10 Steps for Gaining Color Confidence

By Barbara Jacobs
Special to HGTV.com
PHOTO

A powder room or other small space is a great venue for trying out a new color or color technique, such as these decorative palm trees painted by color consultant Barbara Jacobs.
  1. Start small
    If you’re not sure where to begin with color, experiment in a powder room or bathroom, a small hall or area between rooms, or an accent wall. If you are doing your own painting, pick an area that will not require too great a commitment of time, so you can see your results sooner and either be happy with what you did–or change it. Either way, look at it as an adventure. For inspiration, select a favorite color--drawn from artwork, a rug, a piece of china, an accessory or furniture item--as a main color or accent.
  • Listen to the space
    When selecting a color, consider the "mood’ of a room. For example, in a bedroom do you want the feeling to be restful and soothing or dramatic and intimate? Soft, cool colors and neutrals usually create a quieter feeling while stronger colors are for drama.

    Do you want a dining area to feel sociable and stimulating, or cool, formal and quiet? Warmer, contrasting and somewhat brighter colors add to a sociable atmosphere; deeper blue-greens and neutrals will give a more formal ambiance.

    Do you want the children’s areas to create an active and sociable energy, or a feeling that is orderly and restful? Avoid the temptation to overstimulate.

  • Light up your life
    The quality and source of lighting can make all the difference in a room. Natural daylight shows the truest color. Incandescent lighting brings out warm tones and yellows, while fluorescent lighting casts a sharp blue tone overall. A strong color might be too bright and overpowering when used on all walls or next to a large window, but it might be effective when used as an accent wall with indirect light.