Color, Don't Be Afraid

So many choices... total confusion. Most people look at paint strips, bring home a few dozen and then paint off-white! Why? Is your lifestyle shouting color, but you don't hear it? To help you get started, here are three helpful and easy suggestions.

1) Open your closet, what colors do you see? A green pattern dress, blouse, and sweaters that you wear with your brown skirt and pants? Oh and there are the golden tones in there too. You have just discovered the colors for your new room.

Hang on... we’re headed to the paint store. Your main color is green, but what shade? Ask for help to narrow down the shade of green or take your favorite blouse with you. The paint stores can match almost any item and you can purchase some small samples to test on your wall.

The color you choose will appear light and dark depending on the time of day, natural and artificial lighting in the space. Leave it on the wall a few days to feel comfortable with your decision.

Now that the choice is made, lets paint. The first few swipes with the roller are going to be a shock, but don’t stop, you know this color and love it. As the walls are painted, you will become more secure in your choice and excited about the color.

2) Put the space back together. But what about the browns/golden tones you also wear?

3) Look through your house you will find items with these colors; the chocolate colored throw blanket, the rug with browns, golds and greens, and don’t forget the art work, collections and accessories. All these things can be rearranged to add additional colors to your newly painted space.

Congratulations! Stand back and admire what you just accomplished.... Wow! You did it!

Gayle Barrett has been in the design business for several years. When "flipping houses" staging was part of the selling. It's about setting your house apart from the others, getting that competitive edge.

By Gayle Barrett