Help With Choosing Paint Colors

If painting a room is the "easy" part, selecting a good color is definitely the "hard" part. Although home centers attempt to make the choice easier with all the paint chips, the sheer number of choices may make some peoples' heads spin. Instead of settling for plain white, take these things into consideration.

Inspiration

• Think of your favorite colors and patterns and scan your room for any beloved objects, such as a painting or pillow that might help inspire your room's color palette. When you go to the store, take the object or a swatch to match the color as closely as possible.

Expert Insight

• An article on Microsoft Home Magazine suggests trying to blend unwanted carpet colors with your new paint color. For example, hide ugly olive-colored carpet with painted walls in other shades of green. Contrasting colors may emphasize unusual carpet colors.

Tips

• When possible, buy a small sample of the color you are most interested in and apply it to the wall. Observe changes in the color depending upon the light streaming through the windows and light from your fixtures. Keep in mind that bright colors may highlight irregularities or flaws in the wall.