Giving your home a fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into any space. But, deciding on the right colors can be challenging.
Look for inspiration from your favorite piece of furniture, a print fabric, or a natural landscape to find paint color ideas. Then, ask a paint specialist to mix a custom shade for you that will perfectly match your home.
1. Choose a Color Palette
Color evokes emotion. It can also make a room feel larger or smaller or more open. Start by thinking about the colors you love. Whether it’s in a rug, a painting or a bunch of flowers you bring home, these colors can provide a jumping-off point to create a paint palette.
Another place to find inspiration is print fabrics. Take a fabric swatch to the paint store and choose paint samples that match.
Once you have a few colors to try, use the color wheel to see how they work together. Keep in mind that warm colors, reds, oranges and yellows, can make a space feel more energetic and cool colors like blues and greens can be relaxing. It’s also helpful to consider the lighting and sight lines in a room when choosing paint colors.
2. Paint a Wall
Color changes depending on the time of day, and this is particularly true for interior paint. A simple beige in the morning can read sad or grayish, while at night it may glow under a lamp’s warm light. This is why sampling is essential!
Another important consideration is how the room will be used. If it’s a gathering space, you can opt for bolder shades that feel energetic and inviting. For a more relaxing room, cool blues or greens can bring a calming energy.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices to a few colors, leave paint swatches up on the walls for a couple of days. See how the colors look as the light shifts throughout the day, and also on cloudy and sunny days.
3. Paint a Ceiling
The ceiling is a great place to get creative with color. Use it to make a room feel bigger, or to add a sense of drama to a low-ceilinged space.
Choose colors that complement your home’s architectural style to tie the space together. Tudor and Craftsman homes may benefit from warm reds and yellows, while mid-century designs can handle more neutral tones.
As you begin painting, tape the edges of walls where they meet the ceiling to avoid a messy line. If possible, work in 3-foot by 3-foot sections to help keep track of your progress and ensure even coverage. And don’t forget to wear safety goggles and a dust mask. You’ll minimize cleanup by covering furniture and floors beforehand. And always apply a coat of primer first to prepare the surface for paint.
4. Paint a Trim
Oftentimes, trim is painted in a color that contrasts with the walls to create a bold look. Choosing the right sheen is also important. Sheens like satin or eggshell will be more durable than flat paint, making it suitable for high-traffic areas.
Homeowners should consider the purpose of the room and use this to help them choose the best paint color, says an expert. For example, if you want to make a room feel more relaxed, cool shades might work better than warm tones.
To save time, skip taping when painting trim and doors. This method gives a clean, professional finish that’s easier to accomplish than you might think. Remember to caulk any cracks and lightly sand any places where the paint is flaking.
5. Paint a Floor
Your home is made up of more than just walls, ceilings and trim, so don’t forget to paint your floors! A bright floor can really tie a room together, and if you are going for a rustic or country style it is a great way to add character.
When painting a floor, start with a primer to protect the surface and make sure the color lasts. It may take a little longer to dry than other surfaces but it will be worth it in the long run.
Remember to choose a floor color that blends with your wall and trim colors. Choosing radically different colors in rooms that open to each other can make them look disconnected. If you have an open floor plan let architecture guide you instead.
