Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Select Great Bedroom Colors

This bedroom features a monochromatic color scheme


Selecting a color scheme for a bedroom involves a series of choices, including the existing features, decorating style and the homeowner's personal preferences. In general, bedrooms are considered sanctuaries -- a peaceful space to rest. Restfulness, however, is in the eyes of the beholder. One person's soft blue is a depressing statement to another. A cozy Moroccan boudoir is the height of luxury to one and a dark hole to her partner. A bedroom's colors should be selected according to each person's personality and lifestyle.


Instructions


1. Look at the existing components of the room and consider the colors that match or complement those features. For example, lofts often have exposed brick walls and high ceilings. A soft peach or warm beige works well with the terra-cotta bricks. On the other hand, an attic bedroom may have small windows and a low ceiling. Light colors such as a soft blue or pale yellow combined with white lace curtains gives the bedroom a cozy, vintage feeling.


2. Select a decorating style. Whether you love shabby chic, French country, mid-century modern, Moroccan or contemporary styles, each decor has a color scheme associated with it. For example, shabby chic features white and pastel color schemes.


3. Peruse decorating magazines and websites to find attractive color and decorating schemes. Cut out pictures and take them to the paint store when selecting paint colors.


4. Use an online color sampler such as Valspar's Ideas Library or Sherwin-Williams Color Visualizer. Some websites have an option to upload photographs of the room, allowing you to change the colors of the walls. Look at the color ideas, including dark, cozy colors and light, bright color schemes.


5. Go to the paint store and view the various brochures with suggested color schemes. Select paint chips in the colors that give you a sense of peace. Purchase several paint samples in your favorite colors.


6. Paint the selected color samples on the walls in 1-by-1-foot square sections. Live with them for a few days, viewing how the colors look at different times of the day and night. Once you've selected a color, purchase the paint and paint the room.








7. Select furniture and accessories such as area rugs, lamps and curtains that complement your color choices.

Tags: color scheme, color schemes, colors that, decorating style, paint store, selected color, shabby chic