As a DIY remodeler, I thought the hardest part would be doing the renovations. But I was wrong. Honestly, it’s picking the paint colors. I can’t tell you how long it took me to choose the right colors once I renovated my home. It was harder than putting the plans together for my renovations.
Fortunately, I’m a painter by trade, so I know how to paint, but when it came down to picking the colors for my own home, man it was hard. I resorted to my own tricks that I share with my clients.
Use the Color Wheel
Remember the color wheel from school? It turns out it did have use in our lives after all. Colors that are close to one another on the color wheel work together, allowing each color to really stand out. I used this strategy in my guest room, which used to be my daughter’s room. I wanted a fun room for my guests, so I chose a few fun shades blue and purple.
In my great room, I wanted a uniform look. It gives it almost a soothing look. After I knocked down the walls adjoining my family room and living room, I wanted to create a great room where everyone could gather when they come over. I chose a few shades of brown and made the room cool, but inviting for my guests. I painted three walls one shade darker, one wall a lighter shade, and the trim and even lighter shade. I love how it looks.
I honestly had a lot of fun using the color wheel to choose the colors for my home. I hope you use it too.
Figure Out What Look you Want
Honestly, the best thing I can tell you before you start painting is to figure out the look you want. Are you looking for a vibrant, elegant, or monochrome look? Do you want a focal point in the room or do you want it all to look the same?
Use the following tips to get the look you want:
- For an elegant look choose neutral colors
- For a vibrant look choose bright, warm colors, like orange, red, or purple
- For a monochrome look choose light or neutral colors all in the same color family
- For a focal point, choose one wall to make a different color, whether brighter or darker than the other walls
Another fun tip is to think about how soon you’ll sell your home. If it’s within the next year or so, don’t go crazy with the paint colors. Just because you love a bright orange room doesn’t mean the people that walk through it will too. It will certainly make your home harder to sell if you have rooms painted in colors that are more of a personal preference.
I hope you have fun choosing your colors and painting your house. While it was a lot of hard work, it really was fun. Hopefully my tips help make your job a little easier!
