Deep down, we are all Rembrandt wannabes. However, very few of us are actually brave enough to put paintbrush to canvas for all the world to see. For us chickens, our homes can become our canvas, a creative outlet for the artist within.

In the world of interior design and home fashion nothing plays a more dramatic role than color. For some the choice of paint color is as important as where to send their first born to college. For others, it's just a fifteen minute visit to Home Depot. Still others fear making a color mistake and end up with a safe but uninteresting environment.

When I visit Paris and the countryside I am completely drawn to their vast palette of unique paint colors for the home. As in food, the French are known for their passion for artistry and color. I once strolled upon a small team of Parisian home painters on scaffolding, looking indistinguishable from the sidewalk artists near the river. I saw a color blue I had never seen before and my heart started racing. So, I made a total American fool of myself by climbing over boards and buckets to beg for a color swatch from the French painter – who of course spoke no English and I no French. It was rather comical, but I treasured that swatch as my most valued souvenir.

Surprisingly, the choice of paint colors is often among the last decisions designers tend to make. Finding the right rug design, window treatments and upholstery fabric combination is typically the most challenging, expensive and consequential, and therefore the best place to start.

Here is a secret real world experience technique I often use. Open a box of Crayola crayons. What colors are you drawn to most? Your favorite color is the one you will live with best. Sometimes there are just not the right paint colors off the shelf so a lot of mixing patience is in order. Once you have a family of colors in mind, bring home several shades of paint in quart size and apply small patches to different areas in your room. Study the color as the natural and artificial light changes throughout the day and in different weather conditions. See how the paint colors interact with your fabrics and rugs. How does it make you feel?

Serenity is often the reason for choosing neutral color tones. A monochromatic room may be one of the most challenging. While style evolves over time, colors such as green, blue, red and yellow stand the test of time. Red speaks louder than any other color, acting very dramatic. When yellow's warmth is not quite enough, a dash of red will increase the intensity, both are primary colors with passion.

Whites always complement architecture and seem to be the frequent color of choice. Whites just work to make other colors stand out and so is a great accent color. Soften your whites with a tint of warm color to keep from being cold or jolting. Take a portion of the wall color and tint it with the white on the ceiling and trim to give off a warm complementary tone.

Hey, relax. History's greatest artists often made changes to their timeless creations, and so can you, so don't be afraid to express yourself!

Wanda Crossley is the owner of The English Manor in Leesburg, Virginia