Using Color to Achieve Special Effects
Using the right color can help you achieve
the impossible by making objects seem smaller, larger, longer, wider,
taller, or even more intimate than they really are.
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| A large house can seem less imposing when painted a darker shade, while a small house stands out when painted a light color. |
One of the most exciting things about paint color is that you can use it to visually alter the size, shape and style of your home, not to mention the temperature and mood of the rooms inside. For these reasons, color is regarded as one of the most versatile home decorating tools.
By painting the exterior of your home in a light, bright color such as yellow, you can make it look larger than its actual size and stand out from its surroundings. Conversely, you can use dark paint to bring a sense of proportion to a large home on a small lot. These same optical effects can be used with good results inside the home as well.
For
example, light-colored interior wall paint can make a room appear larger,
while dark shades will make a room feel smaller and more intimate. If
ceilings are too low, you can visually raise them by painting the ceiling
a lighter color than the walls. If ceilings seem too high, lower them
by applying a darker color on the ceiling.
If you want to visually lengthen a square room, try painting one wall
a contrasting color. To widen a long, narrow room, apply a deep color
to the two end walls and a lighter color to the other walls.
Certain interior colors will make a room feel warmer or cooler than its true temperature. Reds, oranges, and yellows add warmth and coziness, while greens and blues make a room seem cooler.
When applied to the exterior, a light color can actually lower the interior temperature and help you save on costly air conditioning. If you live in a warm climate or coastal area, consider painting your home’s exterior in a white or light pastel color. If you live in a cold climate, the opposite may be true. A dark-colored paint will absorb the heat of the sun and help raise a home’s temperature, perhaps helping to reduce winter heating bills. However, no paint color can help moderate building temperature without proper insulation.
