When it came time to pick paint colors on our newly remodeled home I just about lost my mind. I read what felt like hundreds of articles online trying to find the “best white”, I browsed Zillow for real life examples of color combinations, searched various color names online looking for pictures instead of swatches and spent so many HOURS at the Sherwin Williams down the street from me that they finally got tired of asking if I needed help and just quietly slipped me a fan deck so I could look at all the swatches in the comfort of my home. True story. 

It was a stressful process but I learned a TON while doing it AND I am very proud and happy with how things turned out. If you have found this blog post today you are likely going through the same deliberation anxiety I did. You are also probably reading a bunch of articles about how to choose paint just like I did. What I learned from reading various articles was not what you would expect – never found “the best white ever” – but I did stick to a few basic principles that I think helped me make the right decisions for my home. 

Choose One Brand and Stick To It

1. 1. 1. Ask your painter or contractor which brand of paint they recommend and look for the colors in that brand only. There are so many paint colors in each brand of paint, save yourself the added confusion of multiple brands. Our painters love Sherwin Williams so those are the only paint colors I ever considered. 
      2. Budget tip: You can take your paint color swatch to Home Depot and they will mix the exact color you take them. It is Home Depot’s house brand of paint and not as high of quality so their price is usually less than places like Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore. 
      3. Before you choose anything outside of your contractor’s recommended brand, have a conversation with them about it. Whether they are for it or against it they will almost always have some additional information that helps you make the right decision for your project AND your budget.

HGTV Has Made Us Scared of Color

1. 1. 1. How many home flips, HGTV Shows, and new builds just paint everything white? Now, I am not saying white is a bad color at all. I painted the exterior of my house white :-). 
      2. White absolutely could be the right color for you, but if you are not feeling it do not be scared to use some color! When we see white or gray or light beige over and over and over again from “experts” it can make us feel like it is the only good option. Your home will feel better if it is a reflection of you!

Don’t Bother Reducing or Altering Standard Paint Color

1. 1. 1. What does this mean? Sometimes you will come across designers or something that say “This is X color, reduced 50%.” For the sake of simplifying I say skip this option altogether. Not only will it add more options but if you ever need to touch up or want to refresh your paint you have to remember your color modifications. Again, there are so many colors already, simplify the process wherever possible!

Use Search Engines to Help You Visualize

1. 1. 1. I am 1000% a visual person, especially when it comes to paint but for me the 2×3 color swatch does not help me understand what the color would look like in the entire room. The search engine of your choice is your best friend for added visuals! 
      2. Try to find the color used on/in a house that has a similar style to yours if possible! 
      3. Tip: Careful to double check that the paint color you are searching for is actually the one pictured. Algorithms like to “suggest” similar things, so just double check and see if the color is actually named in the photo or in the article.

Buy the Sample Paint

1. 1. 1. Sherwin Williams sells quarts of paint for $10. That’s less than two Starbucks coffees. Buy the sample and a little sponge brush and test it out. It will look different at your home than it does in the store than it does on your computer or phone. 
      2. For me, this was the best way to make my final decision. If you can narrow your choices down to 2-3, test them at home and see what you think. 

Don’t Overthink the Finish! 

1. 1. 1. Trim = Gloss (less shine) or High Gloss (more shine)
      2. Ceiling = Flat 
      3. Walls = Eggshell

If You Feel Overwhelmed, Step Back and Try Again Soon. 

1. 1. 1. Paint is overwhelming. That’s why so many people write about it. If you are feeling overwhelmed, take a step back and try again some other time.
      2. Don’t be scared to ask for help. We all have our strong suites and if choosing paint is not yours don’t beat yourself up! 
      3. Trust your instincts too! If you are drawn to something, that is likely what will make you the most happy. Remember, just because the magazine uses a certain color does not mean a different choice is wrong.  

Choosing the right paint color for a room can be challenging but lean into these simplifications and your instinct and you will have it figured out in no time. And remember, if paint (or stain) is part of your scope of work with Worthy Outdoors, we offer color consultations for free!