Calgary, Alberta, is nestled in a region of breathtaking natural beauty, from the rolling foothills of the Rocky Mountains to the golden prairies and vibrant river valleys. Bringing these stunning landscapes into your home through paint colors can create a serene, grounded, and inspiring living space. Whether you're refreshing a single room or redesigning your entire home, here’s how to match paint colors to Calgary’s natural landscapes.
Why Choose Nature-Inspired Colors?
Calgary’s landscapes offer a rich palette of earthy tones, vibrant hues, and subtle shades that evoke tranquility and connection to the environment. By drawing inspiration from the prairies, mountains, and Bow River, you can create a home that feels harmonious with its surroundings. Nature-inspired colors are timeless, versatile, and can suit a variety of design styles, from modern to rustic.
Step 1: Observe Calgary’s Natural Palette
Before heading to the paint store, take time to observe the colors in Calgary’s landscapes. Go for a hike in Fish Creek Provincial Park, stroll along the Bow River, or drive out to Kananaskis Country. Notice the colors that stand out:
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Prairie Golds and Browns: The golden grasses of the prairies in late summer and the rich browns of the soil.
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Mountain Grays and Blues: The rugged gray rock faces of the Rockies and the cool blue hues of alpine lakes like Lake Louise.
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Forest Greens: The deep evergreen of pine and spruce forests in Banff or Bragg Creek.
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River Blues and Greens: The turquoise and teal shades of the Bow and Elbow Rivers.
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Sky Blues and Sunsets: The expansive blue of Calgary’s clear skies and the warm pinks, oranges, and purples of a prairie sunset.
Take photos during different seasons to capture how light affects these colors, as Calgary’s dramatic seasonal changes can influence your choices.
Step 2: Translate Nature’s Colors to Paint
Once you’ve identified key colors, it’s time to find paint shades that match. If you’re unsure about application techniques, professional house painters Calgary can help bring your vision to life with precision. Here are some suggestions inspired by Calgary’s landscapes, along with their approximate color families:
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Prairie-Inspired Neutrals:
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Golden Wheat: A warm beige or soft gold (e.g., Benjamin Moore’s “Wheatfield” or Sherwin-Williams’ “Accessible Beige”) for cozy living rooms or bedrooms.
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Rich Soil Brown: A deep, earthy brown (e.g., Behr’s “Coffee Bar”) for accent walls or furniture.
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