How to Pick Your Paint Color

Picking out a new paint color can be daunting, but there are many tools out there to help you choose a new paint color for your room. Do you pick a bold statement color and be the envy of all your friends? Or go with a neutral color and pick some funky throw pillows that remind you of the trip you took last year? No matter what tool you end up using, it all comes down to a feeling.

The bottom line is, if you love it, it's the right color.

Start with this video:

What color suits what mood?

Different colors make you feel different things, even if you don't realize it. Take a look at the room you are in and think about the color you are looking at.

Warm Colors (Red, Orange, Yellow) 

Think of the warm colors of a blazing fireplace. These colors represent strength, energy, power and can stimulate even the appetite.

Cool Colors (Green, Blue, Violet)

Think of the cool colors of the ocean. These colors represent life, renewal, serenity and communicates a sense of calm.

Neutral Colors (Beige, Taupe, White, Grey, Black)

These colors are always in style and can be adapted to usually any color scheme. They put your furnishings in the forefront, and allow your personality to shine through other ways.

How to use the color wheel

The color wheel is important to keep in mind when picking paint colors, so you can see what colors are complementary, what colors are related, and what to use for a monochromatic scheme. The human brain likes to see organized patterns in color and certain combinations result in a pleasing experience.

Complementary Colors

Complementary colors are directly opposite each other on the color wheel. Like purple and yellow, or blue and orange, these complementary colors are in direct contrast to each other. It sounds crazy, but think about the LA Lakers colours, Christmas colors, or think of every action movie poster ever. Complementary colors tend to be more energizing. Pictured here is two complementary tertiary colors, pink and green.

Eclectic Bedroom by San Francisco Interior Designers & Decorators Story & Space - Interior Design and Color Guidance

Related Colors

Related colors are directly next to each other on the color wheel.  The result is less contrast, and more soothing. This room uses a few blues, blue-green and green and despite all the different colors, still comes off looking unified.

Tropical Living Room

Monochromatic Colors

Monochromatic colors are of the same hue, but different saturation, If you pick up a paint chip at the paint store, it's likely to have five or six other colors on it in the same hue. Use these colors in your decor for a monochromatic hue. The result can be pleasing, but be careful about using too much of the same color, as it can easily become boring.

Contemporary Kitchen by Toronto Kitchen & Bath Fixtures Kohler Canada

A Few Final Do's and Don'ts

Don't pick your paint color first
Do pick up on colors that exist already in the space

Don't pick a trendy color unless you plan on painting every year or two
Do use accents in trendy colors such as throw pillows or lamps

Don't treat each space individually
Do look at the home as a whole and let the rooms flow together

In Summary

Pick a color that suits your personality, your furnishings, the rest of the house, and how you use the room. The color should be a color that enhances the room, and...you gotta love it.