How Lighting affects the Colors in your Home.
Lighting is complicated…
Do the colors in your home make you happy? Are you wanting something new and fresh? There is a misconception that to select a paint color all you need to do is go pick one off a giant wall of colors, how hard can it be? Well as a color expert for 20 years selecting paint color is an art and there are a lot of things you should know before you go the store to buy or even pick a swatch to test on your walls.
Changing Lights & Colors
Color has personality. Sometimes it’s bright and cheerful; other times, it’s dull and uninspiring. The same color can appear very different when used in multiple homes. What looks one way in a paint store might translate completely differently in your home. Light plays a significant role in this, enhancing or diminishing a color depending on the time of day.
Sunlight's Significant Impact
Natural light from the West or South can add yellow or orange to the color you are considering and light from the East or North can add blue or gray. Understanding when and where the light will be coming from is crucial to make sure the wall color remains consistent throughout the day. You may also want to prepare yourself for the journey that color takes during the day, and that’s okay too.
Choosing a paint color from the sea of choices on the paint chip wall can be overwhelming! Here’s how to pick paint chips like a pro! Blue Opus Interiors. Castle Rock, Colorado
Effects of Artificial Light
You can have the best space in the world but if it's not lit correctly you will find that space to feel off. Sometimes the wrong type and color temperature of the bulb can transform a space from cozy to dealership-like in seconds. My favorite bulbs are dimmable and will have a 2700-3000K for your home, make sure to keep all the bulbs in your home the same color temperature. Again, dimmable will be your best friend, just don't buy the cheap LED ones they won't dim well. Maybe skip the big box brands and ask your designer to source the bulbs for you.
Stress-Saving Swatches
Always test your colors before you invest in the gallons of paint. Make sure to check out my videos where I explain how to test and try each color to give you the best results with the least wasted paint, time and money. If you have spent more than the price of a gallon on samples that's when it's time to bring in the expert. Never try more than 3 colors at a time for each space and don't compare them next to each other on the wall.
We’ve talked a lot lately about choosing paint colors. The best way to test out a few colors BEFORE you paint? Make your own “mini-wall”! I’ll show you how. Blue Opus Interiors Castle Rock, Colorado
Your Professional Partner
You might know a musician that has perfect pitch. Well, for color I have a near perfect color memory. I can see how light is affecting the color in any space, virtual or in person. I have been helping my clients with color since 2005. Making sure that in each home the perfect colors are selected. If you're struggling with tile selections, paint or fabrics for your home or office, we can set up a consultation to review what you have and see what other options might be available to pull your space together.
If you would like a designer's eye on the paint colors in your home, I'd love to help. Schedule a call and let's make a plan to turn your space from boring to nurturing!
