Paar rr fa {29 |wiPe! Hints For Picking A Paint Color Is As Easy As 1-2-3 (NAPSA)—Whether it’s the sifting through mountainsof swatchesortrying to remember unique namesfor the color blue, selecting a new paintcolor for your home can be a daunting task. However, Chris Stigliano, merchandising director at Lowe's, says there are three stress-free steps you can take to ensure you choose the right color. Step 1: Size Up Your Room Consider its shape andsize: A lighter color can make a small room feel more spacious, while a darkercolor can help an immense room seem cozier. Take architectural details into ac- count: Think molding, trim, columns and brackets. What's attractive and what's not? Varied intensities and hues can complementarchitecture, furnish- ings andart. ‘Theright paint can accentuate a room’s features or hide them. Factor in function: Will the main pur- pose of the room beeating, sleeping, working, entertaining or something else entirely? A warm color in the living room or family room creates a more comfortable and inviting atmosphere for guests than a coolerone. Step 2: Determine ColorPalette Consider yourself: Paint color should reflect your mood and personality. What are your favorite colors? If you're having trouble selecting a shade, try looking in your closet. The colors you enjoy wearing are the ones that make youfeel good. You're the one who hasto live in the spaceso live with the shades you love. Emotional response: Studies show that room color can affect your mood. Hues of blue, green and neutrals— such as beige, gray and white—can create an overall sense of calm. On the other hand, shades of red, orange and bright yellow provoke high energy. Find out the colors that work best in eacharea of your home. Work with what’s already there: If you've already chosen an interior decor or if youre working with a room that’s already furnished, focus on a favorite fabric color, piece of art or furniture, or other object. Bring a pillow, piece of fabric or even a favorite pair of shoes to Lowe's andan associate will custom blend a paint shade to match. Before you begin painting your home, you should consider following three key steps. Step 3: Get Samples Ask for a color wheel: ‘The color wheel has thousandsof hues to choose from so bear in mindthatpaint is generally divided into two groups: bolds—reds, greens, pinks, blues, greens and purples—and neutrals—pastels, beiges, grays and whites. Neutrals are generally consideredto bea safer choice because they blend with many different decor styles, meaning if you plan to change yourdecorlater, you can often keep the samecolorwalls. Get three or four colors you like: Colors in the store often look different at home because of the changes in light. Rather than running therisk of getting a gallon ofpaint you don'tlike, try a few samplesfirst. Samples are an inexpensive way to ensure you're making a good choice. Test: Paint a one-foot square in each color on your wall. Over several days, watch the colors at different times of day, comparing natural sunlight and artificial light. By following these simple steps, you will increase you color confidence. So don't be afraid to paint bold and bright. If you love a vibrant color such as peacockblue or fuchsia, go forit! Learn More If you buy your paint from Lowe's and aren't in love with the color once your room is finished,Stigliano reminds us that you can simply return the unused paint to your local store and they will replace it with another color. For more painting ideas, tips and product solutions, visit Lowes.com/Paint.
