Preferences for certain colors, or associating them with certain moods or emotions, are individual and subjective. The colors of the rooms in your home are a direct reflection of your preferences and personality. Thus, it’s important to choose colors wisely when it comes to decorating.

With so many color options to choose from, picking out something as paint color for a room in your home can be overwhelming. Who knew there were so many shades of yellow?

While there’s no magic formula, here are some tips and guidelines to choosing paint colors to make your home uniquely you.

Associating colors with moods or emotions is subjective, but there are some color effects that have universal meaning. Warm colors (reds, oranges, yellows) evoke emotions ranging from feelings of warmth and comfort to feelings of anger. Cool colors (blues, greens, purples) are described as calm and soothing.

So the question is: how do you want to feel?

Passionate, daring, intimate, excitement – choose red.

Red raises a room’s energy level. In the living room or dining room, red draws people together and stimulates conversation. In an entryway, it creates a strong first impression.

Welcoming, sunny, happy – choose yellow.

Yellow is an excellent choice for kitchens, dining rooms and bathrooms, where it is energizing and uplifting. In halls, entries and small spaces, yellow can feel expansive and welcoming.

Clear-thinking, calm, meditative – choose blue.

Blue is considered calming, relaxing, and serene, and it is often found in bedrooms and bathrooms. Consider warmer and bright blues, such as periwinkle or turquoise, in social areas to encourage relaxation. Blue is known to have a calming effect when used as the main color of a room, but only in softer shades.

Tranquil, invigorating, restful and balancing – choose green.

Combining the refreshing quality of blue and the cheerfulness of yellow, green is suited for almost any room on the house. In a family room or living room, it encourages and unwinding, calming effect but has enough warmth to promote comfort and togetherness.

Stimulating, sexy; blue-violets are cooling, spiritual – choose purple.

Darker hues are rich, dramatic and sophisticated; often associated with luxury and creativity. Lighter versions, such as lavender and lilac, bring the same restful quality to bedrooms as a blue but with a touch of warmth.

How you use and incorporate color into your home is a powerful design tool. The paint colors you choose, as well as the color of the furniture and accessories, all create a mood – whether you’re aiming for calm, cheerful, comfortable or dramatic. The trick is to create an environment that is pleasing to the eye while reflecting your mood and personality.

If you need help choosing a paint color, Stanford Painting offers professional color consultation at no charge to all of their clients. Stanford Painting is a full-service painting contractor, serving both residential and commercial clients with extensive experience in both interior and exterior, residential and commercial jobs. For more information, visit their website or call 650-321-9302.