Picking room colours??

[Otto]

Just bought a house, and am wanting rid of the various pastel colours the previous owner was so fond of. However, how do you go about picking a colour, or even a colour range, for a room? I want to start with the main room, which is a very large, open plan kitchen / dining / lounge area, high roof etc etc. I just do not know where to start with choosing a colour(s)!!! How do you go about picking a colour?

Art was never my strong point, but I guess it should tie in with things like the carpet, kitchen etc. Carpet is a dark cream / very light brown, kitchen is a medium walnut colour, with the granite style tops (with a hint of green) and appliances are stainless.

I just want someone to tell me what colour to paint it, then I can get one with the man-work of actually painting, except my girlfriend is as colour-tarded as I am.

[Plotloss]

Colour charts and sample pots.

Brief argument

Done.

[PH5121]

Paint everything magnolia with obliterating emulsion (£15 for 10 litres) just to cover the pastel colours.

Alternatively paint it natural wicker, natural calico (or any other Dulux shade at £15 for 2.5 litres) which ends up looking like magnolia anyway!

[Simpo Two]

Either paint it magnolia until you know what else you want to do with it, or wander round some showrooms/hotels/other people's houses until you find a combinations you like, then copy it.

[Otto]

Plotloss said:

Colour charts and sample pots.

Brief argument

Done.

oh the arguments are not so brief! Started out she wanted blue.... I had the nerve to suggest this might feel a little cold... I am now in the bad books because I apparently try to be too controlling!

Very tempted with a 5 gallon bucket of magnolia, and a Mr Bean style decoration involving fireworks.

[WWESTY]

Plotloss said:

Colour charts and sample pots.

Brief argument

Done.

I wish it were that simple.......

[Dr_Gonzo]

I;m currently doing Interior Design at night school so I'll try and give you a few tips. Use a colour wheel http://www.colormatters.com/colortheory.html. Spilt in half with Red, Orange & Yellow on one side and Blue, Green and Purple on the other you have a split of warm and cool colours (red side being the warm ones). If the room needs 'warming up' use a colour from the warm side; if you want a cool feel to the room go for something from the cooler side. The shade of the colour will also affect how the room feels. Lighter colours tend to make a room feel more spacious, while darker colours have the opposite affect.

When thinking of which colours to use you can either go for monotone i.e. colours all from the same segment of the colour wheel, and just use different tints and/or shades. If you want more than one colour you're normally fairly safe going for colours next to eachother on the wheel.