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Put on your thinking cap

Wall paints are an expression of one’s personality, hence the choice is subjective



Expression of taste: Colours set the mood for any space from a living room to kitchen, bedroom or even a bathroom. Photo: Mohammed Yousuf

Walls are not mere partitions that divide different spaces. They are an expression of one’s personality, taste and in some cases even social status. Exteriors or interiors, a good coat of paint tastefully done always adds to the aesthetic value of a building.

“Paints are very subjective. They can kill the look of a room or work wonders,” says G. Sivaramakrishna, sales and merchandising manager of Home Town. “Thanks to technology (Internet) and media, people now know about the latest designs in the market and don’t compromise when it comes to colour, finish and appeal,” he says.

Colours set the mood for any space from a living room to kitchen, bedroom or even a bathroom. Snow-white colour gives a room bright and airy feel making it look larger than it actually is. White blends well with almost any colour. Pinks are delicate and soft that could blend with greys, browns or blues to give a room a pleasant tone. While shades of blue could add depth to a room while giving it bold appeal, yellow shades imparts a glow-like feel to wooden furniture items. Red is warm; however, too much of it can be distracting.

Dark and bright colours might look appealing but they fade faster, making a building/room appear older. It might also become tougher to match with the colour when doing ‘touch-ups’. They also absorb heat and suffer more moisture problems than lighter shades. But at the same time they hide the stain and dust marks. In vogue are the metallic tints that highlight a surface by giving it a metal-like feel. “These are preferred either for ceiling or a wall of bedroom to give it a distinct appeal,” says Yousuf, a professional painter.

Coming to exteriors, one needs to choose the right exterior paint carefully, keeping in mind the kind of neighbourhood one lives in. A brightly-hued building in a conservative neighbourhood would look dominating and could generate negative vibes. Colour should be chosen in such a way that it blends with the surroundings and a dash of creativity can be thrown in for that distinct look. If you have a garden, coat the walls such that they compliment the fauna, giving the building a natural feel. A burst of colours on one side gives it a lopsided and gaudy appearance; so, seek appropriate balance. “In case of exteriors, it is always advisable not to go for more than three colour patterns,” says Mr. Yousuf. Different surfaces call for different treatments. Acoustic paints are specifically designed for acoustic tiles, alkyl resin paints for faux finishes. Emulsion-based ones are washable. Textured paints on the other hand, can hide irregularities of the wall surfaces.

YOGENDRA KALAVALAPALLI

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