So You Think it's Easy to Pick the Best Color for the Inside of Your Home?

We've all heard the adage that paint is the least expensive way to redecorate your home or get it ready to sell. You think this will be a cheap, easy fix to sprucing up your home—but picking the colors can be trickier than you think. There are so many choices of tones, hues and even textures, that it can be somewhat overwhelming. Here's what often happens. 

You visit a friend who repainted her family room and it looks great. Excitedly you drive to the closest paint store and purchase two gallons of this marvelous discovery called "Mint Julep" or "Vine Ripened Tomato." Two days later your painter comes to transform your family room the same color. You leave to run errands and return as the painters are finishing up. You walk into the room and can’t believe what you see—this isn't the same color! It seems totally wrong! You call your friend and check the brand and color with her. Yes, it is the same. What happened?

Well, rooms have angles and corners as well as windows, recessed lighting, ambient lighting furniture and flooring. Also, don’t forget the room placement within the house. All those big windows or lack thereof make a huge difference in how colors look in your home. Have you made this painting mistake? I sure have. Now I'm nervous and second guess myself about what colors would look good in my home and what would not. 

One recent afternoon my decorator friend Carole DiQuollo gave me some great advice while we were relaxing in her perfectly decorated home. What did she have to say? Lots!

Rule "numero uno" is don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and try something new and bold! Boost your confidence by testing colors on poster board or large areas of a wall. Don't be afraid to consider strong, vivid colors or soft, deep neutrals like chocolate brown or olive green as main or accent colors. Or add drama with a stronger color on the ceiling. Tinted ceilings can change the look of a room dramatically.

With the help of a decorator, friend or family member, pick out three or four colors that you like. Purchase sample color containers and paint 8 x 8 sections in different areas of the room. Keep in mind the fabrics and floor coverings in the room as well as how the room you're painting flows into other rooms—there needs to be color continuity room to room. I personally never thought of this when painting my current house—big mistake!

If you're not sure where to begin with color, experiment in a bathroom, a small hall, or an accent wall. If you're doing your own painting, pick an area that's quick and easy so you can see your results sooner. Be happy with it or change it; look at the process as an adventure.

When selecting a color, consider the mood of a room. In a bedroom do you want the feeling to be restful and soothing or dramatic (or) and intimate? Soft, cool colors and neutrals usually create a quieter feeling while stronger colors, like red, are for drama.

Thank you Carole DiQuollo!
CDQ Interior Design 
703-967-4619

- Ellen Moyer
RE/MAX Allegiance
www.ellenmoyer.com