Breaking Away from White Wall Paint

Paint is one of the most affordable and easiest ways to change a room. But choosing the right paint colors for your home can seem like an overwhelming task.

Paint, accessories, fabric, furniture, and flooring should all blend, so take a good look at the room you will be working on, preferably before you choose a paint color, and decide what will stay in the room, and what you may want to move out of the room.

The first thing you should do when choosing interior colors for your home, is look around at colors that make you feel good, happy, and relaxed. These colors are probably already in your home. A few examples are the colors you love to look at in your flower garden, the colors in your jewelry, or pottery, or they can be found in the colors of the clothes in your closet.

The second thing you should do is go to your local paint store and pick up a color wheel, and or sample cards, pick the sample cards that really catch your eye, and don't be afraid to get as many as you want. Take these cards home and look at them at different times of the day and night, to see how the color will look when the sun shines in on them, or at night when you have lamps turned on, or candles burning. Study this for several days. Be patient when deciding which color feels best to you.

  • Complimentary colors - are the colors that are directly across from each other on the color wheel.
  • Harmonious colors - are the colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. Like blue and purple.
  • Tints - are colors with white added.
  • Shades - are colors with black added.
  • Saturation - is the amount of color used. The more color, the more vibrant.
  • Color tone - is the degree to which it changes.
  • Pastels - use only a hint of color.
  • Lisa French invites you to visit her website http://decorating-country-home.com for more home decorating ideas.

    In The News:

    Yahoo! News: Top Stories

    In this May 4, 2007 file photo Timothy Geithner is seen in Montreal. President-elect Barack Obama is likely to name Timothy Geithner, president of the New York Federal Reserve, as Treasury Secretary in a time of intense economic turmoil as he rounds out the upper echelon of his Cabinet, a senior Democratic official familiar with the deliberations said Friday, Nov. 21, 2008. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Ian Barrett, File)AP - President-elect Barack Obama intends to name Timothy Geithner, president of the New York Federal Reserve, as his treasury secretary to confront the nation's intense economic turmoil, senior Democratic officials said Friday.



    Nebraska lawmakers Brad Ashford, front, of Omaha, and Arnie Stuthman, of Platte Center, Neb., vote in favor of LB 1 Friday, Nov. 21, 2008 at the state capitol in Lincoln, Neb., The bill puts a 30-day age limit on children who can be dropped off at Nebraska hospitals under the state's safe haven law. The bill easily passed 43-5. (AP Photo/Bill Wolf)AP - Gov. Dave Heineman signed into law Friday a bill adding a 30-day age limit to a safe-haven law that allowed 35 children — including teenagers as old as 17 — to be abandoned at state hospitals. The law, approved hours earlier by the Legislature in a 45-3 vote, goes into effect Saturday, and makes Nebraska the 14th state with a 30-day age cap. It had been the only state with a safe-haven law without an age limit.



    AP - A college student committed suicide by taking a drug overdose in front of a live webcam as some computer users egged him on, others tried to talk him out of it, and another messaged OMG in horror when it became clear it was no joke. Some watchers contacted the Web site to notify police, but by the time officers entered Abraham Biggs' home — a scene also captured on the Internet — it was too late.

    In this Nov. 17, 2008 file photo, an office tower bearing the Citigroup logo is seen beyond a cemetery in the Queens borough of New York. Shares of Citigroup Inc. climbed in premarket trading Friday, as the financial giant was said to be looking at selling off pieces of itself — or the entire company — to help rebuild investor confidence. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)AP - Pressure intensified on Citigroup to sell part or all of itself as its stock fell below $4 a share on Friday and fears escalated about future loan losses.



    Senate Majority Harry Reid of Nev., center, accompanied by fellow Democratic leaders, gestures during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008, to discuss the auto industry bailout. From left are, House Majority Whip Steny Hoyer of Md.,  House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., Reid, Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn.,  Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., and  Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)AP - Democratic leaders ordered Detroit's Big Three automakers Friday to submit what amounts to a detailed loan application to Congress so lawmakers can decide whether to give the beleaguered industry an emergency $25 billion lifeline.



    U.S. President George W. Bush and with President Hu Jintao of China, right, shake hands before their meeting at the APEC Summit in Lima, Peru, Friday, Nov. 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)AP - In a last dash of diplomacy, President George W. Bush on Friday sought China's help in pinning down North Korea to keep its shaky promises of nuclear disarmament.



    Canadian Minister of National Defense Peter MacKay, center, shakes hands with his Australian counterpart Joel Fitzgibbon, as U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates walks past at the conclusion of a news conference on Friday Nov. 21, 2008, in Cornwallis, Nova Scotia, Canada. The three are taking part in discussions of International Security Assistance Force's (ISAF) Regional Command South, which is comprised of forces from Canada, Australia, Denmark, Estonia, Netherlands, Romania, United Kingdom, and the United States. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Mike Dembeck)AP - Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Friday he would like to add significant U.S. forces to the war in Afghanistan before national elections scheduled for next year, and that grim depictions of backsliding in the seven-year-old war are "far too pessimistic."



    Joerg Schoenbohm, Brandeburg state Interior Minister and current chairman of the German Interior Ministers Conference, center, opens the final day of the ministers meeting in Potsdam, Germany, on Friday, Nov. 21, 2008. At left is German Federal Interior Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble. German security officials said Friday they will drop their attempt to pursue a ban of the Church of Scientology after finding insufficient evidence of unconstitutional activity.  (AP Photo/Bernd Settnik Pool)AP - Germany is dropping its pursuit of a ban on Scientology after finding insufficient evidence of illegal activity, security officials said Friday.



    AP - Police have arrested a man suspected of leaving greasy, graphic imprints on the windows of stores, churches and schools in a small Nebraska town. A 35-year-old man was caught in the act by police early Wednesday morning, Cherry County Attorney Eric Scott said Friday. The man hasn't been charged yet, but authorities believe he is the vandal some townsfolk have dubbed the "Butt Bandit."

    In this Oct. 5, 2008, file photo, Golden State's Al Harrington (3) catches a pass in front of New Orleans Hornets David West in the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game in New Orleans. The Golden State Warriors traded disgruntled forward Al Harrington to the New York Knicks for guard Jamal Crawford on Friday. (AP Photo/Bill Haber, File)AP - The New York Knicks traded Zach Randolph and Jamal Crawford in separate deals Friday, parting with their two top scorers to free up coveted salary-cap space for the summer of 2010. Crawford was sent to Golden State for forward Al Harrington. Hours later, Randolph was shipped to the Los Angeles Clippers along with reserve guard Mardy Collins for Cuttino Mobley and Tim Thomas.



    Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke (R) nods as he listens to President of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York Timothy Geithner before addressing the Economic Club of New York in this October 15, 2008 file photo. (Lucas Jackson/Files/Reuters)Reuters - President-elect Barack Obama on Friday moved toward nominating Timothy Geithner as Treasury secretary and charging the respected head of the New York Federal Reserve with helping pull the United States out of an economic nosedive.



    Pedestrians walk past a Citibank branch in Singapore November 18, 2008. (Vivek Prakash/Reuters)Reuters - Citigroup Inc has begun talks with the U.S. government as its plummeting share price raises doubts about the bank's ability to survive, a person familiar with the matter said.



    Leaders of the U.S. automotive industry testify at a hearing held by the House Financial Services Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington November 19, 2008. From left are General Motors CEO Richard Wagoner, Chrysler Chairman and CEO Robert Nardelli and Ford president and CEO Alan Mulally. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)Reuters - Detroit automakers began work on turnaround plans demanded by Congress in return for $25 billion in aid as General Motors Corp said it would cut production more and give up two of its controversial corporate jets.



    General Motors World Headquarters is seen along the Detroit River in Detroit, Michigan, September 17, 2008. (Rebecca Cook/Reuters)Reuters - The board of directors of embattled U.S. automaker General Motors Corp is considering "all options" including bankruptcy, according to a report on the Wall Street Journal's website late on Friday.



    Traders work in close quarters on the main trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange early in the trading session in New York City, November 21, 2008. (Mike Segar/Reuters)Reuters - U.S. stocks stormed higher in a late rally on Friday to cap another volatile week as investors welcomed reports that President-elect Barack Obama has chosen his point person to combat the U.S. economic crisis, instilling confidence about the administration's ability to take action.



    A British military vehicle drives past an Afghan man in Lashkar Gah, capital of Helmand province October 20, 2008. (Abdul Qodus/Reuters)Reuters - The Pentagon is considering a plan to send more than 20,000 troops to Afghanistan over the next 12 to 18 months to help safeguard elections and quell rising Taliban violence, officials said on Friday.



    Reuters - U.S. banking regulators seized California banks Downey Savings and Loan and PFF Bank & Trust late Friday as the housing crisis claimed two more victims from the financial crisis.

    Reuters - A suspected U.S. drone aircraft fired missiles in the North Waziristan tribal region of Pakistan killing at least four people, according to Pakistani intelligence officials.

    An everything-must-go sign in Coral Gables, Florida. The economic team of US president-elect Barack Obama came into view as fears mounted on the global financial crisis and more mass job cuts loomed worldwide(AFP/Getty Images/Joe Raedle)AFP - The economic team of US president-elect Barack Obama came into view as fears mounted on the global financial crisis and more mass job cuts loomed worldwide.



    Peruvian President Alan Garcia delivers a speech during the opening of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in Lima. Leaders of the 21-member APEC group are to seek ways of turning back the world economic crisis as they gather in Lima amid unrelenting bad news from the Asia-Pacific region.(AFP/Presidencia)AFP - US President George W. Bush began Friday his last scheduled foreign trip, meeting the leader of increasingly important China ahead of a summit aimed at containing a spiraling financial crisis.




Outdoor Kitchens ? Simple and Sophisticated

After September 11, many of us decided to stay closer to home.... Read More

Can You Buy Luxury Home Brands Online and Save - Worry Free?

Are you frustrated with the high prices you've been quoted for luxury... Read More

Let?s ?Clear the Air? Shall We?

What can you do to "clear the air" indoors, at work and... Read More

How To Choose House Style Mailboxes

Your mailbox is not simply a receptacle for your mail; it is... Read More

How to Care for Laminate Flooring

It's hard to damage and easy to care for laminate floors. Here... Read More

How To Choose Decorative, Recessed Locking Mailboxes

Do you need a decorative, quality, recessed locking mailbox for your home?... Read More

Useful Home Products Will Help Your House Sale Profits

Even if you've never been involved in the sale of house before... Read More

New-age Paint Thickening & Rheological Additives : Solvitex & Solvizen

For Paint Manufacturers worldwide, there has come a radical new development in... Read More

Strongly Scented Candles: Use your mouth, nose and eyes to tell

Triple scented, heavily scented, strongly scented - these are all phrases candle... Read More

Roof Cleaning - Making Your Old Roof Look Like New!

Many Florida residents that have come from the North are surprised by... Read More

Bathroom Magic

Believe it or not, the bathroom is one of the most magickal... Read More

3 Great Reasons to Shop for Home Lighting Online

If you are a consumer who knows just what brand or style... Read More

Deck Design - Why Firm Foundations Are Essential

Preparing a deck design for your backyard is all the rage as... Read More

Wallpaper Doesnt Just Cover...It Defines The Room

Wallpaper is often overlooked as a key part of an attractive home.... Read More

The Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Shopping for a Mattress

Buying a new mattress is a daunting task that few relish. The... Read More

Three Types of Lighting for Room Remodeling

When remodeling a room, choosing the correct lighting is one of the... Read More

How To Completely Rehab Your Home In 10 Days!

This report is about taking a house and restoring it to an... Read More

Planning Permission Tips UK - Pre-application Enquiries to the Council - Is the Delay Worthwhile?

The holiday season is now in full swing & for about the... Read More

Refrigerators Electric Consumption - Lower It In 15 Minutes

I recently had a customer ask for my advise about cleaning her... Read More

Kitchen Magic

It's amazing -- some people manage to get a complete aerobic workout... Read More

Metal Carports: Steel Carport Guide

Buying a carport to protect your investment can be a very frustrating... Read More

What Are Light Fixtures Used For?

Light fixtures are something not many of us think about. But, the... Read More

The Four Major Types of Air Filters

Hygienic air is essential to human life, and in this modern age,... Read More

Remodel Your Kitchen or Bathroom For The Best ROI!

Trying to decide which home improvement project to tackle next? To start... Read More

Color Help: Color Imagery for Happy Homes

Color researchers have estimated that up to 70% of our subconscious reactions... Read More

Brighten Up Your Shelves With Picture Frames

Would you like to add a personal touch to your home or... Read More

How to Install a New Toilet in 5 Easy Steps

If your toilet is old and in need of repairs, it is... Read More

Planning Permission and Building Regulations for Conservatories in the UK

Do I need planning permission for a conservatory?Do I need Building Regulation... Read More

Interior Design For Children

Interior design for children is one of the most fun, delightful aspects... Read More

Spring Deck Prep Tips

It's finally spring! Time to move out the patio furniture and get... Read More

A Well Chosen Bathroom Vanity Will Make Your Bathroom Look Great!

A bathroom vanity is the centerpiece of your bathroom. Regardless of how... Read More

Installing a Home Theater System

Thinking about installing a home theater system? You're not alone. Home theater... Read More

A Few Simple Facts About Gas And Electric Heating Systems

To make your home more energy efficient, you need to understand the... Read More

Power Tools and HAV - Hand Arm Vibration - Prevention is Better Than Cure

Power tools are some of the most useful devices ever invented, but... Read More

Warm Up the Night! Patio Heaters and Fire Pits

In some areas right now, the weather is ideal for sitting outside... Read More

Feng Shui Your Home, Work and Life For Balance and Harmony

Feng Shui describes the communication that takes place every day between you... Read More

Replacing Steel Casement Windows

I have been getting quite a few emails from homeowners wanting to... Read More

How To Buy A Conservatory In The UK

The first question is, what is a conservatory?There is no standard definition... Read More

Make your Sauna a Focal Point

A sauna has been used throughout history in every part of the... Read More

Change The Style Of Your Interior With A Minimum Of Costs

The style of your interior depends for a great part on the... Read More

The Truth About Honda Pressure Washers

"What they don't tell you about Honda Pressure Washers"I recently received the... Read More

What To Look For In USPS Mailboxes

High quality residential and commercial mailboxes are available in styles that meet... Read More

Security in Todays World

There are many things in life that are worth protecting. Our children,... Read More

How House Plans Work

The Ins and Outs Of Choosing Online Custom Home Plans! So you've... Read More

Making Space for Sacred Space

When you read a great inspirational book, prayer, or article, don't you... Read More

Installing Vinyl Replacement Windows on the Second Floor

If you have a two story house, and you are going to... Read More

So Youve Decided to Finish Your Basement!

When a family decides to finish a basement space, there are so... Read More