17 Apr Selecting Paint Colors
If you have ever needed to select a paint color, you know it’s not always easy! It can be a big challenge to find the right paint color. So, where do you begin? Where do you find inspiration for color? Here are some ideas we can offer you as professional painters who see color inspiration everywhere we look throughout Northern VA.
Space and Color Clues:
Consider the space for which you need color. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- What’s the first color you think of when you look at the area?
- Did you have a color in mind already?
- Is there a color in the space or elsewhere in your home that you like – in artwork, upholstery, curtains, even the flooring?
- Looking through a window in the room, do you see colors outside you would like to bring inside…greens from the trees or grass; browns from the woods; blues from a body of water?
With those questions and, hopefully, an answer or two in mind, it’s time to think out of the box – except in this case; it’s out of the house. If you have found a color you like inside your home, then you’re done. Congratulations! You need not read any further. However for most people, here are some ideas to help select a color.
Hopefully, you’ve given yourself some time before you have to finalize a color, even a few days would be helpful. During the time you have to make a color selection, it’s important that you begin to “see” color everywhere you look. Be cognizant of color regardless of where you go.
INSPIRATION:
Outdoors: Every time you leave your house, take in the colors you see offered by nature from a sunny or stormy sky to the browns and greens of trees or a forest. Aside from nature, don’t forget to look around at the buildings, houses, and public art or sculptures for inspiration. Color is all around us. You just need to be aware of it.
Indoors: Any time you walk into someone else’s home or a public space such as a museum, art gallery, or office building, look around at the wall colors you see. Is there something you like? You can either try to match the color or ask around to see if someone associated with building or space knows the name of the color used.
Stores: Take a look around when you’re shopping. Find inspiration in the colors you see around you from the fruits and vegetables in a grocery store to decorative items in a home goods store. You can even find inspiration in a clothing store.
Online: Browse the Internet. Check out the numerous websites for specialty goods stores including Pottery Barn (they have a line of paint colors as well), Williams-Sonoma Home, and Crate & Barrel. Browse idea sites such as houzz.com and Pinterest for ideas on color. And, lastly, visit the sites of paint companies such as Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore.
As professional painters in Northern VA, there’s one crucial point we can make: remember, that it is just paint! You can always repaint if you don’t like the color you selected. If we are working on your project, keep in mind that all of our clients are also entitled to a free, one-hour with a professional interior designer to help them.
FAQ
1. What factors should I consider when choosing a paint color for my home?
When selecting paint colors, start by considering your existing furniture, flooring, and permanent fixtures, as these elements are harder to change than wall color. Think about the room’s purpose, the mood you want to create, and how much natural light it receives. Always test paint samples on your walls to see how they look at different times of day.
2. How do I create a cohesive color palette for my home’s exterior?
A well-coordinated exterior palette typically includes two to three colors: one for the main body, another for trim and accents, and possibly a third for doors or shutters. Make sure these colors complement any unpainted materials like brick or stone. Muted neutrals are usually a safe choice, but always consider your home’s style and surroundings.
3. Why does lighting matter when selecting paint colors?
Natural and artificial light can dramatically alter how a color appears. A color that looks perfect in the store or on a swatch may look different on your walls due to sunlight, shadows, or the direction your room faces. Test your chosen colors on several walls and observe them throughout the day to ensure you’re happy with the effect.
4. Should I choose paint colors before or after selecting furniture and decor?
It’s best to choose larger, more permanent items—such as furniture, flooring, and rugs—before settling on a paint color. There are thousands of paint options, making it easier to find a shade that complements your existing decor than to match new decor to a pre-selected paint color.
5. How can I avoid common mistakes when picking paint colors?
Avoid choosing colors that are too bold or stark unless you’re aiming for a specific effect. Be cautious with whites, as bright whites can appear harsh in sunlight. Consider the colors of adjoining rooms for a harmonious flow, and don’t forget to factor in undertones and how colors interact with each other in your space. Always sample multiple shades before making a final decision.
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.
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