Before you get out the paintbrush, learn how colour can affect your mood.
By Julia Woolnough
Black Out
Black creates a mood of authority and power, and is a stylish and timeless colour. Try blackboard paint for kids – it's an easy and fun way to incorporate the colour. A glossy black is always nice on the front door – it pairs beautifully with a brick exterior.
Black Blue 95 in Oil Full Gloss, $35/750 mL can, Farrow & Ball, 877-363-1040, www.farrow-ball.com.
Wonderful Whites
White signifies purity and innocence. If you aren't sure about what colour to use, go with white – it's the most versatile colour of all. White is a great backdrop because it works well with all colours and textures.
Cloud White, CC-40, Designer Classics Collection, $52/gallon, Benjamin Moore Collection, 800-361-5898, www.benjaminmoore.ca.
Red Hot
Red arouses feelings of love, passion and warmth. A bold and bright red can create a retro-modern look, while a rich, dark red can stimulate conversation and excitement, and is a common choice for a dining room. It pairs well with white and can even go with black (if you're confident enough to try it).
Blazer 212 in Estate Emulsion, $70/gallon, Farrow & Ball, 877-363-1040, www.farrow-ball.com.
The Blue Period
Blue leads to feelings of peace, serenity and calmness. Light hues are pretty in bathrooms, bedrooms, garden rooms and porches. Pale blue pairs well with sand-like colours. Darker, bolder shades of blue can be used in formal, traditional bedrooms and dining rooms, but use it with a white trim.
Tip: Dark blue looks beautiful with wood furniture.
Morning Sky Blue 2053-70, Colour Preview Collection, $52/gallon, Benjamin Moore Collection, 800-361-5898, www.benjaminmoore.ca.
Go Green
Green is symbolic of nature – refreshing and relaxing. Apple green is fun for playrooms and feature walls. Calmer, muted greens such as sage and olive can soften a space. Couple a pale green with white or even a pale blue for a pretty combination.
Kyoto Spring 6168-21, $46/gallon, Sico, 800-463-7426, www.sico.ca.
Mellow Yellow
Yellow is an upbeat and stimulating colour. Try a pale yellow for a softer, warmer feeling, especially in living rooms, hallways and bathrooms. If you do decide to paint the walls a soft yellow, try a putty-coloured trim to match. Use bolder shades in small doses, like a piece of bright yellow furniture.
Evocative Sunlight VM29, $38/gallon, Ralph Lauren Paint, available at The Home Depot, www.homedepot.ca.
Pretty in Purple
Purple is feminine and romantic. Darker hues like plum and eggplant are good for colour blocking or as a feature wall. Softer purples such as lavender and lilac are beautiful for bedrooms, and pair well with softer tones of grey.
Lavender Ice 2069-60, Colour Preview Collection, $52/gallon, Benjamin Moore Collection, 800-361-5898, www.benjaminmoore.ca.
Tip: The light in a room and stain of the floors can really change a colour. Sample any paint on the wall you intend to use before committing to it.