Selecting paint colors can be tricky. Some colors are warm and others are cool tone. Yes, a blue can be a “warm blue.” Seems counterintuitive to some. I’ve worked with creative agencies for a long time and so I have a good understanding of the nuances in color. Even black and white photos can appear cooler or warmer. Black and white photos are made up of four colors (cyan, magenta, yellow and black) and if there is more red or more blue then they can appear warmer or cooler. I experienced this first hand at a print run in Toronto many years ago. ANYWAY, that’s my long version of saying that color selection can be a little more difficult.
I’m working on a bathroom remodel and I have finally solidified my vision (more on that in another post). So now I’m trying to determine what color(s) I want to paint the wall(s). Yes, I haven’t yet decided which walls will be getting which colors. But what I do know is that the ceiling will be white. 🙂
I’m planning to use Sherwin Williams paints and I have been scouring Pinterest and the google for paint color ideas and swatches. I have narrowed it down to a few colors. P.S. Yes, I know l need to fix all those nail pops!
Even Realtor.com says “The wrong move could ruin your decor (at least temporarily) and fill you to the brim with regret. Below are their top 3 Painting Mistakes that you WILL regret.
1. Getting Tiny Samples
Make sure that when you test different shades, you paint swatches that are big enough to evaluate how the color will really look. Don’t just rely on the itty bitty paint swatches from your local paint store or Lowes or Home Depot. It’s so important to paint large blocks of color on your walls to see what they look like in every light (morning, afternoon, evening, lights on, lights off). And, live with your choice for a few days to make sure your selection is the right one for you.
2. Not comparing Finishes
Choosing a finish is just as important as choosing a paint color. Many homeowners are shy about using semi-gloss but it’s easier to clean and makes more sense for trim work. It’s also more moisture resistant so you should consider it for your bathroom or kitchen.
Flat, matte and satin finishes allow for easy touch-ups so you should use those in high traffic areas .
3. Choosing a boring palette
Beige on beige, or greige on greige. Yawn…. Sure it’s a classic look that’s neutral – it’s great for selling a home. But honestly it does not convey much personality at all and creates a flatness in the room. There’s no depth. If you want to use a more subdued color palette, make sure you mix your neutrals. Consider mixing cream, grays, beige and other soft colors.
4. Picking the wrong white
White is white is white, right? Wrong. Some whites are cool, others are warm. You really need to select your white based on the tone of the colors in your room. Do you have a cool green or a warm green? Make sure you pick a corresponding white. You can see in my photo above that the white in the top left corner looks like it’s light blue. This is because that white had a cool blue cast to it.
So what did I choose?
I ended up choosing Sherwin Williams filmy green and it looks nothing like what it appears here.
All paints are Sherwin Williams. Clockwise from bottom left corner: Sea Salt, Filmy Green, Extra White, Cucumber, Twinkly and Pure White
