Knowing how color is commonly used in design projects is another helpful approach to selecting color. The design professionals constantly monitor the latest research on psychological and physiological responses to color to create effective and stimulating design. As you think about your project, consider the following uses of color.
Red
The strongest energy of any color, red is best used in rooms that require interaction, such as dining rooms, where it is thought to stimulate the appetite. Red also adds drama to dens, hallways and powder rooms.
Pink
A pale red, pink is associated with a delicate, feminine look and is used to soften and lighten the look of bathrooms and bedrooms. Pink may be looked upon as elegant, refined and poised.
Orange
Often considered the most social color, orange is also the color of creativity and imagination. It works well in family rooms and dining rooms, as well as bathrooms where its peach tones help complement skin complexions.
Yellow
The color of happiness and optimism, yellow suggests positive, cheerful feelings and can be used to brighten practically any room. Yellow is great for “work rooms” such as kitchens and laundry rooms.
Green
Associated with health and fertility, green is a cool, relaxing color that also connotes a feeling of renewal and growth. It works well in living rooms, dens and bedrooms and is considered a natural, neutral tone.
Blue
Tranquil and meditative, blue is perhaps the most peaceful of all colors, exerting a soothing, calming influence. Great for bedrooms and baths, it's often used with an accent color, as too much blue can create a cold, dreary feeling.
Purple
Traditionally the color of royalty, purple tones evoke a feeling of luxury and nobility. This majestic color works well in bedrooms, living rooms and bathrooms where it can give a sense of lavish opulence.
Brown
An earth tone, brown is the most natural of all colors and helps “ground” any color scheme. Brown is good for living rooms, dens and hallways. It works best with an accent color that will keep it from becoming too monotonous.
White
White is the most neutral of all colors and gets along well with practically any other shade. Elegant and sophisticated, it can be used to open up spaces and as a backdrop for kitchens, baths and any room that requires a crisp, clean, well-designed look.
Black
A dramatic color, black is often used as an accent to embolden other tones. It works well with white to create a classic, timeless motif. You can also use black with jewel tones for a sparkling magical appearance.
Different Types of Paint Finishes
Each paint finish has advantages for different applications:
Flat finish: Whether called flat finish or simply "wall paint," this type of interior paint has a completely matte surface with no shine at all. The surface may have a slightly chalky feel to it. This paint finish is usually used on interior walls and ceilings. It's especially good if you have to camouflage small wall bumps, cracks, or other imperfections that might be highlighted with a finish that has any degree is shininess. While some flat paints are now advertised as washable, it's often more effective to touch up scratches or marks by covering with a bit more paint, so be sure you keep some on hand after you've finished painting.
Flat enamel (matte): Flat enamel is a paint with a durable flat, matte finish, but its chemistry is such that it forms a slight film as it dries. It's an acceptable choice for powder rooms or guest bedrooms, as it holds up to occasional cleaning. Some manufacturers market this as "matte" paint to distinguish it from their flat finish paints.
Eggshell: If you can picture the very low sheen of the shell of an egg, you have an idea of how an eggshell paint finish will appear. With only a slight hint of shine or gloss, it's good for most walls and holds up better to cleaning than a flat finish or flat enamel paint. Eggshell finishes are an extremely popular choice for walls in family homes, as they combine good washability with the ability to hide flaws.
Satin: Satin finish paint has a smooth, velvety look with a bit more gloss. It is most often used for windows, doors, trim, or ceilings, but it can also be used as wall paint. This is particularly suitable for kids' room walls, kitchens, or bathrooms, or in areas that get a lot of traffic. Paint with a satin finish is formulated to hold up to cleaning and light scrubbing.
Semi-gloss: Semi-gloss paint is most often used on doors, trim, and cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms. It is easily cleaned and lays down a nice, subtle shine, without being too glitzy. Take care of pre-paint preparation work, as poorly prepared surfaces can be a bit distracting when highlighted by a semi-gloss surface that reflects light.
Glossy (high-gloss): High-gloss paints have an almost reflective quality, as their shiny finish mimics the look of enamel or plastic. Though not widely used in home interiors, it is becoming more popular for a dramatic look on cabinets, trim, and furniture in very formal and very contemporary settings. This finish will magnify any surface imperfections, so careful prepping and sanding are essential before painting with high-gloss paints.