Picking the right paint color for a room can be tricky. Sure, you can scoop up dozens of samples but in reality, this is a costly venture. The cost of one pint of paint to test on your walls will run you $7. Multiply that by four more because you’re not sure if you like “Iced Lavender” or “Iced Plum” and what you have is a frustrated husband and about $30 down the drain.
What’s a gal to do? Follow these 10 tips before you make the purchase and I promise decision-time will come that much easier!
Experiment in a Small Space
If paint is new territory for you, pick a powder room and test your palette there. Find your confidence levels in a smaller room before you decide to paint your bedroom “Chinese Red!”
Decide on a Mood
Are you feeling dark and stormy or light and airy? Evaluate the uses for the room you want to paint and choose your hue accordingly.
Take Note of Your Lighting
Does the room you’re redoing get a lot of sunshine? If the answer is no, stay away from dark colors as it will shrink your room immediately. If your kitchen is flooded with morning light, choose a cheery yellow or mint to offset your gorgeous cabinetry.
Educate Yourself on Color
What’s a hue? What’s a value? Should I care about intensity? The answer is yes!
The hue is the color. The value is how light or dark a hue is. And the intensity refers to the brilliance of a hue. Is it super-saturated or more muted?
Test it Out
Don’t be afraid to go bold but test out your hue on several different walls. Paint a patch near a window, in a dark corner, next to a dresser. Make sure you love the color no matter what the lighting is. And if you’re really bold – paint the ceiling!
Add Dimension
Explore texture and finishes. Layers and reflective finishes like metals and minerals can add depth to an otherwise ordinary TV room.
Consider the Flow
Walk-in and out of rooms. Is there a cohesiveness between spaces? Similar to art composition, determine how you feel when you can see that bold hue from your kitchen or bathroom.
Choose Complementary Colors
The color wheel says that opposites attract – so listen! Cool, warm, you name it… colors belong to a family. See what I mean here.
Go Monochromatic
If your comfort zone is in the neutral family, opt for contrasting neutrals such as taupe and gray. Or, graduate color… you can select a warm red which could lead into a cooler blue sitting room, for example.
Try a Different Paint Finish
Eggshell refers to a matte finish. Generally, walls utilize the eggshell finish. Use satin or semigloss on trim, which is more reflective.
Which Colors Are Inspiring You Right Now? Let us know at the comments at the bottom of this page.
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I am using a gray taupe in my living/dining room; a gray green in one bedroom and a gray blue in the other bedroom. With the undertone of gray, it blends with the carpet and hardwood, yet gives each room a bit of distinction.
There is continuity throughout your home. I prefer contenuity because there is a clear flow throughout your home. Enjoy! Honey