Painting Your Home's Interior? Here's How to Pick the Perfect Color for Your Space!
So, you might be ready for interior painting in the Deleware Valley area, and are excited to see those fresh colors roll out. Now you just need to decide exactly what those colors will be.
Easy… right?
Not always! There’s nearly an infinite number of color options, hues, and varieties to pick from, and then you need to choose the finish.
Don’t worry. It might seem daunting, but we can get you well on your way with a few practical tips. Let’s get started!
Choosing the right paint color for a specific mood
Before selecting a paint color, think about the vibe you want to create. Do you want a cozy and calming space, or a vibrant and lively one? Color psychology is powerful and super important to consider.
Here’s a quick recap of the moods associated with different paint colors:
Blue: Calming and relaxing
Green: Soothing and refreshing
Yellow: Cheerful and energizing
Red: Bold and passionate
Purple: Regal and luxurious
Gray: Neutral and sophisticated
Get inspired
Take a look at interior design magazines, social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram, or even walk around your favorite furniture stores for ideas. Pay attention to the colors used in the rooms that catch your eye and think about how they might work in your own space.
Consider existing elements in the room
When selecting a paint color, it’s important to take into account the existing elements in the room, like your furniture and décor. Think about whether you want to complement or contrast these elements with your paint color.
Here are some tips:
If you have a bold piece of art or a patterned rug, consider a neutral shade to balance things out.
If your furniture and décor are neutral, a bold accent wall can add some visual interest.
If you’re unsure which color to choose, a safe bet is to pick a color that’s already present in your décor. In other words, pick a color you love in that specific element, then color-match it.
Take lighting into account
Lighting also plays a big role in how a paint color appears in a room. In fact, lighting is one of the top reasons why you can’t pick a paint color based on a little swatch in the paint aisle. You HAVE to see it in your space, gauging how it looks and reacts to different levels of lighting in your home. The direction your light comes from plays a huge role too.
Here are some easy takeaways:
North-facing rooms tend to get cool light and work well with warm colors.
South-facing rooms get warm light and work well with cool colors.
East-facing rooms get warm light in the morning and cooler light in the afternoon, so consider a neutral color.
West-facing rooms get cool light in the morning and warm light in the afternoon, so consider a warm color.
Test the paint colors
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, it’s time to start testing the paint colors in the room. Paint a small area of the wall and observe how the color looks in different lighting conditions and next to your existing furniture and décor. It’s also important to consider the finish of the paint, as this can have a big impact on the overall look of the room. Here are some popular finishes:
Matte: Low sheen and hides imperfections, but not always as durable as other finishes.
Eggshell: Slight sheen and easy to clean, but can highlight imperfections.
Satin: Slight shine and more durable than matte or eggshell, but can be harder to touch up.
Semi-gloss: High shine and very durable, but can highlight imperfections and be hard to touch up.
What’s the takeaway?
Choosing the perfect paint color for your home can be a fun and exciting process, as long as you take the time to consider your options and test the colors in the room. If you’re still feeling unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional residential painting company for advice and assistance.
