Decide on an overall feel or mood you want the house to have. This will determine your personal style. It can be very helpful to choose a few words to describe how you want the house to feel, i.e. calming and restoring, spohisticated, retro, romantic, kid friendly but cosy, fun and funky, laid back elegance.
Choose the most limiting aspect of the interiors first - there are fewer granite choices than laminates, so choose the granite first then move onto the laminates and flooring and then finally the paint colour. Doing it the other way around can end up being expensive if the paint colour, flooring and laminate choices are made, and being stuck with a hideously expensive laminate, or something that doesn't fit with the rest of the scheme. Sometimes, the most limiting aspect is the existing elements, such as curtains or carpet. Because there are so many paint colours available, this should be one of the last choices made.
Don't guess that you like a colour in store - always take a colour sample home and check that the colour works in the environment. Lighting in the store will be quite different from lighting in different rooms of your home.
Check your chosen colours both during the day, and at night. This is especially important when using metameric paints. Metameric is the organic and inorganic compounds of the colour pigments that "fight" each other, so that in some lights a colour can look completely different than in another light. This gives a wonderful depth and dimension to the paint and environment it's in, but it is important to check.
Do look at colours you are choosing in the largest samples possible. Colourplus have A3 sized paint samples, which are pre-brushed out onto card , so don't be afraid to take these home and put them up in the corners of the room to see how the colour bounces off itself. Tuck the A3 samples behind the sofato see how the colours and textures work together and how the colour works in shadows, and beside the door to see how it works with colours in connecting rooms.
Think of your home as a whole even if you are only doing one room. Make sure there is flow between living spaces by having colours and textures throughout.
Do consider the architectural style of the house, lighting, and properties and fuctions of a room when choosing colours and finishes. A small room does not necessarily feel larger by painting it a light colour, but it will help if it has lots of natural light. There are times when painting a room a rich colour to create a warm ambiance is a better solution for the space.
If you are looking to have more than one floral or stripe in a room, remember the golden rule of proportion - they must not be of the same scale or they will fight each other and create discord rather than harmony. Choose small and large, or medium and oversized to get the balance right.
The rule of proportion is equally important when using strong colours - to get the colour balance right, the proportions of colour must be balanced, and that means not 50:50. One colour must be allowed to dominate and be the focus. In designing there is a classic 60:30:10 equation which equals a winning colour scheme.
Lighting can make the world of difference to each room. It should be one of the last decisions for the room (even if that "room" is outdoors), but it definately shouldn't just be an afterthought.
Colour Trends
PIXEL EMBRACE There are those who are always moving forward, embracing the latest advancements in technology and media innovations and applying it to their lives. These colours balance action with relaxation. Compatible colours - Mojo, Big Bang, Vinyl, Double Charles, Wizard, Plastic Green, Polka, Felix, Hang Ten, Gale Force, Nimbus, Trench, Absolute, Reflect White, Triple Raven, Triple Caribbean
RESTORE Movies are delivered to the screen at a touch of a button. For some, the future is about a conscious decision to stay in, order in, cocoon in. When the world begins to take its ever increasing hold, home becomes a sanctuary, and not just a place to sleep. People are now choosing to spend time at home, and holiday at home. Time at home also means time to tinker and create the perfect environment. This trend could well be financially driven, as the cost of living continues to rise. Compatible colours - Avalanche, Subtle Earth, Double Mely, Tahini, Doubleshot, San Sebastian, Castle Grey, Bank, Fotress, Surfcast, Coast, Levi, Muddy Tuesday, Matarangi, Tider, Nikau, Charlemange, Double Savanah, Decadence, Allure
FOLK Looking back to the things our grandparents taught us, and teaching our children the very same things. Be it baking cheese scones, knitting and crocheting or making your own gift cards, these colours are using technology in the best possible way to evoke the natural dyes and pigments from the past. There is a resurgence in dinnerware and fabric patterns from the archives being reprinted, books that have been out of print for decades being published. Compatible colours - Cup Cake, Mime, Jester Red, Fire Fly, Hope Green, Fresh Yellow, Maize, Balance, Snow Peas, Tide, Neptune, Dream, Calm, Teddy Bear Brown
ESCAPE Creating a home that feels like a spa. A place to be pampered, and to pamper those we love. The mood is calm, spohisticated with attention to the finest detail. Even the lighting is quiet. Furniture is highlighted with the use of plush rugs and carpets, and sleek oversized tiles and polished stone floors. Compatible colours - Aphrodities White, Persia, Turtle, Buena Vista, Acacia, Antique, Eclipse, Sea Change, Storm, Double Wisdom, Transfixed, Moody Hue
A BRIGHTER WORLD Worrying about what our children will inherit and how we can help make the world a better place. Everyday conscious choices both big and small - bamboo instead of plastic, clean, green products to use in our homes that won't harm our planet. Choosing products that will last a life time, carbon footprints, solar power and windpower are no longer "greenies" ideals, but common sense daily practices. For some that future is already here. Compatible colours - Matador, Vintage, Pupuke, Licorice, Classic Everafter, Bedouin, Thor, Eon, Moonscape, Cobblestone, Triple Cobblestone, Bearskin, Salt, Pacify, Nomad, Landslide, Coffeebean, Havanah, Ponga Log, Parched
The Colourplus Guarantee
All Colourplus Ultra Premium paint comes with a 15 Year Guarantee
Jacobsen Colourplus Ltd. guarantees that Colourplus Ultra Premium paint will not blister, peel or flake for 15 years providing is is applied to properly prepared surfaces, as per the label's instructions. This guarantee does not cover paint failure caused by any breakdown of previous coatings, substrates or mechanical damage.
If Colourplus Ultra Premium paint does not perform to our guarantee, Jacobsen Colourplus Ltd. will procide, free of charge, paint to rectify the affected area.
All Colourplus Designa paint comes with a 10 Year Guarantee
Jacobsen Colourplus Ltd. guarantees that Colourplus Designa paint will not blister, peel or flake for 15 years providing is is applied to properly prepared surfaces, as per the label's instructions. This guarantee does not cover paint failure caused by any breakdown of previous coatings, substrates or mechanical damage.
If Colourplus Designa paint does not perform to our guarantee, Jacobsen Colourplus Ltd. will procide, free of charge, paint to rectify the affected area.
All Colourplus Timber Care products come with a Quality Guarantee
At Colourplus we work hard to deliver you high quality paints. That's why all Colourplus paints are manufactured within the international ISO9001 accreditation standard. It's our commitment to you that this paint will last for years to come.
This guarantee does not cover paint failure caused by any breakdown of previous coatings, substrates or mechanical damage.
Colourcare Ceilings
Colourplus Colourcare Ceilings is an Ultra Premium ceiling paint that dries to a completely flat finish to help hide defects. For use on interior living areas such as bedrooms, hallways and lounges.
For wet areas we recommend Colourplus Ultracare Kitchen & Bathroom. Colourcare Ceilings has been specifcally formulated to minimise roller splatter, and is designed to give one coat coverage over most new and painted surfaces.
Colourcare Ceilings contains a mould inhibitor to help control the growth of mould. It is low odour and cleans up in water.
15 Year Guarantee
For the full story, download the Technical Data Sheet here
Colourcare Eggshell
Colourplus Colourcare Eggshell is an Ultra Premium interior paint, with a soft, low gloss eggshell finish. For use in interior living areas such as bedrooms and lounges. For wet areas we recommend Ultracare Satin Kitchen and Bathroom.
Colourcare Eggshell is specially formulated to provide a washable finish with excellent stain resistant properties.
Colourcare Eggshell is fast drying, non-yellowing and has a very low odour. Cleans up in water.
Designa Ceiling is a high quality acrylic flat for all interior ceilings. Designa Ceiling Ultra Flat incorporates the most modern additives to impart excellent opacity with a dead flat finish and low roller splatter.
Designa Ceiling may be used on suitably prepared Gib® Board, wallboard, timber, pinex, fibrolite, hardiflex, and customwood.
Designa Ceiling may be applied by brush, roller or spray.
All surfaces must be clean, dry and free from oil, grease, dirt, unsound paint, mould and all other contaminants. All new surfaces must have appropriate sealer applied before applying Designa Ceiling.
Designa Ceiling is guaranteed for 10 years.
Designa Oil Based Top Coat
Designa Oil Based Top Coat is a top quality alkyd based gloss paint for all interior and exterior applications. Designa Oil Based Top Coat is designed for use over both acrylic and enamel undercoats, and is available in gloss, satin and flat finishes.
Designa Water Based Top Coat may be applied by synthetic brush or roller. It can be applied by spray but will require thinning to suit. Recommended roller sleeve is synthetic 8-10mm nap. Airless Spray – recommend a 415 or 515 tip.
All surfaces must be clean, dry and free from oil, grease, dirt, unsound paint, mould and all other contaminants.
Designa Oil Based Finish Coat is guaranteed for 10 years.
Designa Water Based Top Coat
Designa Water Based Top Coat is a premium finish for interior walls and ceilings. Designa Water Based Top Coat is a modified acrylic and has been formulated to provide a washable finish with good stain resistance properties, available in lowsheen and satin finishes. It is designed for use on suitably prepared plasterboard, wallboard, timber, fibre cement board and customwood.
Designa Water Based Top Coat may be applied by synthetic brush or roller. It can be applied by spray but will require thinning to suit. Recommended roller sleeve is synthetic 8-10mm nap. Airless Spray – recommend a 415 or 515 tip.
All surfaces must be clean, dry and free from oil, grease, dirt, unsound paint, mould and all other contaminants
Designa Water Based Top Coat is guaranteed for 10 years
Ultracare
Colourplus Ultracare is a hard wearing water based enamel designed to be used on timber doors, architraves, window frames and exterior trim. Available in Gloss and Semi Gloss finishes. Ideal for use in wet areas such as bathrooms and laundries. Ultracare is highly durable and specially formulated to provide a washable finish with excellent stain resistant properties.
Ultracare is fast drying, non-yellowing and has a very low odour.
For interior and exterior use. Cleans up in water.
15 Year Guarantee.
For the full story, download the Technical Data Sheet here
Ultracare Lowsheen
Colourplus Ultra Premium Ultracare Lowsheen is the ultimate finish for interior walls and ceilings. It is lowsheen water based enamel and has been formulated to provide a totally washable finish with excellent stain resistant properties. Ultra Premium Ultracare is fast drying, non yellowing, has a very low odor and cleans up in water.
Ultra Premium Ultracare Lowsheen comes with a 15 year guarantee
Application by brush, roller or spray. We recommend using a high quality synthetic brush or a 6mm nap synthetic roller sleeve.
