Description: Tips for choosing complementary paint colors for your home decorating projects.

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Don’t let your fear of color keep you from having a beautiful home! Painting and Color Selection are the most important elements of a successful decorating project. I am always somewhat surprised when I walk into a home full of beautiful furnishings and see cold stark white walls! White does not go with everything. In fact, white can detract from your wall decor and quite simply looks cold and sterile. Don’t get me wrong, a white on white theme is gorgeous but most people don’t have all white furnishings! Many of my clients have exquisite taste but are terrified of making the wrong color selection when it comes to paint. I have often wondered why...

Have you ever heard of a color phobia? It DOES exist, honest! The medical term is Chromophobia or Chromatophobia. The definition states ~ an abnormal fear of color or colors. Obviously this is felt on your subconscious level and you are completely unaware of it. I have often thought that some of my clients where just “color challenged.” Now I suspect a few may actually have this strange phobia. Of course it stems from childhood. Apparently there is a reason why we are drawn to specific colors while disliking others. We associate favorite colors with happy memories and you can guess the rest. I say, ”who cares! Just pick a color you like! ”It doesn't cost a penny because they mix color pigment in the paint for FREE!

If you struggle with selecting a palette here are a few quick and simple tips...For different colors within an open floor plan you will want to.

Select colors within the same light value. Same position on the color palette. Example, Benjamin Moore colors end in the numbers 10-20-30-40-50-60-70. Choosing all your colors from 30 spot will give you the same intensity no matter how many different colors you select.

Paint color to inside or outside corners. Never try to create a break in the wall that does not exist architecturally. This is especially important in creating a proper flow within your home. Consider using a accent color for a large wall that involves more than one room.

Determine a transition area when using bold color. This could be one wall which is painted a neutral color for the eye to rest. (Remember light values).

For a no-fail monochromatic scheme, select colors two or three shades away from each other on the palette.

ALL cream and tan colors have a distinct undertone. Look very carefully at the darkest color on the palette. This is how you will determine the undertone of EVERY color! If the darkest color is green, your selection will definitely have a green cast.

ALWAYS bring home a color sample and view it in the room that will be painted! The color will not appear the same under the fluorescent lights in the store as it does in your home.

If you discover that you have made a mistake in your selection, take the paint back! Ask that they tone it down. This can be accomplished by adding more pigment. The professionals that mix paint should be able to make a suggestion. Don't be embarrassed, this happens frequently.

If your color is too dark, you can mix in white paint yourself. Be certain you use the same sheen (flat with flat, satin with satin).

I hope this information is helpful as you begin your next painting project. Good Luck and Happy Painting!

Julie Rieman is an accomplished instructor in the arts faux painting and interior redesign. She offers two and four day classroom or online interior redesign training. If you live in the Twin Cities area, you can invite Julie into your home for a personalized consultation.

For more information about any of her decorating services and training opportunities please visit: http://www.allaboutredesign.com, http://www.allaboutwalls.com

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