Pick-a-Paint Help: How to Quit Procrastinating on Color Choice

If you have ever found yourself staring at a wall marked up with dozens of sample colours, however still no nearer to finding the proper shade, you have come to the ideal location. In this three-part show, we will be discussing methods to get over your paint-color paralysis, get inspired to find color around you and, eventually, pull together a whole-house match. Let’s begin.

CWB Architects

Know which hues are easier to use. If you have had butt luck picking paint colours previously, it might be that you were making things harder on yourself than was necessary. Some colors, like pink, are especially hard to get just perfect. Neutral hues like grey, beige and soft browns, as well as pale, silvery blues are quite forgiving.

This chamber: Coventry Gray

It is OK to not have colorful paint. Give yourself permission to skip the colour deliberations and just go with white. It is fresh, classic and easy, and it goes with everything. If you have been putting off picking paint colors for many years, perhaps it is time to let yourself off the hook.

Ashley Campbell Interior Design

Jump the paint-rack confusion. Those paint racks at the hardware store are not the place to start your search for the best colour!

It may be fun initially browsing thousands of colours, but it is not likely to result from the perfect hue for your living room. Do as the pros do: Start with a vision for your area instead.

Contemplate what look you’re aiming for, save room photographs you love and have a picture with one to the paint shop that will assist you narrow the options.

This chamber: Texas Leather

Tess Bethune Interiors

Pay attention to existing finishes. If you are trying to find paint colours for your kitchen, bath or another room with existing finishes to consider, begin there.

For instance, cool grey tile flooring or granite countertops beg to get a cool wall hue like blue or grey. Bring a sample or photo of those finishes in your room to the paint shop to help in matching.

This accent wall: New Aqua

Caitlin Wilson Design

Start small. If you are feeling overwhelmed by a listing of rooms to paint that is a mile long, then begin with the smallest one.

Pick your paint colour dependent on the finishes inside the room or a piece of cloth or art, and get going!

The sense of accomplishment you are going to receive from a job well done should help you face the remainder of your painting jobs with more confidence.

Caitlin Wilson Design

Don’t be reluctant to snag precise shades. See a wall colour you love in a magazine, on a site or around ? About , clicking on the photo can result in more information … and there is no reason to not use the colour yourself.

This wall: Key Largo Green | Tips for matching colours from photographs to real life

Landing Design

Consistently, consistently examine it out. And use the specific end you plan to use — high gloss will seem very different from multicolored or eggshell. If you do not need to take care of test pots, look for a paint company that offers poster-size paint chips and record them to a wall rather.

Even with large paint chips, when you feel you have a winner, it is still wise to test out the paint before purchasing each of the paint you need.

CWB Architects

Help from the pros is more accessible than you may think. Lots of photographers, decorators and colour pros do colour consultations, and the wisdom that you glean from them in your sessions can be worth its weight in gold. Don’t be afraid to reach out.

This chamber: Coral Pink

More:
guides to colour

How to work with a colour consultant

Find a local pro

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