Choosing the right paint color for your home can be a challenging decision, there are so many choices. Going to the paint store and seeing all those different colors can become overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help make your decorating a success.
1. Paint to match your Décor
Paint is the easiest part of the room to change so don't make any final decisions until after you have chosen your fabrics, Wallpaper or Rugs. Match your paint to your fixtures not the other way around. Paint comes in an array of colors so it also makes it the most versatile. When you go shopping for paint bring along your samples; fabrics, carpet, tile and trim. You will want to refer to these constantly. When you are using a printed fabric choose the lightest background color for your prominent wall color. Use the bolder colors as accents in your room.
Paint is the easiest part of the room to change so don't make any final decisions until after you have chosen your fabrics, Wallpaper or Rugs. Match your paint to your fixtures not the other way around. Paint comes in an array of colors so it also makes it the most versatile. When you go shopping for paint bring along your samples; fabrics, carpet, tile and trim. You will want to refer to these constantly. When you are using a printed fabric choose the lightest background color for your prominent wall color. Use the bolder colors as accents in your room.
2. Paint colors change in different lighting
Paint can really change in different types of lighting; natural, florescent, incandescent etc. Always, always make your final paint decisions in the room you will be painting. Look at the samples during the day and night. The color might appear different in one corner of a room than another. In small spaces or dark hallways keep the colors lighter to make the space feel bigger. Really study all the colors on the full sample color strips even if you are not considering using a darker tone. They offer clues about the underlying tones of the different shades of a color. Decide if the family of colors is the right direction for you.
Paint can really change in different types of lighting; natural, florescent, incandescent etc. Always, always make your final paint decisions in the room you will be painting. Look at the samples during the day and night. The color might appear different in one corner of a room than another. In small spaces or dark hallways keep the colors lighter to make the space feel bigger. Really study all the colors on the full sample color strips even if you are not considering using a darker tone. They offer clues about the underlying tones of the different shades of a color. Decide if the family of colors is the right direction for you.
3. Paint tones and your environment
Do you want a relaxing calm space or something warm and inviting. Know the difference between cool and warm tones. This can help you select the right tone for the type of feeling you desire. For example white is not always white. There are many different shades of white. Look at the underlying tones are they Warmer-pinkish or yellow toned, or Cooler– bluish toned. Choose which tone is right for your room.
Do you want a relaxing calm space or something warm and inviting. Know the difference between cool and warm tones. This can help you select the right tone for the type of feeling you desire. For example white is not always white. There are many different shades of white. Look at the underlying tones are they Warmer-pinkish or yellow toned, or Cooler– bluish toned. Choose which tone is right for your room.
4. Choose a Custom Color
You can have a completely custom color made just for you. Give your painter a sample of the color you want and have your paint color created to be a perfect match. When choosing a celling color remember that ceilings are in shadow so you might want to go lighter. You can match the ceiling color to the wall color by choosing a color one or two shades lighter, on its color chip sample. When choosing a trim color most use a shade of white. If you have a bold style go for a dark trim and lighter walls.
You can have a completely custom color made just for you. Give your painter a sample of the color you want and have your paint color created to be a perfect match. When choosing a celling color remember that ceilings are in shadow so you might want to go lighter. You can match the ceiling color to the wall color by choosing a color one or two shades lighter, on its color chip sample. When choosing a trim color most use a shade of white. If you have a bold style go for a dark trim and lighter walls.
5. Color Contamination
Always view color sample chips vertically up against the wall. This gives the best representation of the paint color. Be aware of color contamination, if you are holding a beige sample up against a pink wall it will probably give the beige a pink tone. The same will be true for blues and yellows. If this is the case try to find a room with the same lighting and neutral background as to not affect your paint sample. Try a virtual visual, at Pro West Painting we can show you a computer generated picture of your room in 2 different colors. This is part of our one hour color consultation service.
6. Choose your Finish
Paint is made in a variety of different finishes. You can choose from flat-matte to high gloss. Some paint brands have different levels of gloss. A general rule of thumb is to paint a higher gloss in high traffic areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms. The most common finish is egg shell it gives a little more protection again wear and tear than a flat finish.
Always view color sample chips vertically up against the wall. This gives the best representation of the paint color. Be aware of color contamination, if you are holding a beige sample up against a pink wall it will probably give the beige a pink tone. The same will be true for blues and yellows. If this is the case try to find a room with the same lighting and neutral background as to not affect your paint sample. Try a virtual visual, at Pro West Painting we can show you a computer generated picture of your room in 2 different colors. This is part of our one hour color consultation service.
6. Choose your Finish
Paint is made in a variety of different finishes. You can choose from flat-matte to high gloss. Some paint brands have different levels of gloss. A general rule of thumb is to paint a higher gloss in high traffic areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms. The most common finish is egg shell it gives a little more protection again wear and tear than a flat finish.
7. Give it time
Changing a paint color can be a drastic change and has the largest impact on the room. If you are not sure about your choice give it some time. Take a week to live with it by then you will know if you love it or hate it.
Changing a paint color can be a drastic change and has the largest impact on the room. If you are not sure about your choice give it some time. Take a week to live with it by then you will know if you love it or hate it.
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