Choosing the Perfect Paint Color

Paint color can have the most dramatic effect on your space, and it is the least expensive way to update your home.

Color can change our perception of the space around us, turning it cool and energetic, spacious or cozy. There are three key steps that can help you with the process of color selection:

1. Find Inspiration

You can come up with ideas by creating a portfolio of what appeals to you: a favorite painting, the color of your baby's eyes, an unforgettable vacation in Mexico or that great hike in the Grand Canyon.

First, take into consideration your inspirational image's common denominators in terms of color. Do you like a variety of colors or particular shades and tints of a specific color? Do you like them bold or muted? Digging deep in the well of inspiration plays an important role in selecting and whittling down your choices.

2. Define the Mood

Secondly, is there a mood or theme that you would like to achieve in a particular space? Do you want a restful feel in the bedroom, or an energizing feel to the family room? The mood will lay the groundwork on the desired visual impact of a chosen paint color palette.

3. Use Key Elements in Your Home

Last but not least, take stock of all the key elements in your house. Do you have carpeting, hardwood floors, modern or antique furniture? The color of the flooring is an important consideration when you choose colors because it anchors the room and can impact the color on the wall due to reflections.

Furnishings also play an important role in determining the perfect color scheme for your house. Since these are usually the most expensive and not easily replaced items in the house, they tend to suggest a coordinating color scheme that ties everything together. An invaluable heirloom dining table, for example, will never be discarded because it doesn't match the wall color of the dining room.