It's a minefield - you have to decorate but don't know where to start. You have an idea of colour but will they match or will they look horrendous! Will it be too dark? Too light? What finish should I use? How much coverage will I get? These are frequently asked questions we get asked in the studio and thankfully we are all trained to answer those questions and offer advice on the best products to use.
However, sometimes it is great to get a bit of help ourselves which is why we are pleased to see the latest brochure from Paint Library which gives an overview of its Architectural Colours and how to use them.
Architectural Colours? - that sounds even more complicated! Don't worry, all will be revealed. The Architctural Colour palette is a user-friendly, colour-by-number system designed to provide beautiful alternatives to white and can be used in conjunction with wallpapers and alongside other similar colours. There are 95 graduated shades to choose from and include easy-on-the-eye light tones and restful neutrals.
Based on the classical method of decorating, using differing strengths of the same pigment, you can easily create a cohesive and harmonised project. Create a scheme of subtle sophistication or strong impact simply by choosing alternative combinations of tones within the same colour group.
For example, the walls in this scheme (above) are painted in Cotton II and the woodwork Cotton I tricking the eye in to thinking that they are the same shade which in turn can expand the sense of space and make low ceilings appear higher than they are.
This bathroom uses different shades of the colour Leather but the overall effect is a harmonised scheme.
However, if you want to create contrast you can choose alternative combinations of tones within the same colour group. For example (below) Steel V has been used on the upper part of the wall with Steel II on the lower. It still harmonised but there is a definite contrast.
Using subtle tones from the Architectural palette means that you can provide a clean, neutral canvas for a bolder design. In the Bathroom (below) use of the Willow family acts as a soft companion alongside a bolder wallpaper, in this case Lighthouse Palm. A much darker Stable Green anchors the scheme and coordinates with the design on the wallpaper.
If you are still in a quandry, why not visit the studio to ask advice on paint and its uses, as well as what finish to use in a particular room. We are open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm and look forward to helping you with all your paint conundrums.
