When decorating a room, choose the carpet first and the wall color last. Choose your fabrics, and even art, before you decide on a paint color. Paint may be purchased in literally every color of the rainbow, so it is easy to match paint to carpeting or fabric, but not so simple the other way around.
Once you have gathered together carpet, fabric swatches and art, pull out the paint swatch book. Remember that the swatch you love in the book will look darker once it is on the walls. To get the shade you desire, go two or three shades lighter. If you are still uncertain, have a tester made up. It is a good idea to try a swatch in a corner, a bright wall and also a dark wall, so you get a sense of how the color will look in the space. Pay attention to how the light changes over the course of the day. You may need to paint some walls a slightly different hue.
Don’t discount dark colors in your home design. Dark colors in a small room, like a powder room, can be very dramatic. Dark colors might also be a good choice for a bedroom, as most of the time you spend in this room is spent sleeping. Painting in a deep hue will make a space feel more intimate. Remember that cool colors, like blues and greens, recede and warm colors will jump forward. A study, or dining room can be very enveloping when painted in a warm color.
Consider the finish of your paint. Gloss paint reflects the light, and is a wonderful choice for a dining room. This finish also is very dramatic in a small space, like a powder room. Do take a good look at your walls, as gloss paint is very unforgiving. It will show any imperfections.
Don’t forget the fifth wall in the room, the ceiling! Take advantage of warm colors to bring high ceilings down, or cool colors to make low ceilings recede.
Painting may seem like a daunting task, but is one of the easiest, and most cost effective ways of changing or brightening up a space.