Whatever color you choose, it can transform the atmosphere of a room. Sometimes it is enough to paint a single wall to give it character, create an impression of space, bring more light or better structure the volumes. You still need to know which one to choose. Before getting out the brushes, here are some tips for making the right choice.
If color brings character to a room, it can also modify its proportions and rebalance the volumes. The choice of wall to paint therefore depends on several criteria: light, the size of the room, but also its use, whether it is a living room, a bedroom or a kitchen. For a harmonious result, it is better to favor a solid wall, without doors, windows or cupboards. These cutouts attract the eye and attenuate the desired effect. Finally, to obtain a uniform solid color, it is preferable to paint the entire wall in a single shade.
The ideal is also that the color catches the eye as soon as you enter the room. We will therefore preferably choose:
- the wall opposite the door or to the sideAnd
- the wall perpendicular to a light entrance. to highlight the color. Be careful, if the painted wall is backlit, by optical effect, it will appear darker. In this case, consider choosing a slightly lighter shade.
Color can also help structure volumes. Painting a wall can indeed transform the definition of a room. In a hallway for example, or a long room, painting the back wall will erase this impression of depth. A dark color will “crush” the perspective and create the illusion that the wall is closer. In a somewhat narrow room, color can also modify perception: applied on the side, the color will then have the effect of widening the field of vision. The room will thus appear larger.
A colored wall can also be interesting to create a visually well-defined area. For example, we can paint a section of wall to highlight a functionat an angle or not:
- THE dining area wall in the kitchen
- THE office area in a room
- children’s area in an area of the living room…
What color should I choose to paint a section of wall?
Pastel or bright? Dark or light? The choice of color depends first of all on the orientation of the room:
- In a room facing north, we will tend to choose rather warm tones for compensate for the lack of light and warm the atmosphere.
- Conversely, in a room facing south, we will prefer softer shades to avoid explosions of color when the sun shines.
But we must also take into account the function of the room and the effect that colors can have on our mood or emotions:
- In a bedroom for example, we would rather favor soothing colorswhich invite calm and make it easier to fall asleep.
- In a living room or kitchen, on the contrary, we can afford brighter, energizing toneswhich will create a warmer atmosphere.
Finally, pay attention to the rest of the room. A colored wall is sufficient in itself, so we keep a light hand elsewhere. This does not prevent you from making a few reminders here and there with cushions or even a vase in the same tones, or from harmonizing with touches of complementary color (a few notes of red with a green wall for example, or orange with blue).
(Thanks to Lydie Pineau, interior designer, kioskdeco.com, for her advice.)
