Is it really all about the perfect paint color?
Why do we feel drawn to want piece over another? Feel relaxed in one room rather than another? Sometimes, it all boils down to one thing. Paint.
A new coat of paint can drastically improve the way we see something. For example, our first project here drastically changed we saw this boring ol’ office chair. Just a little paint and it turned into a fun accessory to brighten our office. A change of color in a room substantially changes how we feel while we’re in it.
Given these thoughts there’s no surprise that picking the perfect paint color can be a bit overwhelming. After all, there are literally millions of different colors in the world. How can you pick just the right shade of blue when there are hundreds to choose from?
Well we’ve done the research and here are our top 10 tips for picking the perfect paint color.
Find Inspiration
Have a favorite painting, piece of clothing, rug, pair of drapes, maybe even vacation place? These favorites play a huge part in helping you pick the perfect paint color. Take note of the style, colors, pattern and other traits and use those to pick out different design aspects for your new room.
Start Small
Are you overwhelmed with all the different options and you can’t even tell, if you’re going to like any of them on a large scale? If so, why not start small. Maybe redo an accent piece you’d like to add to that space, use the color in a small room like the bathroom or even do an accent wall.To help with this exercise, you might start by looking at different decorations such as a rug, pillows, a painting or any other accessories. What colors do they have in common or what colors would they go with in your house? Based on that knowledge, it will be easier to narrow down the color choices.
What’s the Mood?
Do you think your bedroom should be relaxing or awakening? Should a dining room be lively and appetizing or more formal and quiet. And the living room? Should it be cozy and inviting or vibrant and fun? All these moods will influence the color choices. Choosing bright colors might not be the best choice on bedrooms because they can inhibit relaxion.
Take stock of all the key elements in your house.
Do you have carpeting, hardwood floors, modern or antique furniture? The color of the flooring is an important consideration when you choose colors because it anchors the room. Furnishings also play an important role in determining the perfect color scheme for your house. Since these are usually the most expensive and not easily replaced items in the house, it might be best to choose colors that tie these things together.
Don’t Pick Paint Color First
That being said you shouldn’t necessarily pick the paint color first. Unless you’re just putting new paint up and keeping everything else the same, it would be a good idea to pick your furnishings first. Have a general idea of the colors you like, but make sure you can find accessories, furnishings and decorations to go with it.
Make Sure It Transitions Well
Consider the home as a whole. The perfect paint color needs to go together, or that can at least have accessories that match to give your home a cohesive look. Sometimes using paint from the same family can help you make sure the home will flow well together.
Use the Color Wheel
Don’t know where to begin? The color wheel can be a great tool to help you pick the perfect color. A small color wheel is a great reference tool for modifying and intensifying two or more colors. For example, complementary (opposite) colors, are most intense when used together. Working with different combinations can help you find a new favorite color pallet. The color wheel can also help you determine the visual temperature of a color.
Finishes Add Depth
Sometimes picking the perfect color, involves a little extra something to transform the space into something interesting and personal. As you’ve seen in some of our tutorials, it is easy to add a little extra visually with a finish or layered glaze. As you’ll see in the Amy Howard line, some examples of softly reflective metals are mica, Copper Penny, Diamond Dust, and Bright Bronze.
Go Monochromatic?
Some people are afraid of color, some people are afraid of boring, but using different shades of the same color can be one of the most interesting ways to use a color. But you can easily be as bold or as subtle as you want using a monochromatic scheme. Use big or small variations depending on the effect you want then follow tip 8 to add extra depth. For example, use closely related colors, or try a single color in different finishes. Then you can add warmer or cooler tons as accent pieces to add to the effect.
Pay attention to lighting
A color show it’s true shade in the daylight. Maybe in the store it was the perfect paint color, but in your home it’s completely different. Lighting could be at fault. Fluorescent lighting will show a blue hue and incandescent lighting brings out warm tones and yellows. This is why it’s good to start small, maybe with even an accent wall because the true test of a color can’t be answered until it’s in it’s permanent lighting conditions.
Follow these 10 tips for picking the perfect paint color and get it right every time!
This is so helpful. It makes it less daunting of a task to have some guidelines.
I’m glad you found it helpful!
These are some great tips! I love redoing the house, but sometimes find it hard to make a final decision on colour!
I’m glad you found it helpful!