I hope that all of us choose our paint colors depending on our individual tastes, and not because we are following trends or want to impress someone else. It’s good to be selfish about paint color choice because it’s your home, after all, and it should be a place where you enjoy being in.
We choose colors based on the mood we want to create in a room. This is where an understanding of warm and cool colors would come in handy.
Cool colors, such as blue, green, or indigo, are associated with calmness and tranquility. In contrast, warm colors, such as red, orange, and yellow, emit an energetic and exciting vibe. We’ve written about this topic several times, but a refresher is always welcome, especially for new homeowners.
Warm Colors
This color palette of yellow, orange, red with brown accents, gives off a cozy and welcoming vibe. The carefree interior style of the living room is perfect for a young (or young-at-heart) free spirit who has the artistic flair to put together a combination of things, and come up with a space that emanates a warm welcome to whoever enters it.
The mix of colors also works very well for social spaces like living rooms, kitchens, or family rooms. You can imagine lively discussions or warm interactions taking place here.
For more color swatches and ideas, read about the Move color palette of Color Trend 2022.
Cool Colors
Also cozy. Also inviting. This living room with predominantly green hues is like an oasis anyone would want to come home to. Imagine entering this after a busy day, it should be a relief. Picture yourself puttering around with plants, or lounging on that oversized, comfortable sectional sofa while scrolling through your DMs as you sip your favorite drink.
Relaxing and refreshing, cool colors can calm you. The access to the garden outside is a plus. You’ve got that natural vibe going inside and outside your living room. This color palette creates a serene and spacious vibe that encourages heart-to-hearts with family and friends.
Check out these green hues from our latest Color Trend for 2024-2025.
Tips on Choosing Between Cool or Warm Colors
I sympathize if you are confused whether to go for cool or warm. You could go with the mood you are in, but this isn’t so practical either for a long-term design choice because moods change, although, it is a good starting point.
So here are some tips you can further consider in your decision process.
1. Room function
As mentioned, warm colors would be a better fit for spaces where social interaction takes place like dining rooms, kitchens, living rooms, and family rooms.
Cool colors would be suitable for spaces where you need relaxation and quiet like bedrooms, bathrooms, and study rooms.
2. Natural light
Spaces that don’t get a lot of natural light would benefit from warm colors. The rooms that have more natural light can handle cool colors.
3. Size of the room
Cool colors give the illusion of spaciousness so they would be good for smaller rooms. On the other hand, warm colors can make a big room feel more snug and cozy.
4. Existing features
An important consideration when choosing the colors for a room are existing architectural features, furniture, and decor. Unless you are choosing for a new build, you have to work with all those.
5. Your color preferences
Last but not least are your color preferences. I don’t know of any person who is neutral about color. You already see it with the clothes we wear, or the things we are drawn to. So do consider your favorite hues when choosing the colors for your home. If you are a bubbly person with a spicy temperament, it may be torture to live in a home with cool colors. You can, of course, have your walls painted in cool colors, and choose the contrasting color to bring in what sparks joy.
Test Your Color Choices
Before you even buy the color you seem to like, test it on your walls first. Get different shades of the color you like by buying 200 mL pots. You can buy them from The Color Library if you live in Metro Manila. Otherwise, you can also buy them online.
Click on the link to find out how to go about testing your paint samples.
Once you’ve finally settled on your colors, just go visit a Mix and Match Station in a home depot or hardware nearest you and purchase the quantity you need.
