If you’ve been admiring or pinning images of colorful interior designs but have felt too nervous about purchasing the can of paint, you’re not alone. Painting a room can feel like a big commitment, but when you understand the language of color, it can be fun and fruitful. I’ll be diving into the color selection process for our project, Bold in Belmont, to uncover the keys to designing with color and selecting one that works well with your space.

Key 1: Consider the history of your home

When our client first approached us, they knew right from the start that they wanted a bold red dining room. Since their home was built in the 1930s, it was extremely important to find the right hue for the home. Along with coordinating the visual flow to adjoining spaces, we needed to work with existing window treatments and floors. So, when it comes to painting, it should feel like an extension of what is happening, not like a wedding guest who didn't get the memo that it was a black-tie affair. With historic homes, it can feel challenging to honor the history and architecture of the past while updating your finishes for modern living, but a bold color will accentuate craftsmanship and other beautiful details. We chose Picture Gallery Red by Farrow & Ball in their oh-so-sophisticated Estate Emulsion—what’s not to love?

For your project, begin by researching the paint colors or styles that were traditionally used at the time your home was built. This will point you in the right direction for choosing a color or hue fitting for your home's history. 

Sustainability Tip: Always choose a No-VOC paint option for the health and safety of your family.  

Key 2: What light are you working with?

Light plays a huge role in how we perceive color. Yes, lighting fixtures are important, but your room's exposure to natural light is even more crucial. Early morning light and northern-facing rooms will be exposed to more bluish tones of light, whereas southern-facing rooms and those facing evening light will be exposed to warmer tones.

Take this into consideration when choosing color options, and don’t hesitate to put a few different color samples on the wall—at least a 12” x 12” swatch on each wall that will be painted. Watch and see how the light changes throughout the day. This is a small investment of time and money that seasoned professionals use to discern the nuances between their final few selections.

Key 3: Incorporate Historical Elements

Incorporating historical elements will help tie the architecture of the space and the color of the walls together to create a cohesive and inviting space. In our Bold in Belmont project, we found a gorgeous vintage light fixture on Chairish that was from the same era as the home. Once in our hands, we partnered with Hillsboro Hardware to restore it to its former glory. 

An heirloom pub table with antique chairs centers the space and warms up the room for intimate dinner gatherings to come. The built-in bookcases were ready for some personality, so we sourced a historic re-print wallpaper from Bradbury Wallpaper that pairs perfectly with the red paint and brings a punch of personality while keeping in tune with the home's heritage. 

As you play with these three key ideas, take your time. Keep in mind that professional interior designers and decorators have years of experience they tap into when considering how to use paint to enliven a space without overdoing it. If you’d like to partner with MOTIV to add color and personality to your space, check out our Full-Service Design service as well as our VIP Day and Feng Shui Design Consultations.