Are you planning to liven up your interior spaces with a fresh coat of paint? The overwhelming number of color choices can make it challenging to decide which one is right for you, but don’t worry. We’re here to help.
As the go-to home interior paint contractor in Indianapolis, we’ve helped countless clients choose the hues that uplift their properties. Here are a few tips to get you started on your painting project.
Account for Your Existing Furnishings
The first thing you should do is catalog your existing furnishings. This list includes items like your upholstery, flooring, and window treatments. Once you have an idea of the colors in your space, you can start to narrow down your options.
Get Some Free Color Swatches
Build a palette by visiting your local paint store and picking up some free color swatches. Take them home and hold them up to your existing furnishings to see what works well together.
Colors can also look entirely different depending on the time of day and the lighting you use. So, it’s crucial to test them out in your space before making a decision.
Take Advantage of Color Theory
While there are no hard and fast rules when picking interior hues, you can use color theory to guide your selection. Colors opposite each other on the color wheel, like blue and orange, create a nice visual contrast. For a more subdued look, try monochromatic or analogous colors next to each other on the wheel, like purple and pink.
Every Color Should Have a Purpose
In general, lighter colors make a space feel bigger and more open, while darker tones lend a moodier effect. Warm tones can make a room feel inviting, while cool ones can create a serene atmosphere.
Are you looking for a soothing paint color or something that will energize you? Do you want it to complement your furniture or serve as an attention-grabbing accent wall? Consider the mood you want to generate in your space, and let that goal guide your decision.
If you need some inspiration, many paint brands offer free catalogs filled with pictures of fully decorated rooms. These pamphlets also usually provide excellent sample color combinations to get you started.
Add Some Neutral Colors to the Mix
Almost every home interior paint project will benefit from implementing a few neutral colors. Beige, taupe, brown, white, black, and gray can help tone down brighter accent colors and provide some balance to your space.
Depending on the size of your room and the amount of natural light it gets, you may want to lean more toward white or off-white tones. These colors will reflect light and make a small room feel bigger.
If you have a large space with plenty of windows, consider including some darker neutrals to ground the room and create a cozy atmosphere.
Color Apps and Paint Visualizers
One of the best things about living in the 21st century is that there’s an app for everything, including choosing paint colors.
If you’re struggling to narrow down your choices, try out a paint color visualizer. These programs allow you to upload a photo of your room and experiment with different color schemes.
Color apps from popular paint brands can also be helpful tools. They allow you to take a photo of anything and match the color to one of their paint colors.
Sheen Is Just as Important
Many forget how much sheen can influence a color’s appearance, so don’t neglect this factor when making your selection.
Flat paint has very little shine and can help hide imperfections, while glossy paint is easier to clean and can make a small space feel bigger. Eggshell and satin finishes fall somewhere in the middle and are a good compromise if you’re unsure which type of paint fits your needs.
Partner with Veteran Painters for Beautiful Home Interior Paint Projects
When you finally land on your dream color scheme, the next step is to find a painting contractor who can help you bring your vision to life. All IN Painting has served Indianapolis, IN, and the surrounding areas since 2016. We have earned a reputation for excellence in our home interior paint projects—read our reviews to see for yourself!
Our team sources top-quality paint supplies from Sherwin-Williams and Milesi. We always clean up after ourselves so you can start enjoying your new space as soon as possible. If you have questions, call us at (317) 517-7208 today!