Painting interior walls is the one of the easiest ways to freshen up your space and add a bit of your own personality to your new Signature home. Painting a room can be a task that takes a couple of hours, a half day, or more. It all depends on what and how much you decide to paint. Here are a few tips to get you started to make your new house “home”!
Paint. If you want to work with one neutral color in the room, try using different finishes for variety. With a single color on walls and trim, it takes on new esthetic when applied in different paint finishes. Try a finish like eggshell, which is matte and less reflective on the walls and a satin or semi-gloss on the trim. The color will appear slightly different on each surface. This is a good way to create a cohesive look in rooms with many windows and doors, while eliminating worry about the cut-in lines.
How Much. The general rule is one gallon for every 350 square feet of area you want to paint. Measure your space roughly, then go to a paint professional in store or use an online paint calculator. Whatever the number, buy an extra quart for touch-ups, as a new batch mixed later might not match as well.
Color. Paint color can have a dramatic effect on your space, so choosing the perfect paint colors are some of the most important decisions you’ll make. Color can change our perception of the space around us, turning it cool and energetic, spacious or cozy.
Many paint companies now have new technology and links to upload a photo and begin your color journey to view palettes and learn about color insights. Begin your color journey with BEHR, Benjamin Moore or Dunn Edwards here.
Inspiration. To get started, take a peek at your surroundings as they may suggest a color direction. Select a few favorite colors drawn from artwork, flooring, rugs and upholstery in the room and try to pull together these elements in your color choice.
Define the Mood. When selecting a color, consider the mood of a room. Soft, cool colors and neutrals usually create a quieter feeling in bedrooms and reading rooms while stronger colors create dramatic effects. Warmer, contrasting and somewhat brighter colors add to a sociable atmosphere in dining or living areas; deeper blue-greens and neutrals will give a more formal ambiance.
Look at Your Lighting. Sit back and observe all sources of lighting in your room. Natural daylight shows the truest color; incandescent lighting brings out warm tones and yellows; fluorescent lighting casts a sharp blue tone. A strong color might be too bright and overpowering when used on all walls or next to a large window letting in lots of light, but it might be effective when used as an accent wall with indirect light.
Start Small. If you’re still not sure about the colors you are considering, experiment in a smaller space like a powder room, a small hall, or an accent wall. If you’re doing your own painting, pick an area that’s easy to do so you can see your results quickly.
More foolproof tricks and tips that will make your next project a breeze:
– Slide a rubber band over the open can to prevent messy spills and drips.
– A plastic bag, tightly secured with a rubber band, will keep a brush (or roller) moist for a day or two in between painting sessions.
– Another tip when using latex paint and stopping in the middle of your project is to freeze your paintbrush overnight! Simply put it in a plastic bag and place in your freezer.
– Dab some baby oil on splatters to remove latex paint from skin.
– Save small amounts of leftover paint in a baby food jar for quick touch-ups.
– Recycle your leftover paint by dropping it off to a PaintCare drop off site near you.
Craving more design and decor ideas? Visit Need more inspiration? Signature Homes is on Houzz and be sure to take a look at our Paint Tips Board on Signature Homes Pinterest. We also have several other boards which include everything from DIY home decorating projects to artful ideas for every room of your new home.
Remember to take a break from the paint fumes and step out to enjoy local destinations! We invite you to enjoy nearby #SigHomesAdventures and share your photos + tips with our community @SigHomes on Instagram or Facebook!
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