Choosing the Paint Color for Your House

Late last year, our family was finally able to purchase our own house. Although not brand new, we looked into many considerations in buying this particular property. Of course, there was the size of the house, the number of rooms, and naturally its condition. Other important considerations were the proximity to my husband's work, the schools in the zoning scheme of the school districts and the general atmosphere of the community.

The paint of the house is simple and nothing special. All walls are white, which I find a little boring and too traditional. So my husband and I have decided that come summer, we would do the painting ourselves. The main concern is choosing the colors that we want to make the house look newer, fresh and interesting.

I have a preference for pastel colors and to use darker shades of the same colors as accent for the ornate moldings or trims and doors. My husband's taste is quite different. He wants to go at once with the darker hues on the walls and go light for accent.

Since we have been arguing for several weeks now, I have consulted some people on the important considerations in choosing the right color of paint that we should use inside our home. Here are some tips we have gathered:

1. Consider the over-all look of your house. It is a must that you have to constantly remind yourself of the style and look of your house. Do you want a country-inspired house that might require light stains, simple cabinet and door styles? Do you want a Victorian appeal with mostly oak and cherry cabinet woods and antique pewter? Or is it the contemporary or modern style that you want most of your things in stainless steel, metal tubings, with chrome and black accents? Most definitely, the colors of the walls, floor, doors and accents should blend with the furnishings, and that total image of your interior.

2. Consider the size of the house. As in most occasions, darker shades tend to make rooms smaller, while lighter ones can create an illusion of space.