When we talk about layering and adding texture in Interior Design, what we’re really talking about it adding additional elements to a room that give it depth, visual interest, and personality.

The key to doing that is to layer in different textural elements.

In Interior Design, texture is the “sense of touch” that an item has, or how something feels.

 

To create a well-designed, well-layered space, we want to have a variety of items that will offer different feelings or that have different senses of touch to them.

To create a well-designed and complete space, we want to have a variety of layers and textures. This means including items that not only feel different to the touch but have a different visual sense of texture.

Think – a soft carpet under your feet, a smooth leather armchair, and a rough wood coffee table.

 

What we really want to keep in mind while layering and adding texture to a space, is that texture goes beyond the physical and tactile qualities an item has. We have to remember that items have a “perceived” texture, or visual texture to them. Think of a pillow that may be the same color as a chair, but has an entirely different texture, like a chunky knit pillow against a smooth leather chair. Or even items like tile, while they may be smooth to the touch, can have a beautiful encaustic design that adds visual interest, or visual texture.

 

Now that we better understand some of the basic ideas behind adding layers and texture to your space, let’s talk about some specific way in which we can achieve that.

(Area Rugs)

One of the easiest and most important ways we layer and add texture to a space are with the use of area rugs. Not only do they perform the very important task of visually defining a room, they quite literally add a layer of comfort and warmth.

Area rugs are a great way to bring texture into a space – you can do so by using materials like natural sisal, or a soft, hand woven Persian rug.

If you take a look at these spaces, you can see how an area rug was incorporated to not only define the space, but to provide the room with a layer of texture and warmth. The use of a natural woven rug contrasts beautifully with the white dining chairs and buffet. And in the second image we can see how this wonderful high-pile rug adds so much softness and texture against the other furniture pieces, and really makes the furniture pieces stand out. And in the last image, we can see there are even two rugs layered on top of one another – with the base as a natural woven sisal, and on top a hide rug. What these images show, is that an area rug is a great base layer in your room to allow the other elements to “pop”.

(Window Treatments)

Another way in which you can add both layers and texture to a space is through the use of window treatments.

Window treatments are an essential element to a space, as they add softness to your windows and walls.

As a soft element that we bring into a space, they are a beautiful and visually interesting way to add texture to your walls.

We can achieve this by including draperies, and shades or blinds.

Draperies and shades add a layer of texture to you walls and windows, and also help to make a room feel more complete.

As you can see in these images, the draperies and shades add a layer of dimension to the space and make it feel finished. Even in ultra-modern design, draperies and shades can be a much needed element to soften and complete the look of a room.

(Smaller furniture pieces)

One of the ways we can layer and add texture to a space is through some of our smaller furniture items.

Smaller pieces like end tables, ottomans, armchairs and coffee tables are great ways to bring in a variety of textures and materials. When thinking about some of these smaller furniture pieces, we want to be mindful that too much of one texture or material doesn’t give us much visual interest because too many elements in the room look the same.

How we can achieve a successfully layered space is to select pieces that are made of different materials and have different physical and visual textures. Think of mixing pieces like a leather ottoman with a wood upholstered armchair. Mixing materials keeps the space from feeling stale and allows for a beautifully dynamic room.

(Textiles and Comfort Items)

Here, we’re talking about soft and comfortable items that we can layer into a space. These are things like pillows, throws, blankets and duvets.

These types of items are one of the easiest and quickest ways we can add layers of texture and especially comfort into a space.

Think about adding pillows of a contrasting color or material to sofas, lounge chairs, and beds.

Adding a soft cashmere or chunky knit throw to a sofa or bed is a great way to add a comfortable layer to sofas and beds.

In some of these examples, you can see how a wide variety of color, patterns and textures are used on these sofas to add visual interest. You can see examples in the photos where some of the pillows and throws are similar in color and tone to the bedding or sofa, but with the use of a contrasting texture or pattern, we see a cohesive, yet dynamic and visually interesting space.

(Accessories)

Adding meaningful, curated accessories is one of the most important steps in created a layered and complete space.

Accessories add color, texture, warmth, and personality to a room.

Here we should think about bringing in things like baskets to hold magazines or pillows, ceramic bowls and dishes, beautiful books, trays, and your favorite framed photos.

All of these things are small, but effective ways of layering in different colors and materials.

When thinking about accessories, don’t forget about your walls! Think about including things like mirrors, and art or wall décor.

(Walls)

When we think about layering and adding texture to a room, we aren’t limited to furniture and accent pieces. A great way to add depth, texture and visual interest into a space is by incorporating things like wall coverings, tiles, and paint.

Wallcoverings can add simple texture to a space, or a bold statement as we can see in this bathroom.

We should think about incorporating tiles and paint in the same way. Here we can see this simple gray tile creates a visually stunning focal point to the room without the use of bright colors or busy patterns.

We can also make a statement and add serious depth to a room with paint. Take this dining room as an example. The emerald green focal wall adds depth and makes the other elements in the room pop.

(Lighting and plants)

And finally, two of the most important things we add to space: lighting and plants. Keeping these two things in mind when designing a space is crucial – as they literally bring light and life into a space.

We think these two topics are so important that we will actually feature a separate class for each – so stay tuned for that!

A well-designed lighting plan allows not only for your space to function as necessary, but will actually highlight all of the colors, textures, and patterns that we have brought into the space.

Brining plants into a room adds a natural element and makes your room pop. Plants add a natural layer of added dimension to a space. Often plants are the missing element in a space. They can be used a decorative centerpiece on coffee tables, or brought in as full sized potted plants. Sometimes just adding a small plant to a table makes a big difference.

Hi, I’m Cherie Arscott with Architectural Design Studios!  Today I’m going to share some great design tips to better educate you on how to make each space in your home not only functional but inviting as well.

~Entryway

I’ll start with the entryway, as it is the most important part of your home.  The first steps through the doorway set the tone.  While this space is about utility, it doesn’t have to lack personality.  You want your entryway to be a beautiful and welcoming place to you and your guests.  It is a small space, often forgotten, but it’s also a space that can change your mood and mind-set.  Before you decide on how to fill this space, take a moment and think about how much space you have and how it will function.  If you have a smaller space to work with, that doesn’t mean your furniture and décor need to be on the small side too.  It is a good idea to add larger pieces, such as a long console table or bench and an oversized mirror.  This will give the illusion that the space is bigger than it really is.  It is also a great way to incorporate details that add the welcoming factor.  Maybe add some books, a simple picture frame, or plants to soften up the space.   Add a table lamp for additional lighting and possibly a basket or two for storage since entryways are where we tend to dump all our “stuff” when we get home.  Consider adding a patterned area rug to highlight the space.  One last factor to consider is the paint color.  Try to keep your color palette neutral because it can help to provide more of a clean foundation to design around that other colors can’t.  This gives you more freedom to get creative with your décor.

~Living Room

The next space I’m going to discuss is the living room.  This space is one of the most multipurpose areas of your home, so defining the space is essential.  From the furniture to the décor, it needs to reflect your style and be functional.  You want to create a space that encourages interaction while also allowing you to unwind.

Creating the perfect living room does take some planning.  First, define the mood and vibe you would like in the space and identify the energy that makes you feel best.  Think about specific places, feelings, and moments in time that can guide you.  The living room should be about your interests on the broadest level, making them understandable for those who visit and adaptable enough to change with time.  Study the objects you own and love.  Figure out what theme you can build around them.  Once you’ve identified the base mood, it’s time to add pattern, color and texture through textiles and accessories.  Pattern adds movement and emotion in the room.  Using the same print in different areas of the room help to unify the space.   Choose a pattern that resonates with the mood of the activities you plan to do in the space.  Add color to create brightness and interest.  Focus on texture by using woven pieces of furniture, baskets, woven fabrics, wood or stone.  Also, try to choose more neutral colors for your main pieces of furniture to keep the focus on the foundation.

~Kitchen

The kitchen is just as important as the living room and can go a long way to reflect the beauty and appeal of the home.  Take cues from other rooms in your home to make this space more personal.  For example, use your floors, ceiling and walls to become expressive components by using pattern, texture and color.  This can be done by using decorative tiles on your walls, a fresh coat of paint, or maybe wood paneling on your ceiling.   This is a great way to give your kitchen a sense of character.  Add low-maintenance plants, herbs and flowers to the right spots to bring in a sense of soul and extra decorative flair to the kitchen.  Bringing in nature from the outside is a great way to make your kitchen feel alive.  Also, always look for ways to make your kitchen look more organized and clutter-free.  Getting a stylish kitchen faucet or an elegant coffee maker will not only make your kitchen more functional but will give it a more appealing and modern look.  This helps to free up more usable space as well and create a calmer atmosphere.  It also a good idea to bring in warm and natural-looking bright lighting because it can help add more life to the kitchen.  This can be in the form of overhead pendants or even under cabinet lighting.

~Dining Room

Ultimately the heart of any home is the dining space.  It’s embodied with daily memories, love, and joy.  Gathering around a table reinforces the importance of family.  Whether it’s an eat-in kitchen or a formal dining room, this is the place where we gather to celebrate the everyday as well as the special events.  Setting the table gives you flexibility and opportunity to try new things and change the mood.  A great way to warm up this space is to consider using open shelving or a credenza to display objects of meaning.  It could be plates and dishes, or they don’t have to relate to dining at all.  Let collections and small groupings shine by keeping the backdrop soft.  Look to bring pieces with history into your space.  A table or chairs made from reclaimed wood is so much more personal and exciting than something picked up at a furniture store.  If you want to have a brighter, more cheerful vibe, consider bringing in color through artwork or a textured rug and make it a focal point.  These important pieces can also provide clues for how to compose the room.  You could also paint the walls a bold color or even a use a patterned wallpaper.  A printed fabric can tie together an abstract patterning concept, such as the arrangement of your dining room chairs.  Look for interesting shapes and materials to create patterning with your lighting, accessories, and furniture.  When setting the table for an occasion, change the mood or refine it with the use of accessories.  Let nature be a part of your meals, from where you’re seated and the food you’re eating to flowers on the table and china patterns that reference it.  No matter what space you have, and how you’ve built the foundation, the plates and pieces you bring to the table will shape the story and lead and encourage celebration.

~Bedroom

The most important element of the bedroom should be a place to recharge and rest.  Of course, this means different things for different people.  Think about the places and things that make you feel recharged.  Dark and cozy or light and airy?  A peaceful and serene space may be what lets you unwind, or conversely, a space filled with visual inspiration could provide you comfort.  Investigate this on a personal level and make this place your retreat.  Use color and accessories as tools to make the room feel unique.  A little continuity can be as simple as reintroducing or reinterpreting elements used in other rooms.  Consider bigger items like furniture as a way to provide unity throughout the home by making sure they have an aesthetic connection on a broad level such as the design period, materials, and color.

 

~Bathroom

The bathroom is often a neglected space when it comes to decorating, but as one of the most personal rooms in any house, it deserves attention.  Approach the bathroom as you would any other room.  Think about unique places you’ve seen that use tile, glass, mirrors, porcelain, stone, marble, and other materials found in the bathroom that exude a vibe you love.  Your inspiration could be a visit to the spa that left you blissfully relaxed, an elegant hotel bathroom, a restaurant with an open kitchen, or even the simplicity of an outdoor shower in the summer.   Consider the big picture first and set an overarching vision for the space.  Remember that a bathroom can be personal and homey even if it’s simple.  Start by paying attention to the finishes.  Consider mixing natural elements, such as linen and different wood textures, to warm up the space and keep white from feeling stark.  You can even find tiles that look like wood.  White subway tiles are also a great option for shower walls and always give off a classic look.  Next, look to the floor.  Possibly use a decorative tile to enhance the feeling of calm and relaxation.   Try to think outside the box when it comes to accessories and textiles.  Just a few pieces can completely transform the space.  Bringing nature into the bathroom is also a way to renew, which is ultimately what this space is all about.

~Conclusion

So, as you can see, there are many ways to create the spaces in your home to be not only functional but inviting as well.  I hope you enjoyed today’s topic and look forward to seeing you all next time.  Thanks for watching!

There are many places and objects where you can be inspired to turn inspiration into design. What do you really love? Are you inspired by nature, travel, art, or fashion? Being fortunate to live by the ocean, I know I am inspired by my walks on the beach. I love finding treasures and being surprised by a piece of coral, for instance, that has washed up along the shore. I collect these gifts as they remind me that mother Earth has so much to offer our curiosity. For instance, the colors and beach scenes are enough to capture any imagination. The marine life, sand, seashells, ocean, and palm trees provide many treasures that can be a helpful setting for your decor.

Do you find yourself taking photos and notes of your favorite hotel or restaurant when traveling? We often want to take a slice of our holiday back home with us, and it is a good idea to incorporate those ideas into your home interiors. I recommend that you go back through your old photos and look for the picture that captures that sense of awe.  Maybe adding a distressed wood table that could be reminiscent of the barns you admired in the English countryside could be your inspiration. Or a piece of a patina in your room as a reminder of a beloved city. A marble statue to remind you, Michelangelo’ David. These finds will double as a conversation starter when you have friends over. However, we suggest that you keep it simple. It is possible to integrate multiple influences in a space but stick to two or three. Otherwise, the room looks unintentional and too confusing.

 

Bringing nature into the home can be an element that creates the same wonders we encounter our environment. I have a passion for collecting raw crystals and stones. To me, collecting is an adventure and journey. It reminds me of a time, place, or moment. One of my favorite places on earth is in Colorado. There, I love to connect with nature while hiking, biking, or skiing. I am in awe and marvel at all the vibrant colors. The wildflowers, against the rugged snow-covered Mountain peaks, speaks to me about contrast. I often incorporate this contrast into design. I also love to see how the textures of a rough stone turn smooth thru washed by the river over 100 years. I use different materials in my design to a story about a person or couple; this is what brings magic into your interior space.

There are many forms of art from painting, sculptures, sketching, and collages that can evoke emotion and inspiration for a room. A visit to your local gallery or museum, you might discover that one piece of art that can be a focal point to a room.

 

Fashion and interior design are intertwined. You may not realize it, but much of the interior design trends initially originated from fashion. Usually, what you see on the runway trickles into the home. People use their clothes to express themselves thru fashion and use their home to express themselves in their interiors. Both allow the opportunity to stand apart freely from others and portray how he or she feels about who they are. Fashion designers often are the first in line to spot trends. For example, when there are social movements, such as green living, fashion designers see the evolution and include these elements into their styles. They may source organic fabrics, and choose clean and light styles to create a more natural look. Shortly after that, you will see this same trend in interiors. So if you are trying to understand the next trend in interior design, we suggest looking to the runways to your favorite designers.

Also, we recommend looking through the internet to find pictures of rooms that you love.  There are many websites, forums, blogs, and social media sites dedicated to home improvements and interior design such as our website at ArchitecturalDeisgnStudios.com.  These online resources have countless web pages that include articles, images, and videos about every interior design project imaginable. In most cases, this information is free or costs very little, but it can be extremely valuable to you, especially if the ideas you get, eventually will improve the appearance of your home.  Looking through these websites can provide inspiration and thoughts you never imagined.

So if you are thinking about changing the layout or décor of your home and looking for ideas from other sources, we encourage you to get inspired by nature, art, fashion, or travel.   There has never been more opportunities to find ideas that you may never have even probably considered.

Have you ever walked into a room and felt that it lacked that something special? If you look twice, you will most likely discover that the room lacked a focal point. Creating a focal point to a room is like creating “the star of the show” in the room and is one of the fundamental elements to make a place feel intentional, balanced, and unique. By creating a striking statement in a room is the starting point to design and the beginning of a well-designed room.

 

First, I recommend that when you walk into a room, naturally notice if your eye is drawn to a particular area. If you are lucky, you already have a place to begin…. a gorgeous view, a vaulted ceiling, or a stunning fireplace. If your eye does not immediately draw you to an area, you can create a focal point. By creating an accent wall, finding that particular piece of artwork that you love, finding a unique backsplash, adding unique piece furniture, or add a dramatic chandelier that creates a surprising element.

Another reason to create a focal point is that it makes designing and building a layout so much easier. It points to the area around where you would like to develop. Once you identify the area you want to highlight, then the furniture layout, color, and finding textures will come more quickly. Also, you will find the room more aesthetically appealing and comfortable.

There are many ideas to creating focal points in a room: Living room- Chandelier, Artwork, Fireplace

A fireplace can be a perfect focal point to a living room, but if it lacks flair, think outside the box. In this picture, we created a big splash to the fireplace by adding layers of coral where you usually would find wooden logs. Since this home, we designed is located in South Florida, we wanted to make a lasting impression and shocked the eye by doing something completely

 different. We also created symmetry with the two built-in bookshelves on either side to frame this highlight.

Kitchen- Unusual Hood or Backsplash

Kitchen hoods are a popular way to highlight the most used space in your home. Zinc hoods are growing in popularity because of their aesthetic appeal, and compatibly Zinc has a silvery matte finish that creates a crisp look. Because of the soft finish, it goes well with other silver metals found in the kitchen like stainless steel, nickel, and aluminum.

In this photo, you will see that they highlighted the kitchen hood area with the tile. The damask pattern in the tile backsplash creates visual interest against the white cabinets and hood. This kitchen is timeless and a real show stopper!

Bathroom- Freestanding Tub

This freestanding silver metallic tub is beyond luxurious and creates the wow factor in this bathroom. This bathroom speaks you… “let me take your cares away.” Between the polished nickel tub, chandelier, and the two vanities on the sides…. this room is stunning and super chic!

Office- Unique desk

Innovated desk designs for your office can be a unique way for your office to have style. Why not? Think about the hours you spend working from your office. Maybe having that unique space will inspire you to spend more time at your desk. This aeronautical desk from RH sure captures your attention with the metallic undertones and unique shape.

It is a conversation starter for sure!

 

  Entryway or Foyer

A Chandelier or Mirror over a unique foyer table is the ideal focal point for a foyer. It can serve as a dual purpose of a place to drop things as you are walking in the door, And a mirror can add as a place to check yourself one last time before leaving home.

In this foyer, we designed the chandelier as another feature to highlight. This custom-designed oyster chandelier makes a statement in the house located on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.

After finding the focal point to your room, you will want to consider the Triangle Principle. You should consider thinking about arranging your room so that when you look at your space head on it creates a triangle. As you are designing a room, set up 3 points of interest to focus. One main focal point and two others to complement the main attraction. This triangle makes a frame that captures the image of a room. It is visual trickery. As designers, we typically have an eye to pick up this dimension quickly. Although today, I am going to teach you how you, too, can train your eye to do the same. Unconsciously, our perception is always to pick up order, and the triangle in the room creates vignettes without us even realizing it. Sometimes you may find yourself moving things around, not even knowing why until something in you says “yes”. It’s why when you accessorize a space, something feels balanced and just right and why sometimes it feels disjointed. Hopefully, with intention, you will highlight what you intended to focal point. In this photo, can you see the triangle in the room ( it may surprise you.) I am sure the intention was not to highlight the mess on the floor or the robe in the corner.

Alternatively, in this triangle, the highlight is the mirrors on the wall that balance the chandelier over the tub.

In conclusion, creating the focal point in your room either in a living, kitchen, foyer, bedroom, or office can take the space from average to spectacular. After creating the focal point, remember the Triangle Principle. I hope you enjoyed this class, and it inspired you to look around your home and create something that makes you genuinely proud.

It is important to consider the mood you want in your home.  Do you want it to be soft and serene, warm and dramatic, or bright and cheerful?  Identifying the purpose and vibe of the project will help you select the perfect paint color with intention, especially if you’ve given thought to how specific colors make you feel.  The right color can not only make or break a design scheme, it can change the way you experience your space.  Did you know that the associated moods of emerald green are positive, luxurious, jewel-like and up-scale?  Were you aware that teal is associated with positive, serene, cool, tasteful, sophisticated and confident moods?  Or that blue purples invoke contemplative, meditative, spiritual, soul-searching, intuitive, and enchanting moods?  Think about how useful and crucial this information is when choosing paint colors for specific rooms in your home.

Color adds to our daily lives and can put us in certain moods and make things more enjoyable to look at.  On the other hand, how we experience color is very individual and depends on our previous experience with certain colors or tones.  For example, one person might look at a white wall palette as peaceful, while others might find it boring and lacking energy or personality.  When you begin to focus on colors, you’ll start making design decisions that pull a palette together that makes you feel a certain way.   This process can be the trickiest part of all, as it is truly subjective and the place where you need to develop your own instincts and trust them.  Understanding the power of colors is extremely valuable knowledge for any homeowner to embrace.  To help you better understand how to pick the perfect paint color to set the right mood for you, I will take you through some important design tips that can help you make the best decision for the spaces in your home.

~Find Paint Color Inspiration

Creating a mood is about building onto your foundation and putting forth an atmosphere that expresses the tone you want to encourage within a space.  Start with imagining a place that embodies the mindset you are trying to achieve.

Color is one of the most powerful visual tools we have for influencing the mood of a space.  It has an unconscious emotional pull, so take a moment and notice the colors that you are drawn to and start from there.  If you are unsure, which a lot of us are, one of the best ways to do this is to picture a place that you love to go for a getaway or vacation and use that image as inspiration.  Try and think more about how the place makes you feel more than how it looks.  Maybe it’s a flower, food, a fabric or even clothing.  Sometimes picturing that one simple bit of inspiration is enough to help get you going in the right direction.

Magazines and catalogs are also an amazing source of inspiration, as well as the internet.  Social media sites such as Pinterest and Instagram offer color inspiration that is refreshed in real-time.  Pinterest is great for creating inspiration boards for your favorite ideas and to pin rooms that catch your eye.  This can really tell you a lot about what colors and moods you gravitate towards and help you create the perfect color palette for the feeling you’re after.

 

~Consider Each Room’s Role

It’s important to recognize the fact that not every room in your house plays the same role, therefore, not every room has to be painted the same color.  Each room has its own personality – just like the people they are designed for.  Ideally, you want some continuity among rooms so it doesn’t feel like you’ve entered a different house when you move from one room to another, but they should still stand independent and maintain their own identities.   Consider the purpose of the room you’re painting, and what mood you’d like to reflect when choosing your paint color.  You should choose colors that match the energy and movement of the room.  For high-traffic areas like living rooms, foyers, and hallways you may want to choose warm colors such as light reds, oranges or yellows to create energy and vibrancy in the space.  For sitting rooms, libraries and bedrooms you may want to choose cool colors such as blues, violets, and greens because they cultivate more tranquil atmospheres.  Whatever the case, by first pinpointing the ambiance you’d like to achieve in that space, you can more quickly narrow your color palette down and decide which hue should anchor the room so that your spaces flow.

 

~Get Creative with Neutral Paint Colors

When in doubt, go neutral.  If you’re unsure of the mood you’re going for, neutral colors are always smart options.  Beige, gray, off-white and some browns can give a sort of blank canvas that will work with any décor.  With neutral walls, you can let the colors of your accents or furniture create the mood for you. Neutral colors may seem bland at first, given a cursory glance, but they’re essential to design.  They can complement every space and be used to create the illusion of space and light.  Think of neutral colors as your foundation or the base that holds everything else together.  Any multi-colored combination needs neutrals to ground it and keep it from feeling too crazy – even if it’s just one or two colors within a pattern.  White or off-white rooms create a sense of space and cleanliness.  Although, you can always spruce up your neutral color palette by being creative with how the colors are used.  A paneled or textured wall in a neutral color adds tons of style but keeps the room looking relaxed.

 

~Choose Your Color Scheme or Personal Favorite Colors

After you’ve chosen what mood you want in a room, choose your color scheme. Color is ultimately a very personal thing that will evoke different feelings in different people.  Even if the color you want goes against the rules of which color should be used in a specific space, the most important thing is that you are happy with it. Creating a color scheme is somewhat like putting together a puzzle.  The paint color is only one piece of the puzzle.  Window treatments, furniture, pillows, carpeting and lighting all affect the color and mood in the space.

 

~Take into Consideration Your Décor Before Picking Out Paint

Your paint should complement your furniture and other decor.  Your sofa, a rug, or a painting that you can’t wait to hang, all matter when it comes to choosing a paint color that suits the rest of the room.  Where do you want people to look when they step into a room?  This is a key question you should ask yourself when choosing a paint color.  If you have some wall art you are particularly proud of, choose a color that will emphasize that art.  Choose wall colors that won’t wash out your fun furniture or take attention away from your focal points.  It’s a good idea to scan the room for little details that you’d like to highlight and enhance by bringing in a complementary hue.  Getting specific with your intention and desired mood empowers your color choices.   Once you have a grasp on that, you can start thinking of what paint color will work best with your existing décor and furniture and that also best represents your personality.

 

~Don’t Forget to Factor in Lighting

 Before finalizing your paint color, be sure you first see what the color looks like in all different types of light.  A paint color will change in different lighting, which can dramatically change the mood in a room.  You don’t have to paint the entire wall, just start by painting a small corner of the room, then let it dry and give it a second coat.  To test the paint color, bring in any lamps that are usually in that room, turn on overhead lights and open blinds or curtains.  Set up the lighting in your room as if the room were finished.  This will give you the most complete picture of how the finished paint will look.  If you love the look, proceed.  If not, it’s time to start looking for something else that appeals more to the vibe and feeling you want.  Most hardware stores also have light boxes available so you can test the color without having to even paint.  Using a light box, test your favorite paint chips in natural daylight since that will show its truest tone before making your final decision.

 

~Conclusion

So, as you can see, paint color does matter, and it is critical to be educated on the topic.  Color is a powerful design tool that can make the rooms in your home feel more calm, cheerful, comfortable or dramatic.  Most importantly, don’t forget to have fun with it!  I hope you enjoyed today’s topic and look forward to seeing you all next time.