Knowing how to choose the right paint color for your home can be a daunting task. When you get paint samples from the home improvement or paint store, they do not look the same on the swatch as they do on your wall. It’s always best to take the time to test out different shades and hues of the colors you like before making a final decision.
Why Are You Painting?
There’s a lot to consider when choosing the right paint colors. Some homeowners try to look for paint that is the same color as an existing one in their home. Others look to current color trends to update their home. If you’re considering selling your home, paint is also a cost-effective way to refresh the look of your home before putting it up on the market. Knowing your reasons why you want to paint will help narrow down the color choices for your home.
How to Choose the Right Paint Color
Matching existing paint colors
If your home is already designed the way you love, you may still want to refresh the paint in your home. It’s common for clients to not remember the specific paint that was used in their home, especially if some time has passed. Other times, it’s possible that certain paint colors are out of stock or no longer manufactured. In those cases, the best way to color match is by bringing a sample to your local paint store and having them color match it using a computer. For walls, you can scrape a 1-inch sample of drywall off using a razor knife. If you’re matching paint for cabinets, you can bring one of the doors.
Many paint brands have apps that can help with color matching, too. If you remember what brand your original paint was from, it’s best to try and use their app to color match.
Updating your home
Paint is one of the most economical and also effective ways to update both the interior and exterior of your home. Many homeowners may be surprised at how different a room may look when the walls are a different color; it’s like walking into a whole new house! Even just painting one accent wall a bright color can change the whole dynamic of a room.
These days, painting an accent wall in your favorite color is quite popular. When choosing a new paint color, it’s important to consider where your windows are placed. Some rooms get less light than others, and the amount of light will also affect how the paint looks after it dries. If you’re trying to brighten up a room, you may want to go with a lighter shade of color or a bright neutral. Light colors also reflect more light than darker colors and is an effective way to make a room look more spacious.
Preparing to sell
The key when you’re selling your house is to remember that you’re not decorating based on what you like. Instead, ask your realtor and interior designer about how to choose the right paint color that will appeal to buyers. White is a classic default color to make your house into a blank canvas for the next owner, but homes with blue bathrooms and kitchens have shown to sell more than the average market value. Additionally, painting your front door navy blue, red, or black can also greatly increase your home’s value!
Considering color trends
Your home is your oasis; your favorite colors are the perfect starting point in choosing the right paint color for your home. But if you don’t have a color in mind, consider looking at the latest color trends. In the past few years, bright pops of color are making their way into homes, from cool blues and serene greens to spicy reds and warm oranges. There are many trending neutrals, as well, if you’re looking for something more subtle. Many neutrals nowadays are tinted with cooler and warmer tones that will match the rest of your decor.
Testing Paint Colors
Testing paint colors is very important before making your final choices. What paint looks like on a swatch doesn’t mean it will look like that in your home. Testing five different shades of blue may seem silly, but you might be surprised at how many homeowners end up disliking a paint job. The best way to see if your choice of paint color is the perfect one is by painting it directly on your wall. If you have other colors in the room, put them next to your paint swatch to see if they match well. Remember, the paint will look different wet versus dry. The final look will also be affected by the room’s lighting. Wait a 24-hour period to see how the final color looks both during the day and night time.
Need a Paint Guide?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about how to choose the right paint color, give WPL Interior Design a call. We’ll take into consideration your design aesthetic, your existing decor, the lighting in your home, and more. For more extensive painting projects, we can also connect you to the right contractors in your area. Reach our design team today at 215-592-9570.
