Are you ready to update your house? There are plenty of home improvements you can make, big or small, that are sure to leave an impact. If you’re looking to refresh your house with paint, the first thing you have to do is choose some potential colors. Easier said than done, right? Selecting a color palette for your home can seem like a daunting task because of the endless options out there.
Here’s the best process for choosing paint colors for your home.
Pick out a few color options. The first step in deciding which color(s) are suitable for your home is to choose a few different colors. It sounds silly, but this first step is crucial on the path to deciding which color is right for you. You’ll narrow down the options without completely settling on one particular color from the start. Then, consider the space you’re looking to paint — is it indoors or outdoors? What does the furniture look like? Is there a lot of natural light in the room? Are there any colors or color families you can’t stand? What colors make you happiest? The answers to these questions will point you in the right direction for the next steps.
Know a little color theory. Consider your reason for having your home painted. Is it to make your home look bigger? Perhaps it’s so your home can feel cozier. Whatever your reason for painting is, there’s a paint color to match your goal. Generally speaking, crisp whites can help open up a space, but these hues can also make a room feel cold and lifeless. On the other hand, warm colors can make any space in a home feel welcoming, while soothing cool pastels can make a space more relaxing. Think about the atmosphere you’re trying to create and let that inspire your color choices.
Test multiple paint swatches. Whether you’re painting indoors or outdoors, professional house painters in Ashland, MA, say it’s always a good idea to do a color swatch test before making the final decision. You can easily get a sample size of the color you’re considering from a local paint or hardware store. When you swatch, make sure to test the color in multiple areas, so you get a good idea of how the color looks in shadow versus how it looks in the light. Additionally, make sure to swatch a large enough space (about a one-foot by one-foot area will do), so you have a better idea of how the color will look when you commit.
Use an online color visualizer. Perhaps the most challenging part of choosing a color for the interior or exterior of your home is knowing what it will look like when the job is done. Color swatching can get you pretty far, but you still won’t know what the finished product will truly look like. Fortunately, there are a variety of free tools online that can help you picture any color in your space. All you have to do is upload photos of your room, choose the color you’re considering, and the visualizer will provide you with a picture of your revitalized space.
Decide on a paint finish. One of the last steps in choosing a paint color for your home is settling on the type of finish you want. Most paints are available in flat, matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss. The space you’re having painted can help determine the finish you choose, as can your personal preferences. Homeowners often opt for a long-lasting finish like eggshell or satin in high-traffic areas because it is scrubbable and can withstand the test of time. If you’re unsure which finish is right for you, a painting professional can provide you with more information.
And if you’re still stuck on what color paint to choose for your home makeover, it might be time for a consultation. Professional painters and interior decorators can usually make color recommendations for any space in your home. Remember that you don’t always have to go with what’s on trend. Follow your gut and choose the colors that make you feel the most content.