paint colors
painted the walls and molding in this living room a deep marine blue, then introduced a complementary color (the gold sofa) and an analogous color (the green chairs and table) for a bold and moody effect.
Valspar’s selections, Lucy Blue, adorns the wall in this elegant living room. Blue hues are my top pick for spaces with rich wood tones if you want the wood to really stand out. Because blue and brown are opposite on the color wheel, each amplifies the other. The contrast is striking, but because Lucy Blue contains a good bit of gray, it doesn’t overpower the beautiful wood tones
Behr’s selections: Voyage on the ceiling,
Aegean Teal From Benjamin Moore
Wall paint (in all bedrooms): Titanium, Benjamin Moore
Cool colors. Some of us associate cool colors with sterile, hospital-like environments, but lighter cool colors can have a calming effect on children. Plus, many of these colors help small spaces seem a little bit more open. Try layering in shades of cream for some softness and contrast, and consider comfortable and cuddly textiles for warmth.
Warm colors. Warm colors inspire happiness, coziness and comfort in most people. They can also make large, open spaces feel more intimate
Pink. Although it’s usually associated with typical girly spaces, pink has a calming feel that can translate to both sexes. Any child can grow out of too much pink quickly, though, so try pairing pink artwork, accessories and textiles with a neutral background.
Purple. Often associated with royalty, purple is ambitious and self-assured. It’s also the color of passion, creativity, wisdom and spirituality. This deep and emotive color is great for inspiring sensitivity and compassion in children
Blue. Having the opposite effect of red, blue decreases feelings of anxiety and aggression and lowers blood pressure and heart rates
Green. This calming, natural color has a soothing impact on a child. Scientists have also found that green may improve a child’s reading speed and comprehension.
Yellow. Most of us associate yellow with feelings of happiness and cheerfulness. Studies also pair this bright and cheery color with motivation; softer yellows can aid concentration, while brighter ones can increase memory. Beware of using too much bright yellow, though. In large doses it may create feelings of agitation and even anger.
Orange. Largely underused, orange is perhaps one of the most misunderstood colors in the paint deck. This warm, friendly and youthful color is actually great for children since it’s said to encourage confidence, extroversion and independence. The social nature of this color also puts children and their friends at ease, inspiring communication and cooperation.
Red. Red has the ability to energize the body and excite the mind, increasing heart and breathing rates. However, some research suggests that too much exposure to red encourages aggressive behavior and an inability to focus. The bottom line: Red is great as an accent,
Accessible Beige, Sherwin-Williams
Benjamin Moore’s White Water
“Several Circles” painting by Wassily Kandinsky. From the collection of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Farrow & Ball’s Stone Blue, on the walls and built-in bookcases. A custom bed is tucked neatly into a corner, carpet squares were installed for easy cleaning,
Terra cotta also remains popular. It’s a color that subtly warms up interiors, whether matched with browns, tans and wood or contrasted with cool hues.
The lacquer walls required a special airbrush painting technique that challenged the painters, who got a tutorial from Fine Paints of Europe.
The lacquer walls required a special airbrush painting technique that challenged the painters, who got a tutorial from Fine Paints of Europe.
Delicate Sky Blue This year we also spotted a slightly washed-out sky blue, which had been somewhat forgotten until now. This shade enriches a natural palette with allusions to sky and water, a natural complement to the colors of soil and plants.
Combined with sage green or other muted vegetal hues, these shades can warm up a cold palette without being too aggressive or taking away from a soft overall effect.
glossy
walls painted in Slate Tile from Sherwin-Williams
walls painted in Slate Tile from Sherwin-Williams
moody gray (Farrow & Ball’s Down Pipe)
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