Tips for Choosing a Paint Color

Have you kept the same wall color in your home simply because you don't want to choose a new color? Here are some tips to help you select a fresh new look for your walls and ceilings.

1. Take a close look at the artwork in the room

   Whether you have paintings or prints, chances are they bring a distinctive color to your design palette. Examine your favorite piece and select a color from it. Use this color for your walls. Use a color a few shades lighter for your ceiling.

2. Pick out your favorite fabric in the room

   Nearly every room will have upholstered furniture, throws or quilts, carpeting or area rugs. For the room or rooms you wish to paint, take a look at the one color you consistently use in your fabrics. Choose a shade of this color.

3. Paint just one wall

   If you don't think you can suddenly go from eggshell to orange, paint just one wall with the color you're contemplating. This gives you time to become accustomed to a radical change in color schemes.

4. Be aware, you may need to repaint.
   

   If you decide to do the entire room in that color, you may need to repaint that wall. Color is influenced by environmental factors, so repainting may be necessary for consistent color if it's been a few weeks since you first painted.

5. Use two colors

   Worried your choice will overwhelm the room. Create visual diversity with two wall colors. Paint the bottom two thirds a strong, bold color and the remaining third a hue several shades lighter. Add a chair rail to give each color distinction.

6. Give the illusion of height

   Paint the walls, leaving a distance of 12 inches from the top of the wall. Paint this space and the ceiling a pale version of the same color, or a stark white. This gives the illusion of height.

7. Use a Bold Color

   For either of these methods, use a bold color for the bottom. Choose that color using any of the tips above.

8. Let nature give you a hand

   Do you have a favorite flower? Are crazy about the color of the sky after a summer rain? What about the winter sunlight? Would that pale yellow with blue undertones be perfect for your kitchen?

Nature is the best source of inspiration when it comes to color. Don't worry about coordinating the color with the carpet. Find the natural color you love, and then work up and down the color scale to find the one that will work with your design scheme.

These are just a few suggestions to get you started in your quest for new color in your home. The most important tip is to be bold and go for the gold, or green, or blue, or red, or maybe even purple.