Posted: June 2009

Choosing paint colors for an entire home remodeling project, or even just one room, can be a daunting and overwhelming task. The HomeSavvi Team took some time out to sit down with Faith Sheridan from Seattle-based Faith Sheridan Interior Design to get her input on Color 101, and help you prepare your thoughts before speaking with your remodeling professional.
  
HomeSavvi: Hello Faith! So what is the first thing you would recommend to homeowners when it comes to choosing color for their home?

Faith: In addition to being ready to tackle a painting project (obviously), the first thing a homeowner needs is inspiration, a color that appeals or is inviting to them. I call it the basic driver – it could be as simple as the color of a pillow, a curtain or a painting. It can also be as general as a color they enjoy wearing.

HomeSavvi: Does the space itself actually matter in the choice of a paint color?

Faith: Yes, definitely. The next step is to think about the room in question, and define the scope of the painting project a bit more. You need to determine what the room you are painting is mainly used for. Is it a room with multiple purposes with lots of wear-and-tear, or is it completely isolated and seldom used? If it is attached to another room in the house, that other room needs to be considered in the equation as well because they need to blend together as part of the home’s architectural design. The color you choose will also dictate the mood and feeling you want to capture in the space to be painted.

HomeSavvi: Does natural light play a significant part in the assessment of a home painting project?

Faith: Light is a very important consideration because light changes color once it is on the walls. Before selecting a color, you need to determine the amount of natural light that comes into the room throughout the day, morning, noon and evening, as well as the direction the room is facing (East-West exposure or low-level North light). You need to also assess other light sources present in the room, such as ceiling lights, free-standing and table lamps.

HomeSavvi: How does color really impact the style of a room?

Faith: If you have existing furnishings or accessories, such as rugs, curtains or lamps, whatever you know will remain in the room, you need to determine how the colors of these items relate to the driving color you have selected. In that context, you will determine if the look of your space is more modern bold, transitional / neutral, or traditional classic.