We talked with the real estate professionals in our office asking for their tips on choosing paint colors, here’s what they had to say:
Consider the Room’s Purpose
Different colors can really change the mood of a room, think about how you want to feel in that space and what purpose it serves. For example, choose lighter colors in spaces frequented by guests like the kitchen and living spaces. If you want to opt for darker colors, consider using them in moodier spaces like bedrooms.
Create a Color Palette
While choosing colors for every room, strive to have some cohesiveness amongst the entire home, it will bring it all together in the end. This doesn’t mean you have to stick to a palette of varied whites and greys, in fact, use color, lots of it! You can utilize the color wheel to find harmony amongst different hues. A well-thought-out color palette can change the entire feel of your space.
Test Paint Samples
Head to your local paint store and grab some swatches. Our best tip is to hang up multiple on different walls to see how the colors change throughout the day with different lighting — lights on, off, sunshine, darkness, you get the idea! Some stores will give you real samples of the paint for free, so don’t be afraid to ask. Using the swatches will also help you create a color palette by seeing them all together.
The Light
Don’t forget to take into account the lighting in your home: are you an overhead lighting or ten-thousand lamps kind of person? This will change how paints look in your home! Take into account the level of natural light the room also gets, and factor in seasonal light changes.
Undertones
Especially when choosing a neutral color like grey, be very careful about the undertones. To best figure out what you like, get a multitude of greys to see them next to each other. What might just look grey to you all of a sudden looks purple or green when placed next to another shade of grey. Figure out if you like cooler or warmer undertone colors, one or the other might better suit your space, and stick to that undertone for all the colors in your home.
Remember, the goal is to create a space that aligns with your personal style and meets the functional needs of the room. Take your time, test samples, and trust your instincts.
