How to choose a paint color

The Importance of Paint Color Selection in Interior Design and our exact process we use!

Choosing the perfect paint color for your home might seem like a simple task, but it plays a crucial role in creating the right ambiance and aesthetic. The right paint color can completely transform a space from. We are sharing with you the reasons why a paint color is one of the most important choices you can make, but also the exact steps we go through to make just the right selection.

Why selecting the right paint color is so important:

1. Sets the Mood: Paint colors have a powerful impact on the mood and vibe of a room. Warm tones like reds and yellows can create a cozy, inviting atmosphere, while cooler shades like blues and greens promote tranquility and relaxation. Neutrals continue to stand center stage and lend themselves to a timeless look.
2. Enhances Space Perception: The choice of paint color can visually alter the size of a room. Lighter shades can make a room appear more spacious, while darker colors add depth and coziness. One thing that you have to consider here is the amount of natural light the room gets.
3. Complements Design Elements: Paint colors should harmonize with your furniture, decor, and overall design scheme. If you are looking for a simple update in a room, start with the paint. Sometimes, this can bring out the biggest transformation of all. If you are updating all of the furniture and decor, we like to pick the paint as one of the first choices. Keep reading as to why we think to do this first!
4. Reflects Personal Style: Your home should reflect your unique personality and style. We work closely with our clients to understand their preferences and choose colors that resonate with them. We think about how you want your space and home to feel. That is the most important question we ask in every single design!
5. Increases Resale Value: A well-chosen paint color can make your home more appealing to potential buyers, potentially increasing its resale value. This is important to share! We might not take a big risk or chose a bold color, if you are looking to put your home on the market! We want to choose a color that resonates with as many buyers as possible and gives you the biggest return on investment!

We hear this all the time from our clients …. “picking a paint color is so overwhelming!” Well, we are here to help you so that you never feel that way again!

Here is our EXACT process for making paint selections:

Step 1: Define Your Vision and find some inspiration photos!

Start by envisioning the mood and atmosphere you want for your space. Think about how you want the space to feel. Take some time to research some inspiration photos on Pinterest. Use your descriptive words in conjunction with the space you are looking to update. For example, “moody and cozy tasting room” “neutral and calm guest bedroom” “inviting and organic dining room”. You can add in the words “paint colors” to your search or just save the images that speak to you!

*Pro-tip: read the caption and the comments of the photos you really love. More times than not, someone has already asked what the paint color is.

Step 2: Head over to our GO – TO site for collecting paint samples!

Have you heard of Samplize? This is the ONLY place that we get our samples from. Here are just a few reasons of why we only go to Samplize:

1. All of the samples are 9″ x 14″. This makes is so much easier to see what the color will actually look like in your home. Plus, all of the samples are peel and stick making this the easiest way to see these colors on your walls first … without opening a can of paint!
2. There are over 8,000 colors currently on Samplize. Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore are BOTH available for you to order, and there’s typically a promotion! Right now, it is buy 8, get 2 free. AND if you sign up for their email, there is a 10% discount!
3. These samples get here in less than 48 hours. I still think there might be a Samplize warehouse somewhere near us because I can never believe how quick they arrive.

We could keep going … but its about sharing with you, HOW we move through this process!

Take your list of inspiration – identify your top 3 colors that you found from your Pinterest search. As you make your selections, check out the other ones that Samplize is recommending. Add 2-3 of those! And then, lastly, pick 2 safe colors and 2 bold colors. Remember, you have that promo and coupon from above!

Oh and did we mention? The color of the sample … IS the color of the paint! It shows up the exact way it is presented as a sample! We’ve tested this over and over again!

I’m ready to place my order!

Step 3: Time to stare at the wall!

We would definitely recommend doing this step with someone! Hold up each one of your samples. Say no to the ones that you said no to fast. (yes, even the one that you thought you would love from Pinterest). Take your top 3-4 choices and stick them to the wall. Watch how these colors show up over the next few days! Pay attention to the undertones! They are talking to you and telling you a story!

Lighting is SO important, and you need to see this color in the daytime, nighttime, rain and sun. You will start to lean towards a favorite! Don’t hesitate and don’t second guess. It’s just paint! And you can always do this process again, if the color just isn’t right!

OR, call us and let us help you with an in-home color consult!

*Some of the links may contain an affiliate links which means if you make a purchase via our link, we may receive commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own.