Recently it seems I have had a surge in questions about how to select paint colors…perhaps it is because in these economically difficult times it is an economically uplifting easy change to make to a space. If there was one piece of advice that I can give it is as follows:

Always start with an inspiration. It could be a rug, a piece of art, a throw pillow, bedding, a photograph, or pretty much any physical object you are drawn to that will reside within the space. That object, or inspiration, should evoke the feeling you are looking to create within the room. Never start with the paint color and then try to build from it. You will surely have a hard time finding all the right accessories and pieces to coordinate.

Not sure what I mean by choosing your inspiration first? Perhaps the following visual example will help.

By starting with this photo I took recently I am inspired by the overwhelming feeling of warmth and nature.

It reminds me of fall, my favorite season, and the gentle warm breeze blowing through the fields…the very feeling I am hoping to replicate with the following paint colors.

Justification for color selection starting from left to right: 

Sherwin Williams, Biscuit – Applied to the ceiling to reflect warm light into the room. Sherwin Williams, Downy – Applied to the trim for a crisp contrast and the same yellow undertone of all color selections. Sherwin Williams, Totally Tan – Applied to the walls to envelop the room in utter warmth. Sherwin Williams, Saguaro – Not necessarily painted on the walls but infused into the room with accessories, a rug, and such.

Are you still unsure? Many paint manufacturers now offer sample sizes. Pick up a few poster boards, foam brushes, and the paint samples you are considering for the room. Paint the poster board fully saturated to the edges and then hang it on the wall. Live with the color for a few days and look at it at all different times of the day. This should help to set your expectation of how the color will look and feel in the space. For a small investment of a few dollars you can trial and error on a small scale before taking on the task of painting the entire room.

Quick Tip:  Color is simply a reflection of light so be aware that the lighting and existing colors may somewhat skew your test sample color.