How To Choose a Paint Color

Choosing a paint color can be a daunting task for some people but this blog will show you how to choose a paint color without breaking into a sweat. The paint choosing process can be a little easier if you follow these steps:

 

Do your research: I recommend you do NOT immediately go into a paint store and choose the first color that you like. Go on line to sites like Houzz or Pinterest and take a look at paint colors in actual rooms and see what strikes your fancy. I happen to have an entire board on Pinterest dedicated only for Benjamin Moore paint colors shown in actual rooms. You can also go to your local supermarket and purchase a few decorating magazines and do the same. Once you have narrowed down what you like, look to see what color paint appeals to you. Have you chosen mostly rooms with earthy tones? Do you like dark walls? Do you like a lot of color? This will help you figure out the look you are going for.

Benjamin Moore: Wythe Blue

If you love a contrast of light walls and furniture paired with dark floors then the above design by Avenue B Development is the look you are going for. Start looking at light colors with similar tones to Wythe Blue.

Hooked on a feeling: What mood do you want to set when you walk into a room? Is it a fun room? A serious room? A warm room? An elegant room? Each color you consider will give the room an emotion. Decide on what you are wanting to accomplish and that will steer you in the right direction.

Inspiration piece: Is there a specific piece in your room that you love and want to pull color from? It could be a rug, artwork, vase, pillow or in this case, in the photo below, the fabric on the window treatments ties in nicely with the lavender wall color. An inspiration piece will give you a great starting point that makes it super easy to choose a paint color. Take that piece to the paint store and have them color match with a shade or two lighter or darker depending on the look you are going for.

pic via google

Take a walk on the wild side: Some people are afraid of color and tend to lean towards beige walls with brown accents. Don’t be afraid to add color with either an accent wall or accessories that give the room some interest. As mentioned above, find a room that you like and decide what you like about it. If you choose a paint color that you think is too bold, you can stay in the same family and palette by painting a few shades lighter on the same paint swatch. This is a good way to soften a bold look, while still adding a the color.

In this instance the decorator had opted for a barely blue wall paint, and has decided to enhance the furniture and drapery with sky blue accents.

Most importantly, remember, the commitment is small… it’s just paint! Have fun with it and know that adding color makes a big difference and changes the entire feeling of a home.

For color consultations contact interior designer, Melanie Langford of All About Interiors.

 

Disclaimer: Unfortunately, none of these lovely images you see here are mine. I do not take ownership of anything unless otherwise noted. This is an inspiration and informational blog for personal use only. Please see links on the images for credit and to take you to the source in which I found it. If you own any image you see here and do not approve, please let me know and I will be happy to remove/accommodate. Enjoy and thank you!