Using Color in Remodeling

Using Color in Remodeling

If you’re ready to embark on a home remodel, the first questions you’ll want to answer are: What are you looking for in a renovated space? How do you want to live in that space? What design style or styles appeal to you? What color pallets do you want to use?

Color preferences vary as widely as personalities. Some people enjoy bright and bold, while others feel happy surrounded by neutrals. While there is no “correct” color palette, your design style will often help dictate a color direction. Defining your personal design style is a great first step in selecting finishes for your remodel. Consider not only colors and
finishes that resonate with you, but also the architectural style of your home. Choose a color palette you are drawn to, starting with the largest coverage area and narrowing down to accents.

Common Design Style Color Pallets

Transitional – The concept of transitional style is blending modern and traditional styles to create a classic, elegant look. The hallmarks of transitional style include a neutral color palette, organic textures, minimal artwork and accessories, and comfortable furniture.

Traditional – Traditional style offers a combination of comfortable furniture, classic designs, and casual décor. Traditional design is the most ornate design of them all. It is
a term that includes several design elements including warm colors, symmetrical lines, and styles from a variety of centuries. The traditional style is best summed up as ornate, rich, and decorative, commonly blending rich colors, varied materials, and detailed architectural elements, such as crown molding.

Modern – Modern interior design refers to a sleek and uncluttered style that began in the early to mid-20th century. In its purest form, modernism reflects a fuss-free approach to life. As a result, Designers keep décor minimal while emphasizing industrial materials.
Modern style steers clear of bright colors in favor of a monochromatic, neutral color palette. Patterns are few and far between.

Mountain Modern – The Mountain Modern style incorporates elements of rustic and modern styles, blending warm and weathered with cool and clean. Fewer rustic elements paired with modern decor allow these features to shine. Rustic interior design utilizes heavy, worn materials such as reclaimed wood and weathered steel. The style incorporates wildlife-inspired accents, such as cowhide and antlers, and warm, earthy colors reminiscent of a pine forest or desert canyon.

Rustic – Rustic interior design represents a natural, rough, aged, and casual design style.
The category is broad and incorporates a range of variations on the style including Tuscan, coastal, cottage, and modern rustic. The main element of rustic design is to create a space that is warm and inviting, with natural elements, such as a stone fireplace or a raw wood edge. Regardless of the variation, rustic style highlights rugged, natural beauty.

Color Hierarchy

Colors are divided into two groups: warm and cool. Warm colors consist of reds, yellows, and oranges and are known to stimulate and excite. Cool colors consist of blues, greens, and purples and are known to have a relaxing and calming effect. In general, warm colors work best in rooms with a lot of activity—like the kitchen and living room—while cool colors are more appreciated in bedrooms and bathrooms to help you relax.

Most designers suggest selecting three to five colors for a home’s color palette
Also, remember that “shade” variations of the same color can make things more interesting.

Whether you prefer a cohesive color palette or different color schemes for each room, having a consistent color flow between rooms can create a sense of unity and visual ease.

1. Pick a Flow-Through Paint
One simple way to create a cohesive feel is to use a consistent paint color on the walls of adjoining spaces. Particularly in homes that have an open floor plan. It doesn’t have to be beige, white, or gray.

2. Pay Attention to Sightlines
For those who want more variety in their wall colors, consider sightlines. When you’re standing in the living room, what other rooms will you see? If you have a view into the kitchen, the dining room, and the foyer, the colors for those spaces should work well together.

3. Choose Color Groups
One way to increase the likelihood that a color scheme flows from room to room is to limit colors to the same temperature family. You can also select one or two colors and use variations of them. If the main color is blue, you might select a gray-blue, a pure blue, and a navy paint as you move from room to room. The same concept can be used for decorative accessories.

For wall paint, you can create a “tint” of a particular color, perhaps knocking down the main color by 50 percent by adding white. Or create a lighter or darker version of it to unite spaces without putting the same color everywhere.

You can also go two or three shades lighter for your ceiling so it doesn’t look out of place painted white.

Paint decks can also be a good inspiration source for finding colors that work well together.

4. Restrict the Edgiest Colors to Enclosed Rooms
Rooms out of the sightline of other rooms are good places for going wild. Master bedrooms, powder rooms, kid’s rooms, and any other enclosed room is a great place to go a little bold.

5. For Bold Colors, Use Accessories
Accessories are a less expensive way to introduce dramatic and they’re also easier to swap out should you tire of a color. Limiting bold colors to accessories also helps you avoid the shocking effect that can happen when a dramatic shade is painted on all four walls. The key is finding a way to add color that makes rooms interesting and exciting without feeling overwhelming.

Final Thoughts When Choosing Colors.

1. Choose colors you like, even if they aren’t trendy.
2. Consider your home’s architecture and style when choosing colors.
3.  Think about the mood you want to create in your space.
4. Coordinate wall and trim colors to create a cohesive look.

The use of color in remodeling focuses on creating a balanced, personalized environment that reflects both current trends and individual preferences. For guidance on your next remodel project, contact the experts at Striking Remodels by Bell. Offering Design Only, Design + Materials, or Design + Construction.