The fundamentals of color in interior design

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olor choices in interior design can seem overwhelming, but with rudimentary knowledge they don’t have to be. Our choices can reflect our personalities: if you’re a vibrant and eclectic person, you may choose to go bold, whereas if you have a more subdued personality, you may want neutral. Also, consider the feel you want in each space. Think about the time of day you’ll most often be in it, as well as its purpose — this will help dictate the environment.

Bearing these foundational concepts in mind, here are some pointers on making color selections for your home.

Misconceptions in Color

Myth: Dark colors shrink a space.

If you like an edgy look, don’t be afraid to go bold! Color and design expert Sharon Grech of Benjamin Moore says, “Dark wall colors tend to blur the edges of a room, which can make a space appear larger.”

Implementation Ideas

1. When doing a dark paint color, use a lacquered finish to create some translucency.

2. Mirror and glass decor elements are good tools to create openness in a dark space.

3. Natural lighting from windows or skylights is always a plus. (If you don’t have natural light, you can always designate dark paint for a room that isn’t used very often.)

Myth: Ceilings need white paint. A ceiling can be in many colors besides white. View it as

your fifth wall!