Picking the Perfect Paint Color

FIVE TIPS FOR  CHOOSING the PERFECT PAINT COLOR

Now that the weather is finally improving, some of us may feel it’s high time to get on with some of those home projects. There are times that the selection of a Paint Color can become a major life decision. Here are a few guidelines to make the whole process easier and much less intimidating.

1. SAMPLE  PAINT. Many of the paint companies such as Benjamin Moore, and Sherwin Williams, offer small sample jars of their most popular colors to try out before investing in many quarts or gallons of paint. This may be just the starting point, but it is a useful and helpful guide in narrowing down the color that makes you happy.    

2. WHEN AND WHERE NOT TO PICK A PAINT COLOR.

You never want to choose your color at the Paint Store. Why? The lighting in most stores is supplied by florescent bulbs, unlike your home. Paint colors will look different at the store than at home.

Also, NEVER choose paint colors on a cloudy rainy day, or at night. WHY? You want to get the full benefit of all the natural light possible. Certain ultra-violet rays are hidden on gray days and at night. You need these rays to get the full effect of the color. Without them the color is distorted

3. BOLD COLORS? Bold colors are great when used on a limited basis. They are wonderful in small spaces such as a bathroom, foyer, or dining room (which you don’t use on daily basis). They can define your personality. A splash of dramatic color can add a lot of punch to your home. However, you can have too much of a good thing. Many homeowners find they grow tired of strong colors after a while, so use it sparingly!  

4. QUICK FIX to the Exterior of the Home. There is nothing like painting your front door in an exciting color to freshen the exterior of your home. What is the most popular color for a front door? Red, or some variation of that. Yes, studies show that Red is the magic “Front Door” color. It exudes warmth and hospitality. In Feng Shui, a “RED FRONT DOOR” represents love and happiness.   

5.  DON’T FORGET THE CEILING! If you are painting the whole room, don’t forget about the ceiling.

Remember that your ceiling is one sixth of the room! And, don’t fall for the easy way out by purchasing plain old “Ceiling White.” Some paint companies have a white for ceilings that is so stark it almost appears blue-ish gray. I recommend tinting the ceiling. It then becomes part of the rest of the room. In other words, consider painting the ceiling a 25 percent or 50 percent strength of the wall color. On many of the paint sample sticks you find at the paint stores, you will see the darkest and lightest version of a color. In order to play it safe, go with the lightest hue of the color you have chosen for the walls.

So, with that said, go forth with paint brush in hand and have some fun! Remember, it’s only a can of paint. But, oh, how it can transform a home and give it an Instant Makeover!