3 Room Color Selection Fundamentals

Yes, it’s only paint.  But when selecting a color to paint a room, often people are overwhelmed by the selection process.  They have a difficult time visualizing what the color on the chip would look like throughout a room.  The fear of making a mistake and having to live with it for years seems unbearable.  Not to mention what the neighbors might think about a poor color choice. 

After years in the color consulting business, here are my 3 fundamentals I consider when starting the color selection process for a client:

1)      Look for that which will not change.  Look for colors such as the stone of a fireplace, color of carpet or the tone of the kitchen cabinets.  These elements can steer you into the right color family.  Color can also be effectively used to define a space and showcase architecture.

2)      When in doubt, pull the exterior colors inside.  Inspiration is often found from the exterior of the home and surrounding landscaping.  Color of brick or stone can be repeated or accentuated by using complementary colors.  Consistent color palettes inside and out provide continuity to a home and, consequently, a sense of openness. 

3)      Start with samples.  To better ensure that a color selected is the right color for the room, I am a firm believer of paint samples.  That doesn’t mean paint directly on the wall either.  Use poster board to make samples so you don’t have to prime over your samples before you begin to paint.  Live with those samples for a few days and make sure to check out what that color looks like on the wall morning, midday and night.  Light directly effects how a color is perceived.  Make sure you take into account what time of day you typically use that room.

There are countless opportunities to add color to a room.  Keeping these three fundamentals in mind will undoubtedly make the process of selecting a wall color less challenging.  And, of course, as the painters say,”it is only pain.”