Choosing paint colors can be challenging, whether you’re a seasoned designer or a color novice. We’ve compiled some helpful hints to demystify the paint color selection process. One approach is to start by thinking of your favorite colors. Do you prefer warm colors like yellows, oranges or reds, or cool colors like blues, greens, and violets? Neutral colors like black, white or browns are other options to choose from and are especially popular today mixed with bright and bold accents. Now that you have chosen your favorite colors, think about color intensity. For examples, yellows can range from cream tones to tweety bird yellow. The tone or shade of the color, referring to how light or dark colors appear, is another consideration. Warmer colors can be energizing, while cooler colors seem more calming to most people. Dark colors can make an oversized room cozier, whereas light colors can visually “open up” a small space.
Another starting point is simply taking your favorite rug, art piece, or another object in the room and start picking your color scheme from there. Does the object contain a light gray color with red accents you like? You could paint the wall a light gray and have red objects like red bowls or red vases displayed for a beautiful effect. Keep in mind the colors of the cabinets, countertops, trims, hardware, light fixtures, and other objects. When you put all these objects together, is the color palette pleasing to the eye?
Once you’ve narrowed down your selection, we recommend painting your favorite two or three colors on large poster boards. Position the samples at least 2 feet apart so your eye doesn’t blend the colors. After you think you’ve identified your favorite color, leave the room and revisit the color throughout the day to see how you like it at first glance and under changing light. Move the sample to different parts of the room. Consider not just day or night time lighting, but also the type of lighting you will be using in the space. Under fluorescent lighting, colors appear cooler, adding a bluish tint, whereas incandescent lighting will make the colors seem warmer.
But most of all have fun with experimenting; paint colors are one of the easier things to change in a home should you decide you want to change it.
This bathroom has a neutral color palette. The light tones visually open up the space. The dark contrast of the cabinets brings balance and interest to the color scheme.
Here is an example of using cool and calming wall colors. The contrast of the white and black tiles provides visual interest.
a light warm yellow wall color creates an inviting atmosphere