Why is it so hard to choose a paint color?
Oftentimes clients have no problem choosing furnishings, tiles, throw pillows, and home accessories, but become paralyzed by fear when it comes to choosing a paint color. Change is scary and painting an entire wall a different color is a lot of change. Because paint covers so much square footage and can be time-consuming to repaint, people are terrified to get it wrong. We want to make choosing a paint stress-free by answering all of the common questions we get about paint:![We want to make choosing a paint stress-free by answering all of the common questions we get about paint:]( "We want to make choosing a paint stress-free by answering all of the common questions we get about paint:")
How to choose a palette for my home?
Start with selecting a color that you love that’s already in the room. Perhaps a secondary color from a rug or a piece of art, is a good jumping off point. There are also apps that let you take a pic of the room and it will paint the walls. (Like the Benjamin Moore Design Your Own Room App)
![We want to make choosing a paint stress-free by answering all of the common questions we get about paint:]( "We want to make choosing a paint stress-free by answering all of the common questions we get about paint:")
What are the differences in paint finishes? How to Choose An Interior Paint Sheen?
Flat- Flat finishes are easy to repaint and hide blemishes well. Consider flat finishes for low-traffic areas, interior walls, and ceilings.
Eggshell- A good finish for an elegant look, but still hides blemishes on the wall well. Eggshell finishes are beautiful in moderate traffic rooms like living rooms.
Are there any colors I should avoid? What mistakes do homeowners make in choosing paint colors?
Color is specific to each person, so there’s no color to avoid. However if you’re going for something bold, test out an 4×4 patch on the wall to make sure you really like it– the lighting in a room can affect how similarly or differently you view the paint compared to the swatch you saw at the store. In any event, a good rule of thumb is to give yourself 3 days to adjust to the new color. You might hate it at first and then fall in love.![What are the differences in paint finishes? How to Choose An Interior Paint Sheen?]( "What are the differences in paint finishes? How to Choose An Interior Paint Sheen?")
What colors work best for reselling my home? What colors are best to paint rentals?
Whites and neutrals (light light greys, creams) are the best. These colors have broad appeal and work in virtually every space. White and neutrals are also great for rentals, for the same reasons. It’s also a good idea to use an in-stock, popular color for touch ups. White/Light colors are the best because you don’t need a primer when you repaint.
Where do color trends come from? Do they matter?
Paint companies, color trend companies, blogs and magazines all have their opinions about trends, but paint is personal and you should select what you love. Realize your opinion of what you love, however; is being affected by the trends in the aforementioned with the imagery they put out in print and social media.
What types of paint to avoid/toxic paints?
Go for Zero VOC if possible, but at least Low VOC. Avoid paints with formaldehyde. Acrylic or water-based paint is great, unless it lists toxic chemicals such as cadmium, cobalt, magnesium, chromium, and, of course, lead.