Paint is an easy way to refresh any space but how do you get the right paint color for inside your home? With so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, by following a few simple guidelines, you can find the perfect paint color and paint finish.
The Right Paint Color For Your Interiors
Consider the Mood:
Before selecting a paint color, think about the mood you want to create in the room. Do you want it to feel cozy and intimate, or bright and airy?
Darker colors like can add drama and sophistication to a space, while neutral colors provide a versatile backdrop for any decor style.
Perusing Pinterest images and magazines can give you a feel for your preferences.
Assess Lighting Conditions:
The amount and type of natural and artificial light in your space can significantly affect how paint colors appear. Rooms with ample natural light tend to look best with cooler tones, as they help balance out the warmth from the sunlight. On the other hand, rooms with limited natural light may benefit from warmer hues to create a cozy ambiance.
Take Inspiration from Your Decor
Your existing furniture, fabrics, and accessories can serve as inspiration when choosing a paint color. Look for recurring colors or patterns in your decor that you want to complement.
For example, if you have a vibrant piece of artwork or a colorful rug, consider selecting a paint color that enhances or coordinates with those hues. Alternatively, if you prefer a more neutral palette, choose a paint color that complements the tones of your furniture and textiles.
Consider the Function of the Space:
The function of the room should also influence your paint color choice. For instance, tranquil colors like soft blues or greens are ideal for bedrooms, as they promote relaxation.
In contrast, vibrant shades like yellow, red or green can energize a kitchen or dining area and stimulate appetite and conversation.
Neutral tones work well in common areas like living rooms or hallways, providing a timeless backdrop that allows you to easily switch up your decor over time.
You may also like to read about 2024 Paint Colors Of The Year and Embracing Timeless Elegance.
Paint Finishes:
1. Matte Finish: Matte paint has a smooth non-reflective finish, making it ideal for concealing imperfections on walls and ceilings. It creates a soft, understated look that works well in bedrooms, living rooms, and other low-traffic areas. However, matte finishes are more prone to scuffs and stains, so they may not be the best choice for high-traffic areas or spaces that require frequent cleaning.
2. Eggshell Finish: Eggshell paint has a subtle sheen that falls somewhere between matte and satin. It offers a slight reflective quality while still maintaining a smooth appearance. Eggshell finishes are durable and easy to clean, making them suitable for hallways, dining rooms, and family rooms.
3. Satin Finish: Satin paint has a gentle sheen that offers greater durability than matte or eggshell finishes and is resistant to moisture, making it an excellent choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and trim work.
4. Semi-Gloss Finish: Semi-gloss paint has a noticeable sheen that reflects light, creating a bright, polished look. It is highly durable and resistant to moisture, making it ideal for use in kitchens, bathrooms, and trim work
5. Gloss Finish: Gloss paint has a high sheen that creates a sleek, polished look. It reflects light and adds depth to any space, making it perfect for accent walls, furniture, and decorative elements. Gloss finishes are extremely durable and easy to clean, but they can highlight imperfections on walls and ceilings, so proper surface preparation is essential.
Test Before Committing with Samplize
Several years ago, I made a couple of paint color mistakes using small paint chips. So, I ALWAYS test in the room and check during different times of the day. Now Samplize makes it easy to get the right paint color.
I love Benjamin Moore White Dove, and have used it in our last two homes. But this home is shrouded in trees…nice to keep the street cool in summer. But it changes the paint color inside with the green undertones.
With Samplize, “the samples have the same effect as paint on a wall surface because they are produced with genuine manufacturer paint. They provide the kind of accuracy and texture that was only before achieved through purchasing sample paint and doing all the work in-house.”
You peel and stick the paint color samples to your wall. And they are reusable. Plus, the samples got here over night for $6.95. Recently, I re-used the above samples for my sister’s new condo, too.
You can move the stick-on swatches around the room in different light throughout times of day.
If you buy samples from Samplize use this link please so I will get credit. Thank you. They carry Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, PPG and Farrow and Ball.
In the dining room, we selected SW Acacia Haze after using Samplize.
You may also like Great Reasons For Painting Walls And Trim The Same Color and
Fireplace Makeover With Paint.
Summary:
Choosing the right paint color for your space is a personal decision that should reflect your individual taste. By considering the mood you want to create, assessing lighting conditions, drawing inspiration from your decor, and testing paint samples before making a final decision, you can select a color that transforms your space into an inviting sanctuary.
Note: in our primary bedroom the walls are painted in BM Simply White, eggshell finish with BM China White, satin finish
cindy says
This is a great post!!
Elizabeth@pineconesandacorns says
Paint is transformative but also the hardest thing for me to pick out. As you mentioned there are so many things to consider. Love all of your colors.
Nancy Ekdahl says
I love your dining room but don’t understand seeing only a portion of the windows in the background. Is there a corridor behind or is this a false wall. Thanx Nancy
Mary Ann Pickett says
This is the view from the kitchen (where you see the pans) and there is a wide opening to the dining o room. We have the new chandelier being installed today.
Mary says
Great post!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Mary!
Juliet says
Love your Target finds. Especially the basket tote. I guess these fun beach-ready finds will your year round wardrobe now. How wonderful! What a great idea for sampling paints. I’ve painted more than my share of poster board over the years. This is so much better. They look perfect size to try out paint colors for the back of our hutch … that I’ve been threatening to paint for two years. Heartbreaking what’s happening in Ukraine. Can you imagine giving birth under these circumstances. What a lovely effort by your cousin to support them.xo
Liana says
I really love white dove but it can look a little dingy in reduced natural lighting conditions
Nancy says
Great minds think alike…I just blogged about what’s going in my bag for an upcoming beach trip. I’ll send you the link to the best bathing suit I found! I’m going to look at your finds and see if I have time to order!
Jaye says
thanks for reminding me about Samplize! Could you please share the 2 colors on the right of the 4 colors of green and blue you are sampling on your headboard wall?
Thanks!
Linda says
I’m thrilled that you are making this fun move! This CA girl (now living in KS) will so miss your SF posts….but can’t wait to follow along on your new adventure and as you show us your new home! Exciting new stuff! Also I’ll bet that Chief will be a lover of the Florida sunshine! I frequently dog sit our friends Boston Terrier and one of her favorite things to do is lay in the direct sunshine on the warm/hot concrete driveway!
Hope your moving truck arrives on time!
I know you’ll be happy to have your stuff.
Can’t wait to see your new home!!
Mary Ann Pickett says
You are so right, Linda, Chief will love the sun. He gets here Thursday night!
Karen B. says
Mary Ann,
Thank goodness Target stores are everywhere. You can rely on them to have items of fashion and homewares that are not only stylish but pretty, all at a good price. I love the beach selections you made for your beach fun. I hope your truck arrives with all your belongings this week!
Is that image from your new neighborhood? Such a pretty tree-lined street.
xo,
Karen
Mary Ann Pickett says
YES…those trees are on our street. I sure hope that truck gets here too!
Sarah says
Samplize is a life saver! (Or certainly a dollar saver.) We didn’t peel our samples off the backing, just stuck them to the walls with painters tape so they would last longer. Now I’m able to take them with me if I need the paint color while shopping.
Your street is lovely. Can’t wait to see how you put your home together!
Christine says
Yes, Samplize is the best. I have a drawer full of color samples to use for my next project. However, I’m still one of those types that becomes so overwhelmed in picking a color that I think I’m probably one of Samplize’s major benefactors.
Mary Ann Pickett says
I know…still hard to make a decision.
Gayle Olson says
I used your advice last fall and ordered the samples and chose White Dove for our condo walls. We have floor to ceiling windows and the natural light is bright all day. The white is perfect, the painters have taken note for future use. Thanks.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Such a great color with lots of natural light, Gayle.
Ann says
We have the same white Burgundy chilling for today’s Easter dinner! Happy Easter to you, dear Mary Ann.
Mary Ann Pickett says
It’s good, isn’t it? And Publix carries it.
Susan Kelley says
I will look for you in our local target.I think you are getting lots of sand in your shoes!
Mary Ann Pickett says
We only had City Targets in SF so this is really fun for me, Susan.
Annie Diamond says
Oh, Mary Ann! Your street is so beautiful and exactly as you described it! I can just see you and Chief going for a walk! Can’t wait to see it all this week as your moving van arrives!!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Annie!
debra @ 5th and state says
cannot wait to see your new home and what your talents create!
Debra
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Debra!!! I love your style.
Linda says
Just a thought, I love Simply White paint color, but my yard is filled with trees too! Simply White will look good in any room you get bright light, but not in a room that has partial light. The shading, even if slight, will bring out the yellow undertones which I sit looking at right this moment. I am planning to use Chantilly Lace by BM in repainting because there are no undertones. Of course, you may be planning a different color this time around, but even for trim, you will get a clearer definition with Chantilly Lace, in my experience.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Well, Simply White is looking really good so far throughout the day, Linda. Thanks for commenting!
Melinda says
Your tree lined street is so gorgeous. It’s great that you’re able to visit with your long time friends so easily now. I hope you’re enjoying your new area.
Donna Vallone says
We’ve been looking in Florida and would be interested to know how you chose your community.
Thanks.
Mary Ann Pickett says
We have great friends here. And the beach and friendly people. There’s more more on this in my previous Ballard post.
Elizabeth says
Donna, I lived in Atlantic Beach for years, it is a lovely place, close to all sorts of things, shops, great restaurants, the ocean and more and there is no state tax. Another wonderful area is Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Yes!! They took me out in there boat with them yesterday!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Come back!!!