by J. W. Nusz

Created on: May 26, 2009

This article will teach you to choose a color for your den based on a scientific approach as well as your own preferences.

There are inaccuracies in perception of color by the human eye. In fact, for the same person, colors change in different strengths of light, light compositions, reflective backgrounds and on different substrates (surfaces). So forget the idea that one color fits all right now.

While this may seem overwhelming, the scope of the choice can be limited by your personal preferences. Just be sure to have an idea of what you want before actually choosing it! For a brief introduction:

1. Warm colors: red, orange, yellow (all hues and tints)

2. Cool colors: green, blue, violet (all hues and tints)

Warm colors are invigorating and exciting, while cool colors are generally relaxing. Right now, choose the mood you want for your den - invigoration or relaxation.

With the desired mood in mind, what time of day will you spend most of your time in the den? At that time of day, go into your den and write down the primary sources of light. Make sure to draw distinctions between natural light (sunlight, fluorescent light, energy saver bulbs) and incandescent light (yellow light from standard bulbs).

Light is important because it messes with color. Warm colors are highlighted in incandescent light and repressed (dull looking) in natural light, and vice-versa with cool colors. Remember the mood you chose earlier? If you want an invigorating mood from warm colors, but are seeing primarily natural light, you may want to rethink the room lighting before painting. Despite your best efforts at brightening the room, the color will always appear flat and unappealing due to the incorrect light! Try closing the shades and using light bulbs, or compromising on a cool color.

Next, look at the surroundings. Do you see many warm or cool colors in your carpet, furniture and dcor? You should consider attempting to coordinate color moods between your surroundings and paint. For example, the heavy contrast between a blue carpet and red wall is not aesthetically appealing. Coordination of color is important also due to reflections - light bounces off objects and lends the hue to other objects. So, where light is moving, blue carpets and red walls make purple blotches!

So, you've chosen color based on mood, light and coordination. Now you need to decide if you want to add effects to the walls such as faux finishing (sponging, combing, etc.) or lines/two-tone effects. When choosing the color for effects, just follow the same methods previously described, but make sure to coordinate each chosen color with your surroundings and the other paint colors.

As a final note, you can do yourself a big favor by visiting a paint store and picking up paint swatches and samples. Remember the effect that light has on color? Most stores are lit fluorescently, and most homes are lit incandescently. What you see in the store will not likely appear to be what you smear on the wall. Placing a swatch on the wall or painting it with a sample quart will give a much better idea of what the finished product will be.

(Author is ex-paint store employee)

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