Walk into the paint section of any home improvement store, and you’ll face walls of color options. Literally, thousands of paint chips will be staring back at you, overwhelming your eyes. They seem to mock you until you frantically grab a store associate and sob, “I can’t pick colors for my home! Please help!”
No? Just me?
Regardless of how confident (or not) you are in your color selection, the Bella Vista Painting team is here to help. We are with you every step of the way for your interior and exterior paint jobs, from color choice to clean up. Connect with us today for your free estimate and to get a spot on our schedule.
How Do I Pick Paint Colors for My Home?
Choosing paint colors for your home can be a daunting task that stops a lot of homeowners before they start. There are many factors to consider and choices to make as you pick your trim, accent, and main colors.
If you’re ready to paint inside or out, let’s look at some important considerations that can simplify the decision process.
Important Note: If you are doing an exterior paint job, be sure you are aware of any HOA rules that may apply to your house. Many HOAs have an approval process homeowners must go through before painting their home’s exterior.
1. Will You Stay or Will You Go?
The reason for painting your house will help determine the colors you choose. Selecting paint when you’re staying in the home is a very different process than when you will be selling.
If you are preparing to sell your house, you need to pick colors with the sale process in mind. That is, it’s important to stick with a neutral interior color palette that will appeal to potential buyers and make the rooms look great. Outside, choose a color that fits your home’s style and the overall neighborhood feel to boost curb appeal.
When you’re going to be living in the home, you can explore a broader range of options. If you plan to remain in the house for several years, choose colors that make you happy without worrying about resale value. You can always change the paint again when it’s time to sell and move.
2. Pay Attention to Your Style and Your Home’s Style
The Portland Metro area has many beautiful architectural styles to choose from, and each one can evoke a particular color scheme. From modern to farmhouse, your house’s style will help guide you when it’s time to pick paint colors for your home, inside and out. Pinterest and other online searches can let you find color combinations for any architectural style.
But your house doesn’t get to call all the shots here. Your preferred design style should be front and center when choosing paint colors.
- What is your favorite color?
- Do you prefer cool or warm tones?
- Do you like bright, colorful, and eclectic decor?
- Do you prefer a clean, modern feel?
- Are you designing with a particular region in mind, such as the southwest, Tuscany, or the English countryside?
For exterior paint jobs, be sure to take your landscaping into account, too. The plantings and hardscape materials you have will help guide your color selections.
Spend some time gathering inspiration from magazines and online searches. I mean, if Pinterest wasn’t made for just this moment, I don’t know what it’s even for. As you peruse color combinations and design suggestions, you’ll become more confident in choosing paint colors that fit the bill.
3. Consider the Light
When picking paint colors for the inside of your house, pay attention to each room’s lighting. A lack or abundance of natural light helps determine which hues will look best. And the direction each room faces will also be part of the puzzle.
For example, rooms facing south get more intense light than those facing north, brightening dark colors and washing out some lighter choices. If a room faces east or west, the direction will determine which time of day the space gets the most light.
It’s also important to consider the type and amount of artificial lights you have in each room. Fluorescent lights give colors a cooler feel, while traditional bulbs make everything look warmer.
4. Address Form and Function
The size, layout, and purpose of each space in your house should help dictate the paint colors you pick. For example, bedrooms often have calm, soothing colors, but a kitchen or family room may have bold and bright colors. If you have a statement piece of art or furniture, choose paint colors to show it to perfection.
5. Put Your Choices to the Test
Once you narrow down your paint preferences to a specific color scheme, such as neutrals or monochromatic hues, it’s time to test. Paint some swatches on different walls in the room you plan to update.
Over a few days, look at the samples at different times to see how they look in the light as it shifts. Even three shades of white can look drastically different depending on the lighting.
6. Get Some Outside Opinions
If you’ve been staring at paint colors for two weeks, it might be tough to make a decision. Ask a friend or family member to look at your options for a fresh perspective. Or consider hiring a designer to spend an hour or two with you to help with the color choices.
At Bella Vista Painting, we are happy to connect you with an expert to guide your paint selection. Our team wants you to love your new paint job for years to come.
We take great pride in producing excellent work for each client, and we can’t wait to help your home look its very best. Reach out today for a free estimate or to get on our calendar.
