Have you gone to purchase paint lately? There are so many choices in finishes that it could make your head spin. And then there is the color, choosing interior paint colors can be a difficult part of the painting process. Not only does color change how your home looks, but it can also alter your mood. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing interior paint colors and finishes to create the right ambiance for you and your space.
First choose your finish! There are a lot more choices today than there used to be so here are some details to help you make the right choice.
Flat/Matte Finish
Matte finish looks like what the name implies… matte. It works great if you need to camouflage small bumps or cracks. It works well because it does not reflect much light so in effect will hide problem areas. Flat finish paint is basically the same as a matte and is good for hallways and ceilings. Flat paints do not stand up well to very many washings.Eggshell Finish
See how an eggshell reflects light? That is how reflective it will be on your walls. Eggshell can also be used in any room but works especially well for a nursery or bedroom. One other plus for eggshell… it holds up better to cleaning than a flat finish paint.Satin Finish
Satin finish paint is a little shinier than eggshell. It has a soft, creamy sheen. It’s the easiest finish to work with as it can be used in any room and works very well in a living room or family room. Satin finish is good for walls where you want low reflection and a warm look. This finish will hold up well to multiple cleanings and a light scrubbing or two. If you just can’t decide what finish you like, use satin in every room, it will alleviate all your problems.Semi-Gloss
Good ole’ semi-gloss is pretty shiny and was used a lot in kitchens or other areas that needed to be cleaned often. Now they are mainly used for trimming doors and windows and reviving cabinets. Follow the link for a safe how to refinish trim option Refinish Window and Door Frames They are also good for heavily used bathrooms. The shine of a semi-gloss repels dirt and moisture well so it's good in these areas. Be careful with this sheen as it will reflect a lot of light and could create some uncomfortable glare.Gloss
Gloss finish paint is very shiny and mimics the look of enamel or plastic. Gloss is the most reflective finish. It is becoming very popular to use for a dramatic look on cabinets, trim and furniture.A lot of prep work is required with this finish. If there are any imperfections in the item you are painting the finish will enhance the problem. That said, gloss is very durable and will hold up to many cleanings.
Now that you have a finish in mind let's pick the color!
Step 1 – Considering Mood
Colors can impact your mood. For example, colors like red, yellow, and orange can stimulate feelings of warmth and togetherness. Red is also a passionate color than can energize, while green, blue, and violet are cool colors that can calm and soothe. When choosing interior paint colors for your walls, keep in mind what mood or feeling you’d like to achieve.Step 2 – Understanding the Color Wheel
Understanding how colors complement one another is integral to creating a harmonious and unified space, whether you’re painting one or multiple rooms. To choose colors that work together, use a color wheel to find out which shades balance each other out.Complementary Colors
Complementary colors are found on opposite ends of the color wheel, such as violet and yellow. These colors are opposites, and they bring out the richness in one another, particularly when one shade is muted and the other is dominant.Analogous Colors
You could also opt for analogous colors, which are hues found next to one another. Using two or three analogous colors together is calming and pleasing to the eye.Step 3 – Thinking About Your Space
Colors can also be used to create illusions in your space, making a room feel smaller or larger. To give the illusion of higher ceilings, opt for a lighter ceiling color and darker wall color. To make a room look larger than it is, choose colors that are light and airy. Conversely, you can scale down an oversized room by using darker hues.Step 4 – Planning Your Color Scheme
Once you’ve decided which basic colors you want in your home, consider using a color palette for each room. For instance, you may want to include an accent wall, which will draw the eye to that space and often make your room look larger. Although your whole house doesn’t have to be the same color, you should also make sure the color scheme flows from room to room, complementing each other to unify the spaces.Step 5 – Finalizing a Plan
Once you’ve made the above considerations, you can develop a color plan for each room. With a plan in mind, head to your local hardware store to select a few color paint chips or samples. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shades at this stage. While you can't go wrong with popular interior-wall color choices, be sure to tailor your color palette to your preferences.Tip: Once you've chosen your chips, tape them to the wall of the room you’re painting. If you have the time, try leaving the samples in place for a few days to look at them at different times of the day with different lighting to determine the best hue for the room.
