Today I’m hoping to help you break down the barrier of selecting a paint color. I am a HUGE color geek and could spend literally hours in the swatch section of the paint store, but I know that actually committing to the “perfect” color can be as intimidating as walking naked into a room full of people. It can be paralyzing! I know so many people who have indefinitely put off projects because choosing the color is too overwhelming. I’m here to take your hand and help you navigate these waters.
Let’s start by deflating the perceived enormity of the task before you even get to the paint store. Although the commitment of picking a color seems so final, take the pressure off and realize that it IS JUST PAINT. If you do end up hating it, it can always be changed.
Now, let’s narrow the task by selecting the general color family. This doesn’t have to be specific to blue, green, etc. A family can also be “cool tranquil”, “warm rustic” or “rich vibrant”. Ok, now I know you think I just made this worse, but it helps to not box yourself into the Crayola spectrum. Think about the feeling that you want to achieve and the colors that relate to that feeling. If you are having trouble, just google the phrase “best paint colors for ______” (warm rustic, etc. You get the idea).
Now you have a place to start. TRUST YOUR GUT. You don’t have to commit to anything yet. Go to the store and get swatches of the colors you were drawn to in your google search. Bring them home and put them in the room or on the furniture you are painting and live with it for a few days. Look at the colors often and at different times of the day. Step back 5 feet and look around. Remember that although you are painting one thing, it is going to relate to the whole of the room. Furniture, lighting, flooring and wall color all relate to one another and blend together to make a whole picture. Trust me, it will be far more forgiving than you imagine.
Eliminate as you deem appropriate until you have a few that you really think will work. Go back to the paint store and get samples. For a few dollars per sample, you can purchase peace of mind. And remember, most paint stores can color match any brand, so don’t feel locked in to buy one brand just because you picked “their” color.
Paint sample swatches to test out your options. If it is furniture, give it a decent sized test area. If it is a wall, I suggest at least a 2’X2′ test area for each color. Now live with it for a few days. Look at the colors often and at different times of the day. Ask friends and family for their opinion. At the end of the day, go with your gut.
I have included the best selling paint colors from Benjamin Moore based on a blog post from The Creativity Exchange. Use it as a jumping off point. I bet you will surprise yourself with what good style and taste you have after all!
