Strong Colors

May 30, 2008 Coloring No Comments

Continuing with our discussion on colors, your selection for other colors depends on how important it is to you that the space looks as large as possible. The stronger the color, the more it seem to advance, making the walls close in and the rooms look smaller, so color needs to be carefully handled. You may decide that some areas(bedrooms and dining rooms, for example) do not need to feel so spacious and might actually benefit from feeling warmer and more enclosed.

Warm colors, like reds, yellows, oranges will increase the warmth even more, while cooler shades, like blues, greens and lilacs will help the walls to appear recede. So, in principle, pale, cool colors are the best space-makers, and deep, warm colors the least effective. However, do not automatically exclude these stronger colors when decorating small spaces. By using flashes of colors, on single walls or in alcoves, or for individual pieces of furniture rather than as a background shape dominating the entire room, you can harness the energy and vitality they add, and use them to bring a neutral room to life.