How to Choose a Paint Color

Choosing the right paint color can be extremely daunting for many people. Follow these basic steps to help you avoid unnecessary mistakes and achieve the look and feel you had envisioned.

1)  Gather anything in which needs to be coordinated into the space.
2)  If you have absolutely no idea what color(s) you want, surf through houzz.com for spaces that speak to you.  See what the color scheme is in those spaces and if maybe those colors could be applied to your space.  Do the colors work with what you already have?
3)  Make a trip to the paint store to look through their paint color selection literature.  Almost all paint stores have coordinated color schemes  put together.  These schemes are sure things that you know will work together.  Don’t be afraid to tweak a color within the scheme to work for you.  Take the literature home and determine if any of the schemes look good in your space with your particular lighting.
4)  Once you have narrowed down some options, purchase a paint sample(s).  If you are selecting any rich or dark colors, you may want to purchase a sample of that color plus the same color one step up on the paint fan.  Often one step lighter on the paint fan is the color that works in the space.  Paint the sample(s) onto the wall in at least a 12″x12″ size.  Let dry.  9 times out of 10 this is a process that takes a few trips to the paint store.  The color NEVER looks the same on your wall than in the paint store or on anyone else’s wall.  If you go into this process expecting a few trips, it doesn’t hurt as much!
5)  Once you have your color(s) selected, bring that sample(s) and your room dimensions (including ceiling heights) to the store.  Have the professional help you determine the quantity to purchase and the sheen.  Generally eggshell or satin is for the walls and semi-gloss is for the trim.  Some people prefer flat on the walls, which looks nice, but is not wipeable.  Also, have the salesman help you purchase the right brushes and rollers if you are painting yourself.