Painting with bright colours?

Deanne17

Hi everyone,

I've been away from this site for a while, but came back as I could use some painting advice. (Hopefully I'll stick around for a while, need to catch up here!)

I want to paint the walls in my basement, which is used as my craft space and gym. I'm thinking about using a bright colour (possibly a turquoise). I've never painted with bright colours, so I have a few questions.

1. The space is fairly large, but has a low ceiling. Also not much natural light. Would a bright colour work here, or would it be over powering?

2. Would it be better to do a bright accent wall with a more neutral main colour? (Not what I'm hoping to do, but will if needed/recommended).

3. I can use any of these brands: Rona, Sico, CIL, Martha Stewart Living, or Behr. Any suggestions on which are good (or which to avoid)?

4. Any general tips are also welcome!

Thanks,
Deanne

mharris141

What I did at my place is paint 3 walls tan and have a soft blue accent wall. The ceilings are white and I have white trim. The accent wall was a great idea that really helped open up the room. Maybe you could do something like that.

BeckyOff

Deanne17 said:

2. Would it be better to do a bright accent wall with a more neutral main colour? (Not what I'm hoping to do, but will if needed/recommended).

3. I can use any of these brands: Rona, Sico, CIL, Martha Stewart Living, or Behr. Any suggestions on which are good (or which to avoid)?

#2- start with painting just one wall.  It it's enough color for you, you can always stop.  If you're loving it, then keep going.  Easy.  I'm slowly painting my way through the house; all the walls I've painted have been colors that other people consider "accent" colors.  I love it, but it's not for everyone.

#3- I use Behr.  Works great for me.  Don't use Walmart paint.  In my personal experience, they can't ever mix the colors correctly (so good luck going back when you run out of paint- the next can won't match).  Also, it's thinner or something so it really splatters.

KTdidit

Agree with PP, I'd start with one wall and see how you feel about it. I love bright colors, especially in a space that is all yours and not so much "communal" like a living or dining room. If it were me I'd probably go ahead and paint the whole room, and make sure to have good lighting. As for paint brands, I can't help. I usually use whatever is on sale at Menards. I know Behr is good though.

MommyLiberty5013

DH and I have used and been okay with the Behr and Valspar brands for interior walls, which are the brands that Home Depot and Lowes put out.

I painted my previous home with a lot of bright colors and it was fun, but I got tired of it pretty quickly. Not saying you will, but bright colors all over are a big commitment since it's so time consuming to repaint.

I echo the PPs and do one wall.

If the ceiling is low and there is little light, dark colors will make the space feel smaller.

Deanne17

Thanks for the replies so far, very helpful!

If I do one accent wall, I'll still be painting the others as well (just in a lighter colour). I need to get rid of the brown that's there. I have nothing against brown, but most of the rooms in my house are the same brown colour and I need a change