Choosing the Right Color
The task of choosing the right color for your living space does not have to become an overwhelming challenge. While paint is available in a seemingly endless collection of colors, those colors are easily managed within complimentary groups. Colors are often referred to as warm and cool. Orange, reds, and browns are considered warm colors. Blues, greens, and violets are thought to be cool colors. Knowing the system of color can help you select the right tone for the look and feel you want to achieve.
Paint is the most versatile element of any in a decorating palette. So entertain a lot of ideas, but reserve final decision until after all other major components, such as flooring and fabrics have been settled on. That is to say, remain flexible on your color scheme. After all, the paint color will influence the character of the room for many years to come.
If you are working with a variety of patterns and fabrics, you may select the coordinating wall paint color from the background of your primary print. Use the dominant and more vivid colors for emphasis and saturation throughout the room or neighboring spaces. Also, consider a secondary punch of color dedicated to a single focal wall. A crisp, straight line where the colors meet is essential to pull off this design element.
More often than not, the size of a space, its function, and the available ambient light will play the largest part in your color choice. Most people will choose safe shades of white or an antique for the doors, windows, and woodwork and something neutral for the walls. However, do not dismiss a bold reversal of color against the norm, in choosing medium or bold wall colors and something darker for the trim to achieve very dramatic effects. This works particularly well with the warmer colors. A Dark Chocolate trim framing Pumpkin Toast walls is both inviting and mature.
Consider which paint finish you prefer for your project. Matte and flat finishes are useful to hide minor surface imperfections, while satin and higher gloss finishes will reflect more light. The best way to get a true view of a paint color is to look at it in as many lights as possible. Take the paint chip outside it sunlight. Look at in under incandescent and fluorescent light sources. It is always best to layout, or tape the paint chips to the wall of the room to be painted. As you narrow your palette, consider purchasing small amounts to test-paint various spots in your room for an authentic impression.
Once you have finalized your color selection, call a professional to apply the paint. They do this for a living and they do it every day. Plan to use two coats of paint, even though modern paints are specifically engineered to cover effectively in a single coat. You will notice the difference in depth after a second coat has been applied. A professional painter will not choose your colors for you, but he will give you the results you are after, without the headaches you are trying to avoid – which the average week-end warrior simply cannot achieve.
Most homeowners will choose a contract based solely on price knowing the lowest bid is rarely the best solution. In preparing our proposal, after inspecting your home, McCauley Painting shows the true value of our service, which will save you money over time. The value of surface preparation followed with a sealer primer and two coats of high quality paint cannot be overstated. As to the authenticity of our quote, we do not use inferior products, we never ask for your budget, or what another contractor has bid on the job.