Our home is a sanctuary where we can relax and feel comfortable. After long hours of working, we all look forward to coming home to a place where we can just be ourselves and unwind. A big part of that feeling of comfort comes from the colors that surround us in our home
The right color palette can make any space feel warm and inviting, while the wrong one can make it feel cold and uninviting. That’s why it’s so important to choose the right colors when house painting. But having no idea where to start can be overwhelming, especially when you walk into a paint store and see all those swatches of color.
That being said, we’ve listed some of the things you can do to pick the right paint colors for your home’s interior.
Find Inspiration from Things You Love
The best way to start your color selection process is by looking for inspiration in things that you love. This can be anything from a piece of clothing to a picture in a magazine. One thing that most homeowners do that leads them to have unpleasant results is trying to copy someone else’s style.
Yes, they can be good for some, but having yourself surrounded (daily) by colors that you don’t really like, because they are “in” can be quite torturing. So take a look around your house and determine what colors make you happy.
It doesn’t take experience or any sort of expertise to know what colors you love. So, start by making a list of colors that you are drawn to.
Create A Color Scheme
Ever hear of the color wheel tool or paint chips? These are great tools that can be used as starting point for creating a color scheme for your home. It shows you what colors work well together and which ones clash.
A great tip is to choose colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. This creates a striking contrast that can be very eye-catching. Just make sure not to go too crazy with it or your space may end up looking like a circus. You can also opt for colors that are in the same color family, which usually results in a more harmonious look.
Choose Complementary Colors
If you are somehow a person that loves to play it safe, then choosing complementary colors is the way to go. This color scheme uses two colors that are on opposite sides of the color wheel.
These colors will always go well together and create a balanced look. A great example of this would be blue and orange or red and green. You can opt to paint your entire wall inside the same room blue and then use orange furniture such as sofas, armchairs, or even rugs.
On the other hand, you can also use one wall color and paint large swatches on your walls and another for your furniture and accents. Just make sure that the colors complement each other well. This will not only give you a classy vibe but a timeless one as well.
Test the Paint Colors in Your Space
Before painting, it’s important that you test the colors in your space first. This will give you a much better idea of how the paint color will actually look in your home.
You can do this by painting a large piece of cardboard or getting some sample cans of paint and painting a few paint swatches on your wall. Once the paint is dry, take a step back and see how you feel about the color
You can also try painting one accent wall first in your dining room (as this tends to have a bigger space) to see how you like it before painting the entire room. This is a great way to experiment with bolder colors that you might be hesitant to use otherwise.
Just remember to give yourself some time to get used to the new color before making a final decision. After all, first impressions aren’t always accurate.
Try Lighter or Darker Shade Whichever You Prefer
Before opting for another color, why not try a lighter or darker shade of the one you’re leaning towards? A little adjustment in the hue can go a long way.
White walls or walls with lighter colors tend to make a space look bigger and airier while darker colors give it a more intimate feeling. If you want a color that’s somewhere in between, then choosing a mid-tone is the way to go. Embedding a natural light source, such as a window, into your design as natural lighting also helps to make a space feel more open.
If you want to highlight your collections or antiques, go with a lighter shade on the walls. Our go-to paint for this kind of job is the Sherwin Williams Alabaster. It’s a great off-white that gives any space an elegant and timeless feeling.
Another useful tip is to ask your local paint shop if they can do some adjustments to the paint colors you’ve chosen to make them lighter or darker. It doesn’t always have to be one of the shelf colors.
Decide on What Finish You Want
Once you’ve chosen your colors, it’s time to decide on the finish. This is a great way to showcase a visually appealing effect and add some extra protection to your paint job.
There are four common types of finishes: flat, satin, matte, and gloss.
- A flat finish has a low luster and is best used on walls and ceilings.
- A satin finish has a bit more shine to it and is perfect for high-traffic areas such as kitchens and bathrooms because it’s easier to clean.
- A matte finish is somewhere in between a flat and satin finish. It has a velvety look and is ideal for bedrooms and living rooms
- A gloss finish is the shiniest of them all and is often used on trim, doors, and cabinets.
Bonus: Exterior Painting Tips
For those who are looking to paint their exterior, here are some house exterior painting tips to help you get started.
Pick the Right Time of Year
One of the most important things to consider when painting your house exterior is the weather. So when is the best time to paint your house? Early summer and early fall usually provide the best weather conditions with minimal chance of rain.
Prep the Surface
This is critical whether you’re painting your house’s exterior or interior. The better the surface is prepared, the better the paint job will turn out. This means taking the time to scrape off any old paint or paint chip, sanding down rough spots, and filling in any cracks or holes.
Use High-Quality Paint
When painting the exterior of your house, it’s important to use high-quality paint. This will not only give you better coverage but will also last longer.
Aside from the walls, if you wish to paint deck and porch areas, consider using durable floor paint. As these areas are more prone to wear and tear, using quality paint will help ensure your paint job lasts longer.
Don’t Paint if It’s Too Hot or Too Cold Outside
Just like the weather can affect the quality of your paint job, painting your house exterior in extreme temperatures is not ideal. The best temperature to paint your house exterior is between 50°F to 90°F. This will take effect as the paint is set to cure more quickly in hotter weather and will prevent the paint from drying too quickly, which can cause cracks.
Choose the Right Paint Brush and Roller
When it comes to painting brushes, there are a few different types to choose from. Use rollers to cover large areas quickly and paint brushes for smaller areas or to get into tight spaces. and paint brushes for smaller areas or to get into tight spaces.
The Bottom Line
Whether interior painting or exterior painting, it is important not to rush things. Scraping off those unwanted paints is not only time-consuming but also painstaking. The key is to be patient, take your time in choosing interior paint colors that you want to surround yourself with, and just enjoy the process. Choose the right exterior and interior paint colors and start by choosing the same color of things you love. Ask for paint samples in your local stores so you can have a better idea about shades and such. By considering all the tips mentioned above, you are sure to have a good start