Have you ever stood in front of the hundreds of paint swatches at a paint store just hoping one of them is going to jump out and drop right into your hand? Or have you ever then taken those 20 or so paint swatches home and taped them to your wall trying to imagine what your entire room will look like, based on a 2x2 painted piece of paper? Or maybe just reading this causes you stress and anxiety?

Well, here’s the thing, choosing the perfect color or even a cohesive color palette can be hard. There are so many factors to take into consideration when determining how you want your space to look or feel. Finding the perfect shade to compliment your existing finishes just doesn’t seem to exist. With so many options to choose from, it can be an overwhelming task that leads to one of two endings. 1). You end up choosing the wrong color just to get it done, or 2) You abandon painting all together because it is just too hard to decide.

I have run into both situations while helping clients and while it does seem like a daunting task, when you know what to look at and look for, decisions become a lot clearer.

Now yes, there are hundreds of colors to choose from, but honestly only a few will really work in your space. There are many factors that will help to rule out a lot of colors and get you closer to finding just the right one.

So, before you even step foot in a paint store, think about the following things as you embark on your paint color journey.

1. What are you hoping to accomplish by painting? Whether it be a wall, cabinets, furniture or whatever, what are you hoping your space will look like, as well as how do you want it to feel?

I often hear that clients are tired of a space or it needs to be freshened up. Another common occurrence is that someone else chose the current color and it does not reflect the new owner’s style or personality.

2. In the space you want to paint, what finishes are nearby? Think about flooring, countertops, hardware, appliances, furniture, bedding, artwork, and accessories. What things are close by that will have an influence on the color that you select?

This is important, especially if any of those finishes will be changing. You do not want to select a color for now if it is going to be different in a short amount of time. It is also important to think about undertones in this step. Choosing colors that have neutral undertones or compliment your other finishes is key to tying everything together.

3. Is this a stand-alone room, or is it part of a common area? Do you want it to feel like it’s part of the rest of the house, or is it a special space that will have its own personality?

It is quite common to have one color be a foundational color that ties most of a home together. However, in rooms like bathrooms, bedrooms and even laundry rooms you may want to bring a little more personality to the space. When making this decision, do not forget about what rooms or areas are nearby as you transition from one area of your home into another.

4. What kind of light do you get in this space? Bright morning sunshine, afternoon glow or blinding dinnertime light where you need sunglasses to see your food? ;)

Natural light can really play tricks on people as it passes through a home. It can make colors change throughout the day and may not reflect as you were intending.

Taking into consideration all the items listed above will help you to eliminate a lot of colors and bringing this information to the paint store will help you hone in on certain tones or shades.

One other bit of advice I might offer is bringing in a pillow or an accessory that you can show someone to help you find coordinating or complimentary colors to bring your vision together.

And if all of this is just too much to think about, then please don’t hesitate to reach out for some guidance. Paint colors are tricky, but not impossible. I can help you see why certain colors will work better than others and help you find the perfect color for your home.