Colonial era paint choices still work in modern-day home decorating

Modern home decorators can take a cue from the American colonial era when distinct styles of design emerged and continue to this day.

Because wallpaper was too expensive, colonists often painted both walls and paneling. "Early colonial home decorating often meant having to deal with rooms with low ceilings and that lacked light. To help the room appear brighter, the walls and ceilings were painted white," according to HomeDecoratingCoach.com. "[For trim], earthy colors were most often used."

Paint colors in these early homes included red, mustard yellow and moss green, as well as tan and gray. Sometimes a creative homemaker produced grained or marbled finishes on the walls for a more elegant look.

In today's home, colonial colors can be offset by a chair rail for trim in the dining and living rooms. Patchwork quilts in bedrooms, needlepoint cushions on upholstered furniture and pewter accessories are all in keeping with what might have appeared in a colonial-era home.

For a window treatment, valances over fabric roller shades that complement cushions and upholstery are a good choice for colonial-style decorating. Patterns that are reminiscent of those used in fabrics from the colonial era add a touch of authenticity.