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CANT COLOUR - WONT COLOUR
Ive coped with lots of decisions in my life, from the big ones like which house to buy and which school to send my children to, through to small but vexing ones like, Does my bum look big in this? But if one things guaranteed to reduce me to a gibbering indecisive wreck, its a paint chart.
Faced with lyrical but baffling names like Subtle Ivory, Jasmine Mist, or Both Barrels (the latters green in case you were wondering) I retreat defeated and stagger away with cans of boring magnolia yet again.
Its comforting to realise that the nations with me and drowning in complete colour confusion too. Were stubbornly defying the designers and interiors experts urging us that colour is back in fashion and a must-have for homes, and resolutely sticking to what we know - bland and neutral.
New Dulux research reveals that one in four homes in the UK have a neutral or non-colour scheme, and the use of those shades has doubled over the last 10 years.
Around 55% of householders are choosing to live in homes decorated in creams and whites even though nearly half of us actually regard them as boring, non colours.
Its partly because were so unused to living without sight of a bright shade or hue that were too nervous to change, according to Louise Smith, colour expert for Dulux.
She says: The longer you live in bland rooms the harder it is to visualise them any other way - its almost like colour phobia has set in for many people.
Theres another reason - were apparently letting our heads (and bank balances) rule our decor hearts. Were worried that using colour – or worse making mistakes with it - will make our homes less of an investment, which is of particular concern in current, tricky economic times.
But in reality, many of us would secretly love to splash colour around, and take a spin on a rainbow colour wheel. The paint companys research also revealed that only 4% of people believe cream or off-white reflects their true personality, while 38% of us yearn to use blue, and 32% would love to blush pink or even paint the town red.
Embracing colour, whether you want to make your property appeal to a buyer or simply enjoy your own space, could be a good move.
AM I COLOUR PHOBIC?
Check out your symptoms:
:: You relied on advice from an estate agent or were influenced by TV property programmes to use a cream or off-white colour scheme.
:: Youve used cream because you think its the easiest way to decorate.
:: Your bedroom is probably the only colourful room in the house.
Thats quite common, says Louise, because people feel braver about experimenting in a room that less people are likely to enter and their colour choice is unlikely to be judged by friends or family.
:: Even your childrens bedrooms are a whiter-shade-of-pale. Kids rooms are now the least colourful of all the rooms in the house as the use of colour there has dropped dramatically in last 10 years down from 57% colour to 23%.
HOW DO I START?
:: Louise advises: Try using just a soft paint shade on one feature wall. That way youre less likely to overwhelm a room and regret your choice. If you dont like the effect simply paint over it! Remember, theres no wrong choice - if you are happy with it, its fine.
:: Author, Stafford Cliff says: Try painting just a patch of wall initially. Look at the colour in different light, say at night and when its raining.
Good colour choices dont rely on sunlight. If its fabric for curtains or blinds, pin up a swatch. If youre adding colour to a sofa, consider a big bright cushion or loose cover. Give yourself the flexibility to have fun. A successful colour scheme is one that makes people feel comfortable.
:: In general, limit yourself to no more than six testers at a time. To see if a colour will work, paint a sheet of paper, at least A4 size, with two coats of a desired shade, then place it in key places in the room i.e. next to windows, opposite a window, and try it with the lights on and off.
WHAT COLOURS SHOULD I CHOOSE?
:: Louise says encouragingly: There are many easy-on-the-eye shades this season like duck egg blue, soft green, or even dusky pink that will warm but not dominate.
Deep reds and damson purples can look fabulous and create intimate, cosy dining rooms or even dramatic small rooms - especially if the space is generally only used at night and lit by lamps.
Dont just think paint, wallpaper and soft furnishings are available on the high street in rich colours and bold patterns. Florals are a key trend for summer in vibrant pinks, reds and oranges.
:: Stafford Cliff recommends: Blue is calming and generally good for bedrooms, while yellows a wake-up shade - perfect for bathrooms and for bringing the feeling of sun and light to an interior.
Reds and pinks can be associated with luxury and fine living and often work well in kitchens or dining rooms. Theyre particularly popular this year with the trend for Eastern style.
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