Whether you’re building a new home or renovating an old one, you may feel overwhelmed by the amount of choices you have to make. Paint color is a big decision and goes a long way in creating your home’s overall mood or aesthetic style. Following these five steps will help you choose the perfect interior paint color for your home.
#1. Create a Color Scheme
The first step in creating an inviting, cohesive interior is determining a color scheme. If you’re starting from scratch and developing your home’s aesthetic style from the ground up, carrying the same color scheme throughout each room in your home creates a space that feels thoughtful and intentional. If you’re only repainting a room or two, consider your home’s established color scheme and ensure your new interior paint color doesn’t clash with the rest of your home.
Experts recommend choosing one shade of white, one neutral, and three other colors for your home’s color scheme. For inspiration, look online or in interior design magazines to see how other people are using color to enhance their space. There are an infinite number of combinations, so it may take some work to find the color scheme that’s right for you and creates your desired feeling, but it will be worth it when you see the satisfying end result.
#2. Consider Room Size
Different interior paint colors are best suited for different size rooms. In general, lighter colors make a room feel larger and more open, while darker colors make them seem smaller.
This doesn’t mean you should stay away from dark paint colors; it just depends on your goal. For rooms where you want to feel comfortable and cozy, darker colors are a great choice. You could also use a lighter color on all of the walls except one, then choose a bold shade for an accent wall to add visual interest.
#3. Decide on a Finish
There are five main paint finishes to choose from: matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. Each has a different sheen, meaning they reflect different amounts of light. The sheen affects the appearance of the paint; the more glossy the paint is, the brighter it will look. Test out a couple of different finishes before making a final decision to ensure you choose the right interior paint color and finish for your home.
#4. Utilize Paint Color Samples
Most hardware and paint stores provide free paint chips, which are small cards that allow you to easily compare hues. Pick up a few of these and take them home with you so you can see how the paint colors would look with your furniture and decor.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options to a few favorites, buy a sample can of each shade. These samples provide just enough paint for a small square on your wall. Paint a test patch on a few different walls in your home so you can see what the interior paint colors look like in different environments.
Once you’ve applied your samples, wait a few days to make your final decision. This allows you to be able to see it at different times of the day. Colors can look a lot different at night than they do while the sun is out, and it’s important to make sure it suits the different types of lighting in your space.
#5. Don’t Forget the Ceiling
Don’t overlook your ceilings! Ceiling paint color can do a lot to change the mood of a room, and can even make it feel larger or smaller.
If you want a small room to feel larger, consider painting the ceiling a lighter color than the walls. This opens up the space and makes the ceilings seem higher. White or off-white ceilings are a popular choice because they are safe, neutral, and will match almost any wall color. However, it can be tricky to choose the right shade of white for your ceilings. White paint comes with many different warm or cool undertones, so make sure you find one that compliments the wall color.
On the other hand, if you have a large, open room that you want to feel cozier and more intimate, paint the ceiling a color darker than the walls. This creates a bold, dramatic look perfect for dining rooms and bedrooms.
Interior Painting by Brush Brothers Arizona
If you want to repaint your home, whether the interior or exterior, enlist the help of the professionals at Brush Brothers Arizona. We have the experience and expertise to make your home look great. Contact us today to get started!
