Spring has sprung and many of us are making a to-do list a mile long. If painting is on your checklist, here are some tips for choosing colour:
In the mood
The first thing you want to consider in your plan is the mood of the room. Are you looking for modern minimalism, comfortable contemporary or cozy cottage? Flip through decorating magazines or check out the Internet to find images that appeal to you.
Find a jumping-off point
If you are redecorating an entire space, leave your paint choices until later. Yes, later. There are thousands of paint colours out there to choose from, so why spend hours on end trying to find the perfect armchair to match your new wall colour? Instead, find a good jumping-off point in your pillows, drapes, furniture or artwork. After all, someone has already gone to the work of figuring out what colours make that framed print or toss pillow look so good, so why not go with a mix you know works?
Sampling keeps you sane
Once you have found your jumping-off point, gather up some paint samples that enhance the fabric, furniture or artwork you love. Keep in mind that the colour of paint samples in the store can appear quite different when you see them in your home. If you have a small jumping-off piece — such as a pillow — bring it right into the paint store with you. This will ensure that you end up bringing home the best assortment of paint samples possible. Once you are feeling good about a particular colour, find out if the store sells larger-sized samples. If you are instead using a sample of the paint from a test pot, it is suggested you paint two coats on a large piece of poster board. Move your sample around the room to see how it looks in different lights. And don’t just hold it up in the middle of the wall. Slip your tester board or sample on the wall behind the upper edge of your furniture so you can see how they look together.
Now, this is one way to sample – I have to admit that once I am ready to paint, I tend to slap up samples on each wall in the room until I find the right fit. But if you think it may be months before you can commit to paint colour, you may not want to take the patchwork approach!
Either way, the message is the same: Take your time — it’s much easier to get more samples than it is to repaint an entire room.
Let there be light
Light plays a huge factor in your paint choice. A paint colour that is perfect for your room during the day can take on a very different look at night. Thinking of changing up your ceiling fixture or lamps? Do it before you start sampling the paints as different lighting will affect the look of your paint colour.
Look up, way up
White is often the choice for ceilings and trim but be sure to be as careful choosing your whites as your colours. Even whites can be warm or cool. A warm white — rather than a cool one — is less jarring against a warm wall colour and vice versa. Think all whites are the same? Take a handful of different white paint chips and compare them against each other. You will start to see the difference between them.
So, which room will you be painting this spring?




























Hi, I'm Heather and I believe in organizing and decorating solutions for real people, real homes — and for real life.