4 Tips To Find The Right Paint Color For Your Style

Time Several Hours

Budget $ $$$

Skill Level

WORDS BY The Havenly Team

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Published on August 30, 2016

By far, this is one of the most difficult topics clients discuss with us. So take heart, you’re not alone in the search to find your perfect paint color. It may get frustrating at times, but trust us, it’s worth the effort.

Luckily for you, we’ve put some great tips together for you to consider when beginning the journey of color discovery!

 

Finding Your Compatible Colors

1. Consider Everything EXCEPT The Paint Color

Ideal color choice

Yes, it might seem counter intuitive. Naturally, if you’re going to paint the room, the first thing you’ll want to do is grab some paint swatches, but trust us on this one. There’s a much simpler way. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself completely overwhelmed, you’ll pick up too many colors at the store, bring them back home, and still be lost as to what color is the best.

Instead, let’s add a little more strategy and clarity to the situation. Begin by taking note what pieces in the room will stay and which ones will go. Does the room have dark or light wood floors? Are you keeping any artwork? What specific colors would you like to accentuate? Will you incorporate a mirror that reflects something from another room? Also, consider what one might see in their peripheral. Are there other connected rooms or hallways with distinct color schemes? Cross-referencing colors from other rooms is also a good thing to consider when making your home cohesive.

2. Consider Your Light Source

Color choice and light source

Oh yes friends, this is one of the most fundamental components that drastically effects how we pick paint colors and why it’s just so darned difficult to do. Color is like a chameleon. It adapts and changes to the environment its placed in. Some call this a light “cast” but we like to call it a light “mixing.” If you have a lot of natural light in your room, you’ll notice that the colors of paint will look more “true” to what they look like in the store. However, most of us have some sort of artificial light and the more we have, the trickier it can become. If you have less natural light and more incandescent or fluorescent light sources, chances are you’ll have a lot more shadows and yellow light that will “mix” into the color of your paint. Therefore, if you choose a color that already has a bit of blue in it, and your room has more incandescent light, consider that the color will look a bit greener in your home. Once you begin to understand how light effects paint colors, you’ll be able to make more intentional choices that are specific to your room.

3. Consider The Personality Of A Color

There are two components you’ll need to think about. Warm versus cold and light versus dark. Cooler colors recede and warmer colors extend walls. If you have a narrow hallway, or a small room that you want to feel bigger, your best choice would be among the cooler colors or cooler toned neutrals. If you have a larger space that you want to make feel more enclosed or grounded, choose a warm color.

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Another way we can narrow down the spectrum is by considering the lightness or darkness of the colors. Think about how you want to feel in the space and ask yourself about your lifestyle. What kind of activities will you be doing and how will this affect your mood? Dark colors are like our introverted friends. They soak up the light, which eventually makes you come to realize that the best-had times together are when you’re cozy and relaxed. If you want this feeling in your space, pick a deeper or darker color. Meanwhile, lighter and brighter colors are more like our extroverted friends. They’ll make the energy from your light sources bounce all around the room, and that energy is contagious to you. These colors make us feel alert, more social, and energized.

4. Consider The Role Of The Paint Color

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Stay mindful of the paint colors you are choosing, and what they will be applied to. Remember that the main role of a paint color on a wall is to set the overall tone of the room. It’s a backdrop for all other layers to be placed up against. If you’re painting a staircase, furniture. or architectural details, remember that these are smaller surface spaces and can usually withstand a more striking or bold contrast when compared to the walls.

Colors are complex. It’s tough but true. Luckily, the more you educate yourself, the more you’ll be able to make confident color choices. This truly can be one of the most complex parts of re-decorating and designing your home. If you need help, a Havenly designer is always here to rescue you! Take our style quiz today, and find out just how much easier it can be.

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Melissa K.
These color choice tips were written by Havenly designer Melissa K., who loves the process of working with clients to develop blissful lifestyles – one room at a time. She is keen on function and has the ability to effortlessly understand your style. She’ll help you create a space that you’ll love to call home! Book Melissa today and get decorated!  

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