Choosing a paint color, or colors, for the interior of your new metal home or barndominium can be overwhelming and rightfully so, as there are so many options. The interior color of your home sets the tone for the entire space, influencing the mood, ambiance, and overall aesthetic. Whether you're renovating, redecorating, or building a new custom home in Huntsville, Texas with Ace's Custom Builds, selecting the right paint color is a crucial decision. This blog post will walk you through the process of choosing the perfect interior paint color, taking into account various factors that can impact your decision.
How do I pick a color for the interior of my home?
In-house interior designer at Ace's Custom Builds, Dana Wallace, likes to ask clients a few questions to narrow it down. The first being, "Is there a color you have loved forever? Not just a year or two or five, but forever?" This question is followed up by, "Do you think you'll ever get tired of this color?" If the answer is no, you have your color! If the answer is yes, maybe or not sure, Wallace like to incorporate undertones.
Is there a psychology to colors?
Before diving into the technical aspects of selecting paint colors, it's essential to understand the psychological impact different colors can have on your mood and the atmosphere of a room. Colors evoke emotions and can greatly influence how you perceive a space.
For example, cool colors are of the blue and green hues. Blue is known for its calming effect and often associated with tranquility and relaxation. It works well in bedrooms and bathrooms. Green on the other hand symbolizes nature and balance and can create a sense of harmony. It's a versatile color suitable for various rooms in your custom home.
Warm colors such as red and yellow can feel a bit more vibrant. Red is energizing and bold. This fiery tone is perfect for spaces where you want to create a sense of excitement, like dining rooms or living areas. Yellow evokes a cheerful and optimistic feeling. Yellow is ideal for kitchens or areas where you want to enhance natural light.
Neutral colors such as gray and beige are always a safe go-to. Gray is seen as a sophisticated and versatile color. Gray works well in modern interiors. It provides an excellent backdrop for other accent colors. Beige is warm and inviting, a timeless choice for creating a cozy atmosphere in living rooms or bedrooms.
What are color undertones?
Undertones play a crucial role in how a color will appear in your home. Even neutral colors have undertones that can be warm, cool, or neutral. Pay attention to these undertones to avoid unexpected color shifts. Common undertones include beige and gray undertones or white undertones.
Some beige colors may have pink or yellow undertones while gray can have blue or green. Whites can have warm undertones like ivory or cool undertones like blue. Test different whites to find the one that complements your space.
What if I don't love a color or simply can't pick just one color?
If a client answers Wallace's questions with "I'm not sure I love any color" or "I love every color and I can’t make up my mind, stay neutral and add in color with decorative accessories curtains, pillows, accents - you can pull a lot of color that way.
Harmonizing with Existing Elements
When choosing a paint color, it's crucial to consider the existing elements in the room, such as furniture, flooring and architectural features. Take into account the color and style of your furniture. Your paint color should complement rather than clash with these pieces. The color of your flooring, whether it's hardwood, carpet, or tile, can greatly impact the overall color scheme. Consider the architectural features of the space, such as trim, molding, or built-in shelving. These elements can be highlighted or downplayed with the right paint color. If you are custom building a metal home or bardominium with Ace's Custom Builds, general contractor Jason Strange works with these elements, albeit furniture, to fit everything into your dream interior.
Should I test color samples first?
Never underestimate the power of testing paint samples before committing to a color. Most paint stores offer small sample cans, allowing you to apply the color to a small section of your wall. Here's how to approach the testing phase. First, paint a large enough area. Don't just paint a tiny square, cover a large enough area to get a real sense of how the color will look in the entire room.
Make sure you observe your sample at different times of the day to see how lighting conditions affect it. You might like it in the soft morning light but hate it in the harsher afternoon sun. Also consider adjacent rooms. Ensure that the color harmonizes with the adjacent rooms, especially if you have an open floor plan. Speaking of light...
How does lighting effect paint color?
Natural and artificial lighting can significantly affect how a paint color appears in a room. Before finalizing your decision think about how natural and artificial light reflect the color.
Naturally lit rooms can handle bolder and darker colors without feeling cramped. Also think about how the sunlight changes throughout the day and how it might impact the color's appearance.
If the lighting is artificial, figure out if the type of lighting in a room is warm or cool-toned as this can alter the perceived color of the walls. Be sure to test your chosen paint colors in your metal home under different lighting conditions to ensure they look appealing in all scenarios.
How do I choose the right color palette for my interior?
To achieve a cohesive look throughout your home, consider creating a color palette that flows seamlessly from room to room. Start with a base color. Select a neutral or muted color as a base for the main areas of your home. This provides continuity and makes transitioning between rooms smoother.
Once you have your base color, introduce accent colors in specific rooms to add interest and personality. Ensure these accent colors complement the overall palette. Lastly, make sure you have consistent undertones. Maintain consistent undertones across different rooms to prevent clashes. This helps in creating a unified and harmonious look.
What purpose does the room I want to paint serve?
Another thing to take into consideration when choosing interior colors for your custom built barndo, is the rooms purpose. Different rooms serve different purposes, and the paint color should reflect the intended function. Consider these following room-specific recommendations.
For the bedroom opt for calming and soothing colors like blues, greens, or soft neutrals to promote relaxation and restful sleep. In the kitchen keep it bright and warm colors like yellows, oranges, or light greens can create an inviting atmosphere in the kitchen. Meanwhile in the living room, choose versatile and neutral tones to allow for easy adaptation to changing décor and accessories. In the bathroom light blues, greens, or neutral tones work well in bathrooms, creating a clean and refreshing ambiance.
Above all else, stay true to your style
While it's essential to consider trends and popular colors, it's equally crucial to stay true to your personal style. Your metal home should reflect your taste and preferences, creating a space where you feel comfortable and at ease.
To help refine your own style, gather inspiration. Explore design magazines, online platforms, or create a mood board to gather inspiration for your preferred style. Also think about the long- term appeal. Trends come and go, so consider whether the color you choose will have long-term appeal for you and potential future buyers. Never be afraid to express yourself. Don't be afraid to inject your personality into your barndo's color scheme. Whether it's bold and vibrant or subtle and muted, let your style shine through.
When in doubt, seek professional advice
If you find the process absolutely overwhelming or if you're unsure about your choices, consider seeking advice from a professional, such as interior designer Dana Wallace at Ace's Custom Builds. Interior designers and color consultants can provide valuable insights based on their experience and knowledge of design principles, and Dana has plenty to experience to guide you through. As we work through the custom building process here at Ace's we will schedule consultations with Dana to get personalized recommendations tailored to your home and style to make your custom metal home everything you want it to be.
In a word
Choosing the perfect interior paint color for your custom build barndominium involves a thoughtful and strategic approach. We suggest considering the psychological impact of colors, ask yourself about your color preferences, understand undertones, test samples, create a cohesive color palette that suits each room's purpose. Think about the lighting conditions in your home, and how the chosen color harmonizes with existing elements. Stay true to your style and seek professional advice when needed. Ace's Custom Builds in-house interior designer Dana Wallace is here to help you along every step of the way in creating a personalized haven of color inside your new metal home while making it an enjoyable and exciting process.
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