At some time we all have tackled the onerous job of painting our home. I remember as a young newlywed splashing the walls of our first apartment in an array of vibrant colors. My hubby and I were making a statement….. we were carefree and life was a blank canvas.

Then, as the saying goes, life happened. We became homeowners and painting became a process. What I’ve learned, however, is that it doesn’t have to be a daunting process. Here are a few tips I’ve gathered along the way about color. Hope you find them helpful.

• Bear in mind the existing items in your room. Artwork, upholstery, rugs and flooring will suggest color direction. Try to pull all these elements together when making a color selection.
• Take paint samples home. Colors you select in the store will look different under the lighting of your home. They will also look different at different times of the day.
• Don’t examine a sample against a white wall. It will look darker, resulting in your buying a shade too light.
• Take into account how color flows from room to room. If you have an open floor plan, it is important to use one wall color throughout the main floor. Add accent colors in a few carefully considered places.
• Stick with white trim.

Related Links:

Painting Techniques & Tips – How to Paint a House or Room: www.benjaminmoore.com

Painting | Painting & Finishes | This Old House: www.thisoldhouse.com

10 Tips for Picking Paint Colors – HGTV.com