Avoid these five mistakes when picking paint colors!

09 Jan Avoid these five mistakes when picking paint colors!

We often read about – and have written about – how to pick paint colors. But it’s equally important to avoid making mistakes in that process. Below are five common mistakes people make when choosing paint colors. Avoid these, and you’ll be well on picking the right color for your home!

1. 1. 1. 1. Paint Chips: Unless the area you’re painting is the size of a tiny paint chip, relying solely on one to pick a paint color is a mistake. And, yet, it’s what a lot of people do. However, a paint chip is too small of a sample size. Instead, we recommend working with a professional painter to paint a larger sample onto the wall. Why use a professional and not do it yourself? A professional understands how to apply the paint and whether primer is needed. They can also explain the factors that influence color, including types of light, time of day, etc.
         2. Vacation inspiration: How often have you traveled somewhere beautiful and wanted to recreate that look or feel in your home? While our travels can undoubtedly inspire our home’s aesthetic and interiors, trying to recreate a look you’ve seen elsewhere can be tricky. We suggest working with an experienced interior designer to avoid the pitfalls of “vacation travel decor.”
         3. Favorite Color: Some homeowners make the mistake of picking a favorite color for their paint color. Using your favorite color can work out well for some things, but it only sometimes works for paint color, especially if it’s a bold, bright color. For example, you might like yellow, but it might not suit your home’s interiors well.
         4. Bright white to keep it light: Clients sometimes want to keep things light in their homes and, therefore, want everything painted bright white. While white paint can certainly keep things bright, it can also make things feel very clinical, spartan, or too contemporary. White paint can be a great base color with countless shades of it. However, you don’t have to use white to achieve the same effect. There are plenty of neutrals that can keep things light.
         5. Repeat a color from another home: It’s easy – and tempting – to reuse a color you used successfully in another home or even another room. However, it might not work in another space. What works in one area only sometimes works in another. Why? Light and surrounding colors tend to differ from room to room or house to house, affecting how the color is perceived. So what looks beautiful in one home or room can look vastly different in another. Always sample a color before you paint an entire room.

We hope you’ve found this post helpful! Be sure to save it for reference. If you’re ready to begin the process of choosing a color and painting your home or office, give us a call. We’d be happy to work with you!

FAQ

1. Why shouldn’t I rely solely on paint chips when choosing a color?

Paint chips are too small to give an accurate sense of how a color will look on your walls. The color can appear very different once applied to a larger area and under different lighting conditions. It’s best to test a larger sample on your wall before making a final decision.

2. Is it a good idea to use my favorite color or repeat a color from another home?

While using your favorite color or repeating a successful color from another space can be tempting, what works in one room or home may not work in another due to differences in lighting and surrounding décor. Always sample the color in the actual room before committing.

3. Can I use bright white everywhere to keep my home light and airy?

Painting everything bright white can sometimes make spaces feel clinical or overly stark rather than inviting. There are many shades of white and neutrals that can keep things light without sacrificing warmth or character.

4. What’s wrong with choosing paint colors based on vacation inspiration or trends?

Trying to recreate a look from a vacation or following trends can lead to disappointment if the color doesn’t suit your home’s unique lighting and style. It’s important to consider your own space and consult with a professional if you want to incorporate inspiration without making costly mistakes.

5. Why is it important to test paint colors in the actual room?

Colors can look dramatically different depending on the room’s lighting, time of day, and surrounding colors. Testing a sample in the intended space helps ensure the color looks as expected before you paint the entire room.

Mike Katounas

Mike Katounas is the owner of Home Works Painting, a painting business in Northern Virginia. He has over 15 years of experience in residential interior and exterior painting, drywall installation/repair, carpentry, wallpaper removal, power washing, commercial painting, color consultation, and staining/sealing. Their service areas include Chantilly, Fairfax, Herndon, Oakton, Reston. Mike takes pride in his work, and he always follows a strict code of conduct that includes the use of quality paint, a clean workspace, and an honest, respectful approach to his customers.