What Color Should You Paint Your Walls

Bold colors are back, according to Anne Krueger, editor of the HGTV.com decorating newsletter. Krueger discusses color trends in her article, "The Color of Things to Come." Red and orange will continue to be popular, she says, and the popularity of brown is growing.

Other bold colors -- cardinal red, carrot orange, egg yolk yellow, Lava lamp green -- are also popular. Bold colors like these are in now, but they could be out in a few months. This brings you back to neutral colors and so-called "builder's white."

Though builder's white sounds sounds boring it can be a wise color choice. Home owners who are worried about falling prices are playing it safe and choosing builder's white and neutrals. Choosing the right color for your walls is tricky business. These questions will help you make the final choice.

WHY AM I PAINTING MY WALLS? You may be refreshing a room, updating a room, unifying odd spaces, or getting ready to move. The color you choose depends on the reason behind the job.

HOW DO I WANT TO FEEL? Color expert Sherry Payne (Sherry Payne Interiors, Pasadena, CA) tells clients to consider the psychology of color before they buy paint. She asks them to make a list of adjectives that describe how they want to feel, such as calm and relaxed. List words that describe how you want to feel when the job is done.

SHOULD I GO NEUTRAL? Neutral colors fit all styles. Painting walls a neutral color -- cream, tan, taupe, and others -- will make your furnishings stand out. You can always "color block" an area to spotlight a specific piece of furniture or area.

AM I INFLUENCED BY NAME? Manufacturers name their paint colors to make you buy their products. Brown paint may be called Decadent Chocolate. Take away the name, however, and you may have plain brown paint. Don't let the name influence your purchase.

DOES IT PASS THE DAY AND NIGHT TEST? Colors that looked great during the day may look awful at night. That's why it's a good idea to make a cardboard sample. Apply this color to wood or cardboard. Lean the sample board against the wall and leave it there for a week. Determine if you still like the color.

AM I WITHIN BUDGET? Cheap paint covers like cheap paint, so buy the best you can afford. Remember, brushes, paint trays, and drop cloths add to the price of the job. Check the store's mistake bin for bargains. You may find a can of paint that you can dilute or tint.

HOW LONG WILL I BE HERE? It is easier to paint over neutrals than in-your-face colors. Choose neutral colors if you are planning to move soon. These neutral colors will serve as primer for the next owner.

What color should you paint your walls? Only you can decide. The color you choose should make you feel satisfied and happy.

Copyright 2007 by Harriet Hodgson

http://www.harriethodgson.com

Harriet Hodgson has been a freelance nonfiction writer for 28 years. She is a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists and the Association for Death Education and Counseling. Her 24th book, "Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief," written with Lois Krahn, MD, is available from http://www.amazon.com . A five-star review of the book is posted on Amazon. You will find other reviews on the American Hospice Foundation Web site (School Corner heading) and the Health Ministries Association Web site.

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