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August 2009 Design Newsletter

Welcome to our August 2009 Newsletter from Wall Huggers

In this issue we will discuss,  How To Choose A Paint Colour

When it comes to decorating, choosing paint colour can really be a challenge. While you may feel that there are so
many choices you're bound to find the right one, you may end up feeling that there are so many choices you don't
know where to start!

The tips here will really help you if you feel stumped by this important choice. After all, the paint colour will set the tone
for the room.

Be Patient
It's great to collect paint chips when planning a room, but hold off making final choices until you've developed an
overall room scheme. Paint is available in literally an infinite array of colours and is the most versatile element of your
room decor, the easiest to change, and the least expensive. Get ideas but make the final decision after rugs, wallpaper,
and fabrics are finalized.

Coordinate Decorating Samples
When you go shopping, you'll need to refer to your fabric, carpet, tile, wallpaper, and trim samples constantly. Be sure
to take everything with you wherever you go. No telling where you might see something wonderful.

Really Study the Colours
You'll find clues about the underlying tones of different shades of a colour on a full sample strip of coordinated
colours. Even if you're not even considering using a darker tone, look at all the colours carefully. Decide if the family of
colours is the direction you're headed with your color selection.

Tried and True Formula for Colours
If you're working with a print fabric, you'll probably be happier if you select the coordinating wall paint colour from the
background of the print. Use the deeper or brighter tones for accents throughout the room or adjacent spaces. Learn
more tips here about how to choose a colour scheme.

Trim it Out
More often than not, you'll select a shade of white or off-white for the moldings, doors, and windows. If you're feeling
brave, consider the palest shade of colour to coordinate with the walls. For a really striking look, try lighter walls and
dark tones or bright colour for trim.

Choose the Paint Finish for the Job
Consider which paint finish might be best for your project. Matte or flat finishes hide wall imperfections, but glossier
finishes will reflect more light.

If you're searching for the perfect paint, the tips here will be helpful.

Warm or Cool?
Colors are often referred to as "warm" and "cool." Orange, red, and pink are considered "warm" colours, while blues,
greens, and violet are thought to be "cool." Knowing the theory behind colour can help you select the right tone for
the feel you're trying to achieve.

White is Not Always White
Trying to find the perfect white can be a challenge! Beiges and off-whites have subtle colour, so compare paint chips
to your fabrics and flooring to determine if a warmer pinkish or yellow-toned white -- or a cooler, bluer white -- is best
for your room.

Keep Notes as You Shop
It's a good idea to make a note on the back of the paint colour cards, telling yourself the name of the store where you
picked it up, and the paint brand whenever this information isn't printed there already. Since most home centers and
hardware stores carry more than one brand of paint, you may discover the perfect colour, and then find you can't
remember where you got the sample! Then you'll have to start over. Ugh!

Shed a Little Light
The best way to get a true view of a paint colour is to look at it in many lights. Take the paint chip outside to see it in
natural light. Look at in under an incandescent and fluorescent light. Best yet, take the paint chip, fabrics, and
accessories to the room in which they'll live. Check out the colours there.

Measuring Works Magic
Take your room measurements with you to the paint store or home center. The professional at the store will help you
determine the correct quantity of paint to buy for your job. Or you might use your numbers to consult one of the handy
online paint estimators to get an idea of how much paint you'll need for your project. Remember primer and trim paints.

Ask, Ask, Ask!
For helpful paint advice, go both online and to your local paint store. Tell the paint professional about your project and
goals for your decorating project. Ask which paint products they recommend, and why. Get information on specialty
paints such as low-odor, stain-killing primers, chalkboard paint, washable paint, and many more.

Custom Colour Matching
If you want to achieve a perfect match or find a truly unique colour, your paint store or home center offers custom
colour mixing. This makes it possible to bring in a fabric swatch, painting, or other colour reference, and have a paint
colour created to be a perfect match. Visit Home Depot or Lowe's or call a local hardware store to inquire.

Look Up to the Ceiling
Light colours are usualy most pleasing for a ceiling, because ceilings are seen in shadow. If you'd like the ceiling to
match the wall color, buy ceiling paint one or two shades lighter than the wall colour (on its colour chip). Or, dilute your
wall colour with white paint in a ratio of 25% colour to 75% white.

Try it on for Size
When you think that you've really chosen your perfect colour, buy a pint of paint to do a test patch. This will prove to
be excellent insurance for less than $10.00. Paint a 12-48" square on a board or directly on your wall. Look at it during
the day, morning, evening, and night. How does it look with the room's flooring, wall coverings, and fabric choices? If
it isn't right, get another pint and try again. We like to test three colours at once to save time. You'll undoubtedly find
the right colour.

See the Plane
For the most accurate colour representation, view paint samples vertically (up against the wall) and view carpet
samples set flat on the floor. If you do this, you'll see how the colors will look when they're applied to your space.

Colour Contamination
Once you've gotten your test sample up on the wall, notice whether the colour you're testing might be adversely
affected by other colours in a room. For example, if your room is currently painted pink and your test patch is beige, it
is likely that the pink will reflect onto the beige, changing the colour. The same would go for blue or yellow. Or if there
are coloured curtains on the windows, their colour will reflect onto your new paint. To get the best idea of how the
room will look. Place the painted sample up on the wall and place the flooring samples on the floor. Test the color in a
room with the same exposure to sunlight. Find a room that is neutral.

Let It Dry
Wet paint colour often looks different from dry paint. Don't panic when you first see the paint applied to the wall. Let it
dry, then check it with your other samples (fabric, tiles, carpet) to decide if it looks right. Paint can also look out of
place in an empty room. Bring in a few room elements (a chair, painting, or window treatment) to see how it all works
together.

Always Have White Around
Having some extra white paint, carefully sealed in a container, can never hurt. Use it to lighten some paint that's too
dark. Or use it to dilute your wall colour by 3/4 for use on the ceiling. Just make sure to use the same kind of paint (flat
latex for example), mix thoroughly, and make enough of the new colour to finish the project. It will be impossible to mix
up more later.

Give It Time
Getting used to a new room colour might take a few days. A new bold colour may seem overwhelming at first. Put
some furniture, flooring, and fabric in the room. You'll probably be pleasantly surprised to see that your new colour
harmonizes with other room elements.

As always, choose colours that best suit you.  If you are unsure what those colours are, just look in
your closet.  You will find that you tend to be drawn to one colour.  Take this colour and use it in your
home and trust me you will just love your new space.

Good luck with your project!
Made in Canada
I hope that you have enjoyed your Newsletter and have benefited from the information provided.  

Please feel free to pass this information along to your friends and family members to also help them with their interior décor projects.

We also invite you to browse our website.  We have a great selection of upholstered wall panels that can work in any decor.  

We welcome your comments and suggestions and hope that you enjoy this great summer season.

Regards,


Connie Beland / Owner



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