If you have ever tried to find a paint color that is right for your space, I’m sure you are familiar with the struggle of trying to make a decision! Before you make the (not insignificant) investment in materials and labor, you want to make the best choice. Standing in front of hundreds of tiny paint chips in the store can be so overwhelming. Then you purchase a sample or two or three…. and paint them on your wall. Now you are more confused than ever! When choosing a paint color, common mistakes are often made that can lead to disappointment and frustration. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

Ignoring the Undertones

Every color has undertones, which are the subtle hues that give it depth and complexity. Undertones can be warm or cool, and they can clash with other colors in the room. Make sure to choose a paint color with undertones that complement the other elements in the space. Always look to the fixed elements in the space such as countertops and tile and take your color cues from there. For example, if you have warm granite with brown and green tones, painting the walls a cool gray or blue will not result in a cohesive design. If you are working in a space such as a living room, consider the undertones in the furnishings that you have selected. Ideally you will make all of these decisions as part of an overall design plan- that’s when having professional advice proves invaluable!

Not Considering the Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in how paint colors look. Natural light, artificial light, and the direction of light can all affect the appearance of a color. It’s important to test the color in the space where it will be used and view at different times of the day. All of the Facebook polls in the world will not help you identify the best color for your space.

Forgetting about the Mood

Different colors evoke different moods and emotions. For example, blue is generally calming and serene, while red is bold and passionate. Think about the mood you want to create in the room and choose a color that supports it. Do you want to feel peaceful in your home office or inspired? Do you want your gathering spaces to have an energetic feel or a more relaxing one?

Not Having an Overall Color Palette for Your Home

You don’t have to paint every room in your home the same color to achieve a cohesive design. However, it is important to create a palette of colors that coordinate well with each other. In this color grouping using Sherwin Williams paint, you can see there is a variation in light and dark hues but the undertones all work together. Some of these colors may be used as accents instead of wall color. In open spaces, I often recommend a lighter color. In more secluded spots such as bedrooms and baths, darker tones can have a big impact.

Not Testing the Color or Testing Incorrectly

Don’t rely on a tiny swatch or digital image to choose a paint color. Buy a sample from the paint store. Yes, every time. I recommend painting the sample on a large piece of white poster board. This allows you to move the sample to different areas of the space to see how it looks. Place a piece of white paper or poster board behind the sample as you view it. This isolates the potential new color from the existing wall color. These seem like small steps but they are very important! I cannot tell you how many times I’ve seen a homeowner confused because they have painted the sample directly on the wall. In all honesty, I used to do it all the time. Once I painted 4 different colors all throughout our entry trying to figure out the best color. Every time I walked through that space I became more frustrated. After being trained as a True Color Expert, I now understand why making a decision was so hard!

By avoiding these mistakes, you can choose a paint color that enhances your space and creates the atmosphere you desire. I am here to help! One of my favorite services is paint consultations. It is amazing the difference that can be made in your home through this one design change. I offer paint consultations both locally in the Birmingham, Alabama and Gulf Shores, Alabama areas and also anywhere in the United States through virtual design. Here’s a link to my service pages: (Virtual) https://lauragossett.com/edesign-services and (Local) https://lauragossett.com/local-design-services

Let’s make home your favorite place to be!

Laura