Some colors are often associated with certain rooms of the house, but you can break the "rules." Who says bathrooms need to mock seascapes to appear clean and serene? Why can't there be more to the living room than beige? Keep in mind the following points when shopping for the perfect paint hue.

Bathrooms - Because bathrooms are often small and can be cluttered, try to avoid putting too many colors in the space.  Instead, choose one bold color to carry the design.  Traditionally, bathrooms have been painted unassuming pastel shades of blues and greens, but a boldly colored bathroom can bring some style to an otherwise plain space.  It's especially important, though, to have a touch of white or another pale hue in this smaller area.  A splash of neutral will give life to a bright color without allowing it to be overpowering.

Bedrooms - A bedroom is first and foremost used for rest and relaxation, so the color you choose should be calming.  Again, pastel shades are popular for a serene bedroom enviornment, but why not step it up a notch?  Go a shade or two darker than you usual bedroom shade and off-set it with lighter drapes and bedding.  You may be surprised how warm and cozy a darker shade will make you feel.

Kitchens - Because of all its cabinets, shelves, nooks and crannies, a kitchen can be difficult to paint.  That means you won't want to have any second throughts about your color choice after the room has been painted.  Bright, energizing colors augment this busy room that's so often filled with sweet smells and good memories.  Think about the colors of the rainbow - red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet - and their different properties.  Hold a paint chip to the wall and step back - you may be surprised at how different the room feels in relation to each color.

Don't forget that kitchen paint needs to be hard working, so select a sheen that offers stain- and grease- resistance, as well as washiability.

Family Rooms - It is important to match your walls to your decor.  Because of this, many people rely on neutral colors in their living and family rooms.  But in the process, fun and distinctiveness may get left by the wayside.  A family area, like the living room, is often filled with noise and energy.  Try painting with a color that compliments your decor and captures the energy of the space.  Consider trying a deep wine color, huner green, bright lime or strawberry.