Settling on a color for your home’s interior can be a huge challenge, and it’s not always because you aren’t sure what will look good. Sometimes, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming enough to cause frustration, and paint companies are always coming out with different shades and hues.
One thing that you can always rely on is your own personal preference. Starting with colors that you like, or that you know to be effective, can get you some momentum and help you eliminate certain colors.
It might also be helpful to check out what’s trending for the year or for the season. Paint companies typically post their trending colors, and choosing a color that you know is in style can give you some peace of mind about the look of your home. Otherwise, there are plenty of strategies that you can use for choosing interior colors.
Use Your Resources
Things such as magazines or catalogs will have plenty of examples of interior design that you can gain inspiration from. There are also mobile applications and online resources that can help you decide on a color scheme. You will be able to select colors or take photos, and the applications will tell you what matches the best.
Taking advantage of the different resources at your disposal will help you make a more informed decision about your interior colors.
Base Colors Off of Furniture
If you already have your furniture picked out or are painting a room that is already furnished, using these items as a starting point can be extremely helpful.
The furniture will be the most dominant feature in almost any room, so basing your paint decisions off of these items will generally work out in your favor. It’s also important to pay attention to printed colors on pillows and other items. Even small instances of a particular color can be a good starting point for the walls.
Think About the Timing
You will also want to think about the reason you are painting. For example, if you are preparing for a sale, you may want to choose something more neutral, as striking or “daring” color schemes might turn off potential buyers. Otherwise, you will want to choose colors that you can stand to look at for several years.
Try Out Different Colors
Most of the time, you can obtain samples of different colors that you are interested in. You can paint sections of the wall and get an idea of what the color will look like.
Other factors that might influence your color decisions are lighting and the size of the room. Think about how much natural lighting the room gets, and also consider how you want to feel when you enter the room. There are plenty of softer, creamier colors that create a more neutral or relaxed feeling, but other colors can feel sophisticated and powerful. It’s important to focus on the tone of the room and how the colors will play into that.
