4 Easy Steps When Choosing Paint Color

Choosing a COLOR…..

I have finished another painting project in my little cottage. I had grown tired of neutral walls and bead board so decided it was time to add some life to my main floor. It’s a small space, an open concept connecting my kitchen, dining and living areas.  Once I got started there was no stopping – the whole space had to be done.

When I was nearing the end of cleaning, organizing and putting my home back together a friend dropped by for a visit. Over a cup of tea she mentioned the new color combination felt warm and cozy - then proceeded to ask what colors I had used. She had been wanting to paint her kitchen for some time now and was inspired to use the same colors in her home – after all, she had walls, bead board, windows and doors – why wouldn’t they work for her?

Although we had discussed various shades in the same color family she was convinced the ones I had chosen for my cottage were perfect.  So off she went to the local home improvement center, confident and relieved from not having to search through paint chips, and went to work repainting her kitchen.  She spent hours painting her cupboards, cabinets, walls, bead board and trim – only to discover when all was said and done, the colors didn’t have the same feel or affect in her home. 

What my friend neglected to do was to take the time and consider her home - the space, the lighting and the other elements that ultimately affect paint and fabric choices.  What looks totally beautiful in magazines, other homes and in the home improvement centers won't necessarily compliment your setting.

So, here’s the Thing…..

Paint choices are endless.  It can be intimidating to stand at a local home improvement center in front of a wall, literally floor to ceiling, full of paint chips, each color offering varying shades – from the soft and muted to the bold and beautiful. Not just one home improvement center, but dozens of them each offering their own line of paint slightly different from one another making the decision that much more difficult. Add in the brochures, pamphlets and individual paint chips and you can leave with an armful of inspiration.....only to return, exhausted and confused to purchase a neutral. I get it. Neutrals are safe, timeless, and goes with everything in our homes. ...or so I am told. Choosing a neutral saves us the headache of making the “wrong” decision.  But, even they have their challenges.

How many of us have flipped through home decorating magazines, watched transformations on HGTV, attended open houses and house tours - or just visited friends or relatives and walked away excited to take that step into painting a room because that color looked good in someone else’s home?

One of the most exciting parts of my business is choosing color. From a home or cottage renovation to furniture restoration or upholstery projects.

I enjoy the process of assisting clients find the perfect paint or fabric to bring their vision to life, making their home comfortable, warm and cozy by taking the time to choose a color and shade that resonates with them.  Tie in all the additional elements such as lighting, furniture, rugs or flooring and accessories and it truly is a thrill to see it all come together and have a client say “It’s perfect.”

Selecting a Paint:

Here are some tips to help you the next time you are standing in front of that sea of paint chips, scratching your head and wondering “Now what?"

1. Pull a color out of something else that is going to be in the same room. Maybe there are a few colors you love in a pillow, duvet, artwork or an area rug. 

2. Limit your choices to three and then pick up a sample pot or quart of paint in these colors. This may seem like an unnecessary expense, however, honestly, this will save you a ton in the long run.

3. Paint a piece of leftover drywall, plywood or an existing wall – something that will give you a good visual of how the color will look against the surfaces in your room. 

4. Live with it for a few days – follow the light as it moves around the room, in the morning, afternoon and evening.

If you do find you are stuck making the final decision, narrow down your choice to two. There is always one choice that doesn’t work and will be your least favorite. Discard that sample and continue the process.  One of the final two sample boards will eventually jump out at you and you will experience that “Ahha moment” where all is right with the world.

I know this process sounds tedious and time consuming but trust me, the time you spend now will eliminate any confusion in your decision making process and give you the confidence to choose the color that works best for you - and your home.

I'm happy to report that my friend and I spent the next week choosing paint colors that work for her.  Yes, we did use the "color" she was so enthused about at my cottage, however, they were a little higher on the chip sample...then we painted her kitchen! Working with her surroundings - choosing a softer shade and taking light and accessories into consideration, her kitchen is now warm and cozy - just what she was hoping for!

What's your project?  Have you found yourself in the same situation as my friend?  Comment below and let's chat about your painting dilemma.

"Start with a color you love. Even if it's not a trend at the moment, it will always be on trend in a space that resonates with you."

- Kristina A. Howell

textile designer and color expert

Until next time - Live Simply!

- Mary Elizabeth