Tips from Michael

Begin with color -

• Understanding color - natural and artificial light affect our perception of color - a test swatch should be looked at over a 24-hour period.

• How color makes use feel - comforted and energized.

• Color changes rooms - cool colors can make a cramped room appear longer. Making a ceiling look taller by painting it a cool white.

• Choosing color - we all experience color differently - just a matter of research and experimenting until you get it right.

• Color combinations - use warm and cool shades to transition from room to room. If the transitions are subtle, the effect is subliminal and calming.

• Walls set the tone, mood and style for your home.

• Ceilings, like other surfaces, need to be primed before you paint them.