Simplifying the Process of Choosing Paint Colors
Compared to many of the ways you can update your home, new paint on the walls is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to make a big impact. A new paint color can make it a brand-new room without even changing furniture, accessories, artwork, or built-in features. In fact, the hardest part is usually picking the right color. Not to worry, we’ve collected some tips below to help you choose your next paint color and create a fresh new space.
Find your inspiration
You can look for inspiration anywhere – magazines, Pinterest, nature, your favorite restaurant – but the best place to find your inspiration may already be right there in your home. Start with what you have. Think of your favorite rug, those amazing throw pillows, the furniture, the tile or brick, or the artwork on your walls; what colors would go great with what you have?
Create flow
Pay attention to how the house feels as a whole, and consider whether the new living room color will look from the kitchen, etc. It’s common to carry the same trim and door colors throughout the house or choose shades from a common color palette. The rooms don’t need to match but try to create flow between spaces. There are several online color tools that can help you choose a palette you love.
Work with what you have
Make the most of your house by thoughtfully complimenting architectural features, cabinets, countertops, fireplaces, and built-ins. Think about the size of the room, the height of the ceilings, and the windows. Lighter colors tend to open a space and make it feel larger, while darker colors can make a space feel cozy and intimate. High contrast can make a dramatic impact and draw attention, while low contrast can feel softer and more subtle.
Color psychology
Think about how you want to feel in your room and what you’ll be doing while you’re in there. Social areas like the kitchen and dining room might be best served with warm, energetic colors in the yellow and red families, while private areas like the bedroom and bathroom may feel more calming and relaxing in cool blues and greens.
Lighting makes all the difference
Bring those paint chips home and look at them in the space you’ll be painting. Look at them at all times of the day and in natural and artificial light. Colors appear incredibly different to us based on the light we see them in. After you’ve narrowed it down to a couple of choices, go the extra step and get paint samples of the finalists so you can paint a larger area and view it in your space. Using boards for this instead of your walls is a great way to view the colors in various places around your room.
Sources: sherwin-williams.com & marthastewart.com
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