Living in a house with white walls can feel like walking around in an institution. Don’t you think?
But picking a paint color can be tricky. The good news is that paint is not permanent. If you hate the color, you can always change it. The bad news is, if you hate the color, you have to put in the effort to change it. But don’t let that discourage you from taking the leap into a world of color.
Here are some do’s and don’ts of picking a paint color. That way, you can add character to your home without adding stress.
DOs
1. Know the basics: Color theory may sound like something more suited for a personality test, but understanding how colors combine can help in your search for the perfect shade.
2. Pick the right shade: Different colors can create different moods. Do a little research on your shade of choice before committing to it.
3. Accessorize with color: Not all of your color has to be on the walls. Consider adding pops of color through accessories to bring a little more life to your space.
4. Try a new palette: Step out of your comfort zone by choosing a completely new color scheme. Need some suggestions? The Design Seeds blog has tons of ideas for great color combinations.
5. Add color to small spaces: Just because your space is small, doesn’t mean it needs to be bland. Choose your colors wisely to avoid feeling like the walls are closing in on you.
6. Create a mood: Pick your color based on the overall feel you want to bring into the space.
7. Connect rooms with color: If you want your space to feel cohesive, then flow a similar color palette throughout your home.
DON’Ts
1. Don’t overlook the basics: Before you break out your brushes, make sure you understand the color wheel and how to pair shades and hues.
2. Don’t forget the 60-30-10: There’s danger in being too boring or too bold in your color choice. A good rule of thumb is to have 60 percent of your color be dominant, 30 percent be a secondary color, and 10 percent be your accent, or pop of color.
3. Don’t ignore your lighting: Because of lighting, paint can look very different in the store than on your walls. Test out some swatches to make sure your color looks good in your room.
4. Don’t think neutral means beige: colors can also act as neutral colors if they are properly balanced.
5. Don’t overload your palette: Bringing too many colors into your space can overwhelm your senses. Sticking with a monochromatic theme or a few complimentary colors is your best bet.
6. Don’t always rely on color trends: Always remember that trends come and go. If you’ve based your design and paint color on a trend, you may find yourself needing to repaint and redecorate more often than you’d like.
7. Don’t be too gender specific: Feel free to bring gender-specific colors into your main living area, but use them sparingly.