Paints come in every color and shade imaginable. All homeowner are daunted by the same questions: what color should I paint my house? How can I choose one when there is so much available? This is why so many people are afraid of choosing new colors for their home and instead opt for the more expensive option of letting an Interior Decorator do the decision making for them.

Did you ever notice how quickly Interior Designers make color decisions (well, truthfully they make all decisions quickly but especially color)? It’s easier to do than you think. The trick is in the mood you are looking to create. Did you know that every color evokes a different feeling within a person?  Color will affect our mood and thoughts, so be careful what you choose. Ask yourself “what mood do I want to create” and proceed from there to select the color which will help you achieve that mood.

Furniture, light, and accessories will also make a large impact on your space but the color of the walls has the greatest, although at times subtle, impact. As a general rule light colors expand a room, providing it with an open and airy feeling. Dark hues are more sophisticated, provide warmth and closeness.

Let’s read up on what different colors mean, or rather bring to mind:

Red is a strong color that makes a strong impression and symbolizes strong feelings. It’s been proven to pump adrenaline, raise blood pressure and speed up heart rate. It’s the wrong color for any room meant to be relaxing, like a den, but is the perfect option for a playroom. If used in a bedroom pick a muted, rich tone for an elegant effect rather than a bright red which will be over stimulating. Always avoid crimson for a primary color as it evokes feelings of rage and disharmony.

To play it safe in a small space accessorize with red such as a lamp or even a bathroom vanity.

Yellow is joy, sunshine, smiles and overall happiness. It’s not a serious color and is wonderful in kitchens, children’s bedrooms and small rooms. It’s expansive, inviting and uplifting.  But do not use yellow for an entire room. Although yellow is a cheerful color too much yellow can make people feel anxious and makes babies cry.  It’s a real attention-grabber so it’s only necessarily to use in small doses. Over doing on yellow causes fatigue due to the high amount of light reflected.

Blue is perhaps the most popular of all colors, especially preferred by men. It conjures feelings of calm, security, order. Research shows that the color blue makes people more productive and is therefore an optimum choice for an office. Interesting enough blue is the least appetizing color for food. If you’re looking to lose weight consider painting your kitchen and dining room blue. For an entire room steer toward lighter shades of blue for a calming effect, darker shades can summon up sadness so refrain from using them as the main scheme.

Green is the most restful color on the color wheel and is suited for almost every room. Green relieves stress, calms tempers, encourages relaxation and provides warmth. It’s a great color all around and has even been found to improve reading ability.

Orange increases energy levels and is fabulous for exercise rooms. It you have active children you may want to stay far away from this color. If you absolutely must use it then do so in small places like this bathroom sink.

White is quite a confusing color. On one hand it bright and creates a sense of space. At the same time white is bland, cold and sterile. The trick with this color is to use it as a base to offset other colors or special items.  look at the all white bathroom above with a stunning freestanding tub and some sharp color block. The effect is fabulous.

White is one of the fundamental neutral colors including all shades of black, gray and brown. Neutral colors are used in every home and are essential. Their value is in their flexibility: add some subtract some and you can completely change the mood of a room. If you are afraid of using color then choose a neutral tone and use furniture, accessories and art to add interest.

Here are some fun pieces which will add color to your neutral decor:

Whats your favorite color? Does it arouse a certain mood within you and would you paint an entire room that color?

If you like this article than read this one on how not to decorate.