the shade, keep in mind that bolder, deeper yellows can be overpowering.

Blue

Because the bedroom is mostly used for sleeping purposes, you don’t want a color like yellow or red that screams. Instead, stick with a cooler tone like a soft blue or gray that will give your room a calm, relaxing feel.

Neutral

Neutral shades like white, gray and black are best when you want low-intensity. If you already have bright colors or heavy-patterned furniture in the room, neutrals are a great way to make them stand out.

Purple

Purples have a powerful connection with our romantic, sensual and introspective sides. So consider this hue when you’re deciding a color for the bedroom. But use a bluer purple to keep it more restful. Using a redder purple can give it a more energetic feel, which might make it harder to fall asleep.

“Choosing the perfect paint color for a room doesn’t have to be impossible,” says Van Allen. “Just consider what you want the room to say and don’t be afraid to try something new. Pratt & Lambert even offers 2-ounce sample jars of paint so you can try as many new colors as you like. As long as you’re having fun with the painting process, the room is sure to shine.”

For more information, or to locate a Pratt & Lambert retailer, log onto www.prattandlambert.com, or call (800) BUY.PRAT (800.289.7728).

Courtesy of ARAcontent