Color is perhaps the most important and versatile tool we use to create the mood, tone, and feeling in a unit. To help multifamily professionals make the right choices for their apartments, Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Masco Coatings Group, makers of KILZ® Complete Coat Paint, answers questions about the different ways to use color to create the kind of experience residents want in a space.

Q: Do you have a general principle on how to use color in a unit?

Erika: The 60-30-10 proportion is a good rule to use for decorating color schemes: 60% of the color goes on walls; 30% can be used on furniture, area rugs, and window treatments; and 10% should be devoted to smaller accent pieces, like throw pillows, picture frames, or artwork.

Q: What colors make a small space feel bigger?

Erika: A light color will make a small space seem larger. Using an off-white, blue, or green will do the job—with a lighter-colored trim.

Q: What colors make a space feel warmer?

Erika: A good neutral, such as a light “greige,” is a great choice to warm up a space. Warm colors advance walls, so using them in a large room will close it in somewhat, giving it a cozier feel.

Q: What colors would help a dark space achieve a brighter look?

Erika: For a public room in a unit, such as a living room, I would choose a nice pale blue, which is reminiscent of the sky and water, giving the room a lighter feel.

Q: What’s a classic go-to color for an interior space?

Erika: Classic go-to colors tend to be off-whites and warm, light grays. If you want to make a statement with a classic color, I would look at a dark royal blue, black, or an earthy red—always great choices to make a statement!

Q: Is there a good rule of thumb for choosing a trim color vs. a wall color?

Erika: For trim, generally it’s a good idea to use a color that’s a couple shades lighter than your wall color, to be safe. If you want to go with a more contemporary look, I’d suggest a dark black–brown, black, or charcoal for a trim color with a very pale wall.

Q: What’s a long-lasting, timeless exterior color?

Erika: A classic white with bold accents is always timeless and will never go out of style.

Q: What exterior pops of color would you recommend?

Erika: Depending on the unit style, you can use a deep navy, black, red, or green for your front door. You can always use one of these colors or a coordinating pair for shutters and the front door.

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