Giving your home’s interior a new coat of paint is a great way to revitalize any room! But choosing the perfect hue or color combination can seem like a daunting task when there are so many paint color options out there. Below, we share some helpful advice on how to pick the best paint color based on the mood, lighting, fabric patterns, and more!
Think About Function of the Room
Photo via @cabothouserhodeisland
One way to pick paint colors for your space is by figuring out the function of the room. Do you want to make a dining room appear bigger? Paint the walls in neutral shades like white or beige so light reflects better. Is your goal for the living room to be spot for social gatherings? Use bold colors like candy-apple red or a vibrant orange to add an exciting energy. If a calming space that you can unwind in after a long day is what you’re after, then cool shades of blues, purples, and greens will help you achieve that.
Consider the Amount of Natural Light
Photo via @christalowryrealestate
How much light a room gets can greatly affect the paint color you choose. While the lavender color you used in the kitchen might look amazing when the sun is shining, it could look grayish at night. This is because different light temperatures bring out the undertones of a paint color we might not see when looking at paint samples at the store. One of the best painting tips is to sample the color you want in a small spot on your wall and then look at it during different times of day to make sure you like it.
Try the Latest Color Trend
Photo via @leannefordinteriors
Not sure where to start with choosing paint colors? See what colors are currently trending! Every year, Pantone comes out with a new “Color of the Year” that can be a trendy addition to your home’s design. You can also check with paint companies and interior designers to see what their current go-to colors or shades are for bathrooms, kitchens, and more!
Experiment with Your Favorite Color
Photo via @mjbabymaking
Don’t be afraid of using your favorite color as inspiration for your home interior painting project. If your go-to color is green, but you’re worried it might make your room feel small or you’ll dislike it later, use a monochromatic scheme to give your space some variation—paint the walls the darkest color and soften it up with a lighter shade for the trim. But if that bold orange or yellow is the color you really want in your home, use it in a room that gets less traffic or tone it down with contrasting decor.
Use Inspiration from Existing Decor
Photo via @poenasypoesias_
Instead of choosing paint colors and then buying furniture and decor to coordinate, use existing items as inspiration for wall color ideas! Not only will picking a color from your favorite patterned pillow or rug design help your room seem more cohesive, but it will also save you the frustration of not being able to find decor that goes with your new wall color.
Let Your Decorating Style Guide You
Photo via @whitetailfarmhouse
Choosing a decorating style for your home or a particular room is helpful for narrowing down your search in selecting the right paint colors. If you’re drawn to coastal design, colors like beige, light blue, or sea foam green would work perfectly. If you love the farmhouse style, stick to neutral whites and earthy browns. If you want to try your hand at designing a feng shui bathroom, opt for blush or light pink walls to evoke the earth element that balances out the water element.
Consult with Color Theory
Photo via @greenaccentwall
The color wheel is a great way to come up with interior paint ideas! You can go with a complementary color scheme by finding the direct opposite colors on the wheel to create balance in your room. Look at the color of your furniture, then choose the complementary color for your wall paint—like a dark blue to go with orange decor. You can also try an analogous color scheme, where you pick colors that are adjacent to one another on the color wheel—such as blue and violet or blue and green—to create a harmonious look between your furniture and your paint colors.
Refer to Color Psychology
Photo via @selliottphoto
Whether you’re looking for living room color ideas or you’re not sure how to pick a kitchen paint color, using color psychology as a resource can help you revamp your home easily! Color can influence our moods, so think about what feelings you want to evoke in a particular room.
- Red: Excitement, energy, passion
- Yellow: Happiness, optimism, joy
- Blue: Calming, serene, friendly
- Green: Restful, balance, growth
- Purple: Wealth, creativity, sophistication
- Orange: Enthusiasm, wholesome, fun
- Pink: Delicate, romantic, tranquil
- Neutrals: Classic, elegant, comfort
Choose Paint Based on Your Zodiac Sign
Photo via @home.design4884
While not as common as using color theory or color psychology, using your zodiac sign for picking paint colors is a creative solution you might just love! Because each zodiac sign is associated with its own set of personality traits, strengths, and weaknesses, using colors that reflect who you are could help you create a mood for your home that feels more in line with your personality!
Customize Your Own Color
Photo via @taijanellie
There’s no better way to get the perfect shade for your home’s interior than to get a custom color. If you’re stuck between a few hues of a color you really like, or you have an idea of your dream shade and you can’t find it at any store, ask a paint specialist to create a one-of-a-kind blend for you. They’ll mix a sample for you that you can test at home on your walls to ensure you get exactly what you’re looking for!
Get a Few Paint Samples
Photo via @ourtaylormadehome
Can’t decide between several colors you really love? Ask a hardware or paint store if you can have some samples of the colors you’re interested in and try them on a wall. This will you help envision the color in the room with your existing decor, as well as help you avoid second-guessing your paint choice later.
Decide on the Paint Finish
Photo via @designprecinctbendigo
Once you pick the wall color you want for your interior, your next step is pick out the finish. Flat or eggshell finishes will give your walls a matte look and are excellent for bedrooms and dining rooms, as they give these spaces a more sophisticated feel. A satin or semi-gloss finish will have a shiny texture and be your go-to sheen for kitchens or bathrooms, as these make walls easy to clean.
Now that you know to how to choose paint colors that best fit the function, mood, or style of your space, it’s time grab some brushes and get started on your home design project! Want to upgrade your freshly painted room with some new furniture? Discover furniture buying tip and tricks in this helpful guide!
