How to get the right paint colour for your home

While painting is often touted as a relatively inexpensive way to update your space, there are some caveats.

It’s all too easy to make seemingly small mistakes when painting, but these mistakes can cost you dearly. The last thing homeowners want is to introduce the wrong color or look.

We spoke to Rhonda at Heritage Home Hardware in Sault Ste. Marie, who shared her suggestions on how to avoid making mistakes that could cost you time and money. Her recommendations follow:

1. Try paint colors before committing

You think you’ve finally decided on the right color for your living room, but then you’re paralyzed in front of a display in the store’s paint department. What happened? There are often so many more shades – and choices – than we thought, and it’s not uncommon to have last-minute doubts.

Instead of worrying that you picked the wrong color or that the color you chose is too light or too dark in the room, why not take the extra step of sampling before you commit.

See how the color will look on your wall or on a large sample board. Beauti-Tone color has a 16 oz sample size that you can tint so it’s easy. Rhonda recommends always leaving a white border around your sample board so the new color doesn’t conflict with the current color on the wall.

It’s an extra step, yes, but the cost is minimal and it can save you from making a decision you’ll regret later.

2. Have a well thought out plan

Gone are the days when we painted every room in our homes a completely different color. While it can be nice when each room has a different look, the trend these days is toward cohesiveness—spaces that flow seamlessly and feel part of the larger whole.

This is especially important if you have an open floor plan. It can be helpful to walk around your house and look at the sightlines from different locations; For example, what do you see when you sit, stand and walk?

Also consider the decor you have in each room: the paint colors, art, accessories, window coverings and floors. The goal is to make sure they all work well together.

If you don’t have the money or time to paint every room in your house at once, you still want to have a long-term plan. This way you can make any change as time and circumstances allow, but you will always work towards that overall vision.

3. Visualize the change

We’re fortunate to have several great tools at our disposal. One way to confirm you’ve picked the right colors is to use Heritage Home Hardware’s color visualization tool.

You can also download the Beauti-Tone Color Visualizer app for your iPad. Upload photos of your space so you can see how specific colors will look there. You can also pick up some color charts and brochures at the store; These can help you choose specific color combinations and create color schemes with confidence.

4. Seek professional help

The in-store color experts are always happy to help, so you don’t have to worry about making those color decisions yourself. If you’re unsure about your choices, they can confirm your choices already made or offer suggestions that they think would work well in the space.

HELPFUL TIPS

Tip #1 – Use contrasting colors for emphasis

If your room has crown molding, arches, ceiling medallions, paneling, or other beautiful architectural features, you can use a contrasting color to highlight them.

The opposite is also true; If you’d rather minimize or blend the look of any of these elements, painting them the same color as the walls will make them recede and fade into the background.

Tip #2 – Don’t neglect the inside

All too often we miss a great design opportunity. For added impact, think of the interiors of your home that could benefit from a surprising splash of colour: for example in your cupboards, cupboards and drawers.

It will refresh those spaces and lift your spirits every time you see those pretty, jewel case-like interiors.

Tip #3 – Be artistic

Why not make a statement with your walls?

Try color blocking to create a beautiful custom feature wall on a budget. You can use your favorite colors, tie your furniture and accessories together, and let your color work for you. Your room is sure to stand out from the rest and be a talking point when guests are over.

Tip #4 – Don’t forget the fifth wall

Who says ceilings have to be white? You can tint paint for the ceiling, as well as any trim work.

Some like a harmonious color scheme that wraps all the walls and the ceiling in the same shade, others prefer to choose a completely different shade.

Tip #5 – Use the power of color

Color can create an optical illusion. It can make a long, narrow room or hallway appear wider; Just paint the shorter walls a darker color.

When a room feels too small and cramped, choose a cool, light color to paint the walls and the space will instantly feel larger. It will seem like you have more space than before.

Use warm, dark colors to create an atmosphere – especially if you’re looking for a cozy and intimate space. This is also a great idea for a TV room or home theater room, or if you want a dramatic home office or library.

If you don’t have the ceiling height you’re hoping for, you can make the walls appear taller by painting the ceiling lighter than the walls. This works especially well in basements.

Tip #6 – Avoid disappointment when choosing a color

To avoid disappointment when choosing a color, try isolating it on a white background for a more real perception. Also remember that whatever color you choose will look more intense on the wall than on the paint chip. If you are unsure about your choice, simply go a shade lighter. And try to limit your pick list to three total: more than that and it’ll be too confusing to the eye.

Finally, Rhonda recommends choosing your color by looking at it closely at the time of day when the space is being used the most. That gives you the truest indication of what to expect.

For more suggestions on accenting color, visit Heritage Home Hardware or call 705-759-5101.