There are plenty of times when I work with a client, that color selection is the most difficult for them. Everyone has an idea of what color they would like, but then they get overwhelmed.
Here are a few steps that help me with the overwhelm and they might be able to help you.
Don’t pick the color before you pick your furnishings and decor. Know what fabrics and textures you are going to have in your space. It is easier to coordinate a paint color with your furnishings than the other way around.
Always look at the darkest color on the paint sample stripe. That will help you see the undertone of the rest of the colors. Will the color look to pink or blue, etc. You get a clearer picture of what makes up the true color of the paint by looking at the deepest tone.
Yellows can be very difficult to pick, as well as other bright colors. Everytime yellow is the color of choice, I always suggest dropping it down a shade or two. It is always brighter on the wall then what it looks like on the sample chip.
If you end up picking a dark color, don’t forget to tint the primer to a similar color. It will save you a bunch of time.
Buy samples of the colors you like and put them on various walls. See how they look in the light in your home. Look at them at different times of the day.
Try to carry the color or color palette threw the house. Right now, I have pops of peacock blue in almost every room.
Sticking to a neutral tone is not a bad thing. Think of the walls as your canvas and you are building on top of that with your furniture, fabrics and textures.
Remember to pick the right sheen. Each sheen has a place and purpose.
Flat or (Matte): Works well in low traffic areas, like a bedroom or office. There is no reflective quality to it. Flat can also hide imperfections. Flat is easy to touch up, but marks up easily too. There are several paint brands that offer a washable matte, so that definitely helps with clean up.
Eggshell Has a tiny bit of shine and is a good choice for moderate traffic areas such as living rooms. In my experience most scuffs can be wiped off of this surface with a damp cloth. Is a good choice for medium traffic spaces, like living or family rooms. There is a little bit of shine to it, but not too much. It is easier to clean compared to flat.
Satin: Has a bit more shine and works well in high traffic areas or areas that have moisture. It is also super wipeable which is why it is perfect for kitchens and bathrooms. It’s much easier to wipe clean and that is why it is a good choice for those areas prone to a little more wear and tear.
Semi-Gloss: Shinier and much easier to clean. It is a great choice for doors, trim and moldings. It does show imperfections because it is so highly reflective.
Gloss is the most reflective. It works well on doors, trim and even furniture when trying to mimic the look of a high gloss lacquer. It is easy to wipe down and keep clean.
If you are still struggling with finding the right color, make your own. Remember all those samples you bought, but just weren't exactly what you want, make your own. Take a paper plate, a spoon, paint brush and blend some of those colors together. You might surprise yourself with a custom color. Remember the paint will dry a little darker. Save the paper plates with the dried paint and get them color matched.
These are just a few ideas to help you. Just remember, it’s only paint!
Happy Painting,
Joni
