Choosing Paint Color
Choosing the right paint color is crucial when decorating your home. However, there’s a surprising rule to follow: paint should be the first thing you consider but the last thing you pick. This approach ensures a cohesive and personalized decor that reflects your style.
Why Paint Should Be the Last Decision
Most people start with paint colors and then try to find furnishings that match. This is like buying shoes first and then hunting for an outfit to match them—it’s backward and often frustrating. Instead, focus on selecting your key furnishings first. Your sofa, rugs, and major decor pieces will set the tone and style for the room. Once these elements are chosen, picking a paint color that complements or contrasts with them becomes much easier and more satisfying.
Select Your Furnishings First:
Focal Pieces: Start with your most significant pieces, such as sofas, beds, or dining tables. These will be the anchors of your room.
Rugs and Textiles: Next, choose your rugs, curtains, and central textiles. These items often have patterns and colors that can inspire your paint choice.
Accents and Accessories: Lamps, artwork, and decorative items will further refine the room’s color palette.
Understand the Room’s Lighting:
Natural Light: Observe how natural light affects the room throughout the day. Colors can appear drastically different in morning light versus afternoon light.
Artificial Lighting: Consider the type of artificial lighting in the room. Warm or cool bulbs can change the perception of paint colors.
Consider the Room’s Purpose:
Living Spaces: Choose colors that promote relaxation and comfort for living or family rooms.
Bedrooms: Soft, calming hues work best in bedrooms to create a serene environment.
Kitchens and Bathrooms: Bright, clean colors often work well in these spaces to keep them feeling fresh and inviting.
Test Paint Samples:
Paint Swatches: Once you’ve narrowed your choices, buy small paint samples and apply swatches to your walls. Look at these samples at different times of day to see how they change.
Live with It: Don’t rush the decision. Live with the paint samples for a few days to see how you feel about them.
Coordinate with Existing Elements:
Flooring: Ensure the paint color complements your flooring, whether hardwood, carpet, or tile.
Trim and Woodwork: Decide if you want the trim to blend with the wall color or stand out with a contrasting shade.
Practical Tips for Painting
Paint Before Moving In: If possible, paint the room before moving in your furnishings. This makes the process easier and avoids the risk of paint splatters on your belongings.
Use Quality Paint: Invest in high-quality paint for a longer-lasting, better-looking finish.
Prepare the Walls: Properly prepare your walls by cleaning, patching holes, and applying primer if necessary.
Final Thoughts
Choosing your paint color last ensures that your walls will harmonize with your furnishings and decor. This method makes the selection process more manageable, resulting in a more cohesive and aesthetically pleasing space. Remember, paint can always be mixed to create the perfect shade, so take your time and let your home’s decor guide your choice.
For those who would like some extra help, Jae Taylor Designs offers professional color consultations. Let me help you select the perfect paint colors to create the home of your dreams.
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