From the outside in, the color of a dwelling can make all the difference. There’s just something about color that sets the aura of an environment. Whether it’s the calming hues of serene green or the enveloping warmth of terra cotta, color is the main ingredient to set the tone.

Just three decades ago, the walls of our abodes were covered with reams of floral wallpaper. Then came the days of spackling, doused with nose-powder white, flamingo-pink or just-enough-yellow-to-call-it-cream paint colors. Today, walls and even ceilings flaunt an abundance of modish paint shades to reflect contemporary living, along with designs that are breaking the mold.

“The colors and what you do in your house tells your story,” says Anthony Lipscomb, owner of Phoenix Masonry & Paint, based out of Midwest City. “That’s why it’s important to look at the whole picture of your home when you choose color schemes.”

The trend in paint is leading to a more contemporary look with darker, rich colors that make a bold statement. “Small amounts of metallic, including bronze and pewter, mixed in the paint color is chic and conveys a clean look,” says Debbie Groves, an interior designer in the Oklahoma City area for more than 26 years. These finite touches make walls appear as if they were graced with an artist’s talent.
 
Common colors on the horizon are dark or medium grays, paired with dark or even black woodwork, says Lipscomb, who has been in the painting business for more than eight years. “The blue-gray tones are calming and comfortable. And, the darker the color, the warmer a room feels; it makes you feel safe.”

Emotional state
Research has proven that particular colors have an effect on our emotional state. Soft, green hues are says to relieve stress, while shades of blue can lead to a decrease in blood pressure. No matter what studies have says, the priority is to feel comfortable in your own home.

“I love to create a warm and welcoming environment,” says Oklahoma City-based interior designer Robin Green, owner of Interiors by Robin. “It’s important for people to put their feet up and feel comfortable doing so.”

To achieve that state of serenity and contentment, Green recommends choosing timeless earth tones, which are very inviting.

“When you surround yourself with neutral colors, it helps to create a sense of a calm and inviting space,” she says. And what is better than walking into a room that is like an enveloping hug?

“It’s important to choose the right colors in the right room,” says Groves. Warm spice colors like sand, mustard yellow and shades of red, paired with unexpected blues and greens, are perfect for the “hub of the home” in rooms like the kitchen and dining room. Most of these areas have an abundance of natural sunlight, resulting in the warm colors coming alive with elegance.

“Stay away from blue undertones in the kitchen, because blues tend to make the food you prepare less appetizing,” Green says.

Instead, opt for colors reminiscent of spices or warm, earthy neutral tones that actually stimulate appetite and create a welcoming ambience as you enter the most popular room in the home: the kitchen.

For rooms without natural light, a decision of surrounding colors should be considered. If you are painting a study, or small room that is utilized for task work without a window, elect a lighter shade to avoid the room giving off the aura of a cave, Green recommends. When it’s time to tend to the bedrooms, choose colors that reflect the age of each child.

“Babies need primary colors for stimulation to keep their minds developing,” she says. Bold and bright colors reflect youth, so “have fun and run with it.”

Neutral tones
Green suggests painting the walls of young adults’ rooms in non-aggressive neutral tones with pops of bold accent colors like “taupey” blues and blacks, finished with furniture in finishes of deep espresso or black.

“For a more feminine feel, opt for accent colors of lime green, pinks, oranges or even eggplant,” she says. “Paired with black and white, this combination is stunning.”

Not only have paint palettes come a long way, but unique design has vastly grown. From glazing and plastering, our walls are yearning for a newfangled style. Groves has even added bold color on the ceilings of her clients’ residences, which became a “big hit,” she says.

“It’s different and adds richness and warmth,” Groves says. Despite what you might think, “a painted ceiling doesn’t bring it down on top of you.”

Have a favorite paint color, but want a new perspective? Create a vintage texture with paint by layering tinted plasters to convey an “aged” wall, a seemingly cozy addition to a room. Or, go green, and use natural materials to cover walls and floors.

“Houses need a mix of materials to create a rich ambience and warmth to rooms,” says Groves.

Choose cork or wood planks on the walls, or use natural matting like bamboo, recommends Green.

“If a room feels natural, it feels good,” she says. “When you create a serene environment, you’ll want to stay right there in that room for a long time.”

Color commentary
Basically, colors can be divided into three categories: cool, warm and earth tones. 

Cool colors: Cool colors include violet, blue and green, which tend to be soothing and create a quiet mood. Cool shades may also make a room appear larger and more airy.

Warm colors: Red, orange and yellow are considered warm colors. This category forces the eye to focus, resulting in a psychological warming effect. Warm hues tend to increase social interaction and convey energy and cheerfulness.

Earth tones: Shades of brown, beige, gray and taupe are grouped as earth tones, which help create an elegant and sophisticated interior. Designers recommend enlivening earth tones with textural touches or starting with textured paint.