Marilyn Bohn | Creative Organizer

I usually don’t like advertisements in magazines. In fact the first thing I do is tear them all out so I don’t waste my time when looking through the magazine. But today I found one that was educational and I thought I would share it. It is from Sherwin-Williams paint (my favorite) on 10 easy ways to a balanced home. As a professional home and office organizer a balanced home is what I strive to create for my clients.

1) What’s your favorite landscape? The beach or the forest? Choose paint colors for your home that remind you of that bright yellow sun you love or the evergreens to which you escape.
2) Don’t rush. Take yurt time deciding on a color for a room. Get a paint sample and put a little bit up on the wall or a piece of poster board. Live with it and see if under various light conditions. (I did this one time and then I went to the store and bought something completely different. I actually like what I chose-thank goodness).
3) Indulge in Zen style. To create inviting white walls select a white with warm undertones of peach, rose, ivory, or even gray verses a pure white that can look like a blizzard.
4) What kind of refuge do you need—a soothing or invigorating one? Select a relaxing, cool tone like a green or blue or an energizing, warm tone such as yellow or red accordingly.
5) Lighten up. To make ceilings look higher, paint the ceiling of a room one or two shades lighter than the wall color. Just stay in the same color strip family.
6) Don’t create a visual overload. Pick a color and a palette then define a room by altering the shades. Don’t add too many colors. And edit the decorative items you display so there’s a focus.
7) Be open to guidance. Ask in the paint store what colors are reliable or query that friend who has a gorgeous, red dining room what shade she used.
8) Take inspiration from everything. Consider your favorite painting, movie, or food. What colors are in them? If a color means something to you, it will have a bigger and more positive impact on you.
9) Experiment virtually. Take advantage of the great online resources available now that let you see a room “painted in the color you like. It will help subdue doubts about your selection.
10) Explore space. If you want a room to feel more expansive, go for a cool color. Or if prefer a cozy nook opt for a warm tone.

Home should be a calming and nourishing place especially when you lead a busy life. Luckily, just adding color with these ideas can make your home a sanctuary that brings you balance even on a hectic day.