What’s the secret to choosing the right color for your space?
These expert tips will have you selecting colors like a pro.
Find Inspiration
Christina Schmidhofer
Look for color cues in the places you frequent every day.
Credit: Erin Kunkel
“Think of places and spaces you love for inspiration.
Once you’ve pinpointed your inspiration source, pick up similar colored paint chips at your local paint store.
Then if possible, hold them up next to your inspo and see which color is the closest match.
Credit:Christina Schmidhofer
You’ll make informed color decisions,” says Alejandra Bernardez, designer.
Here, designer Melissa Colgan chose Benjamin Moore Mauve Blush for this living room.
“Always samplepaint colors.
Credit:Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Most brands offer small sample pots of paint for you to test out.
“Choose the best paint you could afford.
Good paint has better pigments and a more livable finish,” says Courtney Price, designer.
Credit: Kimberly Gavin
In this home office, designer Jamie Krywicki painted the built-in bookshelves Farrow & Ball Railings.
“Warm colors like red, yellow, and orange have an energizing effect.
Blue, green, and gray are calming,” says David Bromstad, designer and HGTV star.
Credit:Jim Franco
To ensure you’ll love your results, notice how your paint swatches look at different times of day.
Think About Layering
Annie Schlechter
Too manybright paint colorsin a room can be overwhelming.
Tone them down with layers of softer hues.
Credit:Ali Harper
Consider a Room’s Purpose
Robert Peterson
“Choose colors based on the use of a room.
Benjamin Moore Fort Pierce Green creates a dramatic backdrop in this bedroom by Cloth & Kind.
Use the Color Wheel
Don’t discount what you learned aboutthe color wheelin elementary school.
Credit:Brie Williams
“Colors close together on the color wheel are analogous and will make a calm room.
Here, the walls of Gabriella Skok’s home office are painted Farrow & Ball Calke Green.
Go Gray
Nathan Schroder
Blending paint colors to get the perfect hue can be tricky.
Credit: Erin Kunkel
One designer has a smart tip for colors that aren’t too saturated.
Mary Kate Carl of Katie Davis Design used a chalky gray-blue to soften cabinets in this kitchen.
“Play with intensity.
Credit:Annie Schlechter
I lovemonochromatic roomsthat use a single hue in a variety of ways,” says Sarah Richardson, designer.
Designer Jacqueline Schmidt chose Benjamin Moore Inner Peach for this bedroom wall.
Design Beyond Walls
Consider painting ideas that are outside the box.
Credit:Robert Peterson
In fact, the ceiling is often called “the fifth wall” by interior designers.
These are great places to play withfun color combinations.
Glossy cobalt blue highlights the ceiling millwork in designer Virginia Toledo’s dining room.
Credit:Annie Schlechter
“Blend in strong colors.
Here, blue painted cabinets blend seamlessly with the color of glass mosaic tiles.
Take the Leap
If you’re considering using bright colors, take the leap.
Credit:Nathan Schroder
After all, it’s just paint, you could always repaint it later if you change your mind.
Or take a toe tip and start with accessories and slowly build your way up to wall color.
“Give yourself permission to use a bold color.
Credit:Chango & Co
Benjamin Moore Yellow Finch brightens the ceiling in designer Virginia Toledo’s foyer.
Instead, find one neutral color you love and use it for theentire open space.
Pale green cabinets enliven this Florida kitchen by designer Andrew Howard.
Credit:Helen Norman
Accent with Accessories
Neutral rooms don’t have to be boring.
You canadd fun color with accessoriesand decor.
you might even try painting the molding a contrasting color.
Credit:Matthew Williams
Here, a vibrant living room by Cloth & Kind features walls painted with Benjamin Moore Hazy Skies.
“Start with a color you love.
It becomes a fun surprise for all who enter.
Credit:Annie Schlechter
Make It Flow
Many people struggle with finding color schemes that can flow throughout an entire home.
“For a cohesive look, flow two or three of the same colors in each room.
Designer Sara Gilbane anchored the foyer of this New York City apartment with Benjamin Moore Venezuelan Sea
Credit:Ryan Garvin
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Credit:Annie Schlechter
