Step away from the paintbrush! You might just be committing one of the most common color mistakes. Before you decide on a paint color for the room you’re redecorating, take a step back and gather inspiration. Discover ideas by flipping through magazines and collecting imagery that appeals to you. Then, put them together in a folder or portfolio you can peruse when you have leisure time. As you review your choices, define the mood you want to evoke. Will this room be the place where you relax and unwind? Or, do you want the color to bring energy into the space? The ideas that bubble to the top will lay the groundwork for the room’s color palette.
You don’t necessarily have to start from scratch. Let colors from key elements that you love throughout your home inform your choices. Once you have an idea of the colors you want, take full advantage of the sample sizes available at the paint store. Paint a few 2x2-foot squares in different areas of the room, and live with them for about a week. Take note of what you like and dislike at different times of the day, in both natural and artificial light.
Wading through paint colors for your next room can be overwhelming, but don’t lose hope. Some of the top color experts weigh in on what to avoid when beautifying your home. Click through to read their advice.
