Create a 'new' home with a colour change

Maybe you would like to make changes to your home but don’t have the money or the inclination to undergo a major renovation. One quick and relatively inexpensive way of affecting a transformation is through a new colour scheme.

The skilful use of colour can create illusions – pale hues reflect light and make small rooms seem larger, dark colours have the opposite effect so that large unwelcoming spaces become cosier. A light colour on the ceiling – white is probably the best option - makes it seem higher, hallways or passages seem wider.

Cool colours such as blue, turquoise and blue greens are most effective in warm rooms that receive a great deal of sun. Warmer colours include the full range of reds shading into pinks, orange and yellow.  These colours also tend to be mentally stimulating and energising, making the m best for rooms such as studies where creative work takes place.

It is wise to create a feeling of harmony and transition within the home by not having sudden colour changes. This is especially important in open plan settings, but also looks best when adjoining rooms have a progression of colours ra the r than violent contrasts.  

Bathrooms and kitchens are often at the top of people’s renovation wish list and are usually the most expensive to renovate, but the re are now paints that can be used on tiles, whitegoods, laminate and flooring to revitalise a tired room without breaking the bank.

Allow colours to represent your moods and personality, or those of the people around you. Children will have greater ownership of the ir space – and possibly take more pride in keeping it tidy – if you allow the m to have some input into the choice of colours.

There are now so many colours, shades and hues on the market that it is inevitable the re will be something just right for you, the only problem is finding it in an extensive and sometimes bewildering range. If it’s all a bit much take professional advice. The paint retailer will be able to help you as well as an HIA interior decorator.

Need a tradesperson? Find an HIA professional convenient to you at tradebuild.com.au