Mistakes To Avoid With Paint

Have you ever visited some place where you loved how all the colors harmonized?  You probably thought to yourself, "This would look great in my house!".  The next day you find yourself paralyzed in front of the paint chips wondering how in the world you're ever going to find the right shade.

We've been there.  While painting is one of the quickest, cheapest, and relatively easy renovations you can do yourself, it's still an awful lot of work. So the thought of getting the color you chose on the walls only to find out when you're done that you don't like it, can make you want to run and hide.

While picking a color is a personal choice, it doesn't hurt to learn from other's mistakes.  Below we've listed some tips from some color experts to help you on your way.

Don't Rely On Trends

Source:  Zillow Digs

You need to love the colors that you're going to live with everyday.  Simply because you saw a designer room with the latest trendy color that looked amazing, doesn't mean that you will love it once it's on your walls.  If you want to try that new trendy color, opt for splashes of color like pillows, or artwork rather than splashing it on every wall.

Furnishings First

Source:  Zillow Digs

Never pick out your color and then try to match your furnishings to it.  It is always best to work off of an inspiration piece like a rug or an accent chair and then choose a paint color that will go with it.

Live By The Light

Source:  Zillow Digs

Colors a very affected by the light that is in a room.  On a sunny day you might think the color is perfect, but when lit with lamps it might take on a hue that you don't care for.  Before painting all your walls, paint a swatch and consider it in all different light sources at all times of the day and evening.  Live with it for a while and see how it stands the test of time.

White Is A Color

Source:  Zillow Digs

Many overlook white thinking that it will be to sterile or boring.  But white pairs fabulously with almost any color.  And whites by themselves have come a long way with many showing shades of gray, lavender, blue and green.

No Competition

Source:  Zillow Digs

If you're wanting a two-toned room, don't make your colors compete.  Let one color dominate and the other play a subordinate role as an accent color.

Don't Forget To Look Up

Source:  Zillow Digs

Ceilings can play a big color role in your rooms.  You can go with a shade or two lighter than your walls, a high gloss white for drama or a bold hue that is the main source of color for the room.

Play Nice With Others

Source:  Zillow Digs

If you have rooms that are open to other rooms, plan ahead to have a cohesive look as you walk throughout the house.  Don't randomly choose a different color for each room without checking to see that they flow together nicely.

Source:  Michelle Schwake For Stafford Family Realtors