Finding the perfect paint colour for your walls or an accent wall is tricky for most people. As a home stylist, here are ten tips and tricks to help simplify the process for you and, more importantly, ensure you make the right choices for your home.
1- Find inspiration in an element of your décor
When choosing a paint colour, I like to find inspiration in an accessory or the surrounding environment. If you didn’t know, you can bring a piece of fabric or a picture from a magazine to one of the big box stores to find its exact colour match. That’s what we did for our powder room. We scanned the black from a piece of wallpaper to create a seamless transition from the wallpaper into the wall.
2- The 60-30-10 rule
This formula, if you choose to follow it, says that a single paint colour should cover 60% of the surface, while an accent colour should take up 30% of the room. The remaining 10% is usually reserved for decorative accessories. My advice? Stick to a solid white, neutral tone, or pastel colour for the most prominent colour in your room.
3- Bright colours in moderation
When in doubt, stick to just one bright colour or carefully incorporate it with accessories. Some colours are hard to match because they create such a bold contrast. I recommend going for colours with lighter undertones or, if you like bright colours, going for high-saturated versions like this beautiful red.
4- Think about the vibe you want to create
To make sure you don't make a mistake when choosing colour, always consider a room’s function and style in mind. For example, an office with calming colours like sky blue or sage green will inspire focus and productivity.
5- Take virtual tests
Many paint companies offer the possibility to paint the walls of your home digitally, so you can get a better sense of what it will look like before even applying a coat of paint to your actual walls.
6- Buy sample sizes
Some paint companies sell ready-to-stain sample sizes. That gives you the perfect opportunity to test your colours directly on the wall.
7- Always take home samples
Take your paint samples home and place them in the right light on the wall you plan to repaint.
8- Watch out for lighting!
Daylight and the type of light bulbs used in a room can alter how you perceive colour. Never choose your colours at the store.
9- Beware of black and white!
White is never white, and black is never black. There are dozens of shades of each of these hues. Decide whether you want a warmer white or a cooler white before taking your brush to the wall.
10- Warm colours and cool tones
Everyone perceives and interprets colour differently. Though it’s a beautiful colour, this blue wall in my office made me feel cold and depressed. I’ve since changed it to a colour that better reflects my attitude. Find a shade that suits your personality that fits with what you want.
Painting is the cheapest way to give your home a makeover. Have fun bringing colors into your home—the best part is these are easy to switch up if you get tired! Nothing infuses more personality and character into your room than paint colours!
