Paint is one of the easiest ways to make a bold new statement in your home. Changing the color of your walls can change the entire aesthetic and mood of the room. This also makes choosing your new paint color one of the most nerve-racking decisions you’ll encounter. We are here to guide you through the process and leave you with a brand new space that you will love!

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Choose a Color Palette

The first step when deciding on a new wall color is to decide on a color scheme for the room. Take pointers from the items that will be remaining in the room that need to compliment your new wall colors. Maybe you have a favorite throw, painting, or even fabric on a chair. Also consider other finishes that cannot be changes such as trim, flooring, a fireplace or even cabinets! Use these colors to choose three to five paint samples that could compliment these elements. From those hues, decide which will go on your walls. It is typical for lighter colors to be best on walls, but this is not always the case. It is helpful to paint each of the colors onto a white foam or cardstock board (normally at least 3’x3’ in size). Hang each of them in different places around the room and live with them there for two or three days. Seeing them in a sizable amount in the lighting of your space will help you make the decision on which is best. The remaining colors within your scheme will be used for décor and accents around the room.

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Consider Your Desires for the Room

Think about the ambiance you want for the room. Different colors will elicit different moods and feelings within us. Check out our blog “How Do Colors Affect Our Mood?”. Lighter colors make a space feel larger and more open, while darker colors create a more intimate and cozy setting. If you desire a bolder statement, you can use more than one color for the walls within a single space. Compel architectural features or an accent wall to stand out by painting it a pronounced hue while changing the excess walls to be a more muted color. Be careful not to overwhelm the area with color. A lot of interior design is about balance, and that includes color.

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Analyze Paint Finish

Functionality is where the finish of your paint is important. If you have kids or foresee your walls needing more maintenance than normal, satin or eggshell would be the choice for you. This finish can be scrubbed without damage to the paint, and it is a lower gloss paint; therefore, not illuminating flaws on the walls. Higher gloss finishes are normally reserved for trim and moldings. However, do not let these guidelines hinder your creativity. An overall color with a lower gloss finish accentuated with that same color in a higher gloss is a modern way to add interest and visual texture!