Color For Your Home has additional information about color.
What's your greatest challenge in selecting a color for your home's interior?
Choosing and matching colors can be nerve-wracking for any number of reasons.
Overview: From Inspiration to Interior Color Perfection
Now that you've shared your greatest challenge to picking the perfect paint color I'd like to give you some ways to make the process easier and more enjoyable.Here are a few simple steps to...
...take the beautiful color vision you have in your head and have it be the one you see on your walls.
Step 1: Define the mood you want to create in the room
Step 2: Determine the color family
Step 3: Select the perfect tint, tone or shade
Step 4: Sample the color
Step 5: Study the color
Step 6: Paint the room
Step 7: Show off the fabulous results!
Step 1: Determine the Mood You Want to Create
Sometimes this is easy. For instance if you're painting your daughter's room and she insist on pink and you insist on her being able to sleep you are well on your way to finding your perfect paint color because you know the color family (pink) and have defined the mood (restful, tranquil, dreamy) you want to create. Jump on the fast track and go right to Step 3!
If however you aren't sure what color you want then start by thinking about the mood or feeling you want to create in the room. Is it a family room that you want to feel warm and welcoming? Is it a kitchen that wakes you up in the morning and energizes you for preparing a meal at the end of long day?
For every room you decorate you are setting the stage for the activities and interactions that make up your life. So if you don't already have a vision of the finished room close your eyes and see yourself or your family in the room, imagine how you want it to feel and and capture that feeling in your mind.
Once you have discovered the feeling of the room you can begin figuring out how to create that ambiance with the furnishings you already have or the ones you plan to acquire.
If you are going to be adding new furnishing and accessories in addition to a new paint color I suggest that you start a notebook for your reference materials, which may include catalogs, magazine photos, paint and fabric swatches. Putting these things all in one place is a great way to help you to define colors, styles and decorating element that appeal to you.
Step 1 Reference: A Glimpse Into Our Emotional Responses to Color
I created a page to give you a quick look at general responses to colors based on research, historical significance of color and word association studies.
Of course people from different cultures may react to colors differently and your own personal associations with color can change how you might respond to certain colors but this will get you thinking about how most of us respond.
A Glimpse into the Meaning, Symbolism & Psychology of Color
Step 1 Reference: Additional Information About Color and Mood
- AUDIO: Kate talks Color Courage with Christopher Lowell
- The program was called "Color Courage" and we chatted about emotional responses to color, favorite colors and then talked to two of his callers.
- ARTICLE: Does Selecting Paint Color Scare Hue?
- Selecting a paint color should be added to the list of "Things That Fear People The Most" following closely behind dying and public speaking. This is unfortunate, because paint is the least expensive and quickest way to conceal a multitude of challenges.
- ARTICLE: You Are What Hue Paint
- Color can define your mood, or your mood can pick a color. Find out which colors create just the right mood for you.
Step 1 Reference: Color For Your Every Mood
This book has been around for several years but the information is just as valid today as it was when it was first published.Leatrice Eiseman shows you how to discover your true decorating colors and this book is a helpful reference to use when choosing color schemes.
She provides ways to identify your responses to color, looks at color's use in creating a mood, and provides different settings that can help inspire color choices.
See "Colors for Your Every Mood" at Amazon.com
See books on all topics related to color on my website
More Ideas for Color Scheme Inspiration
I wrote a blog post recently on how to translate the colors in the photograph into paint colors that will work in an interior.
See "Autumn Inspired TJ Colors"
Step 2: Determine the Color Family
Once you have determined the look and feeling you want to create and understand a bit about how color can help you to create that mood you can start to think about which color families will work in your room.A color family is the most general term for describing colors. Most people think in terms of Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red, Pink, Purple, Brown, Gray, White or Black when it comes to broad definitions of color.
I usually recommend narrowing down your options to a color family or two. By narrowing your focus you will be able to put your energy into finding just the perfect hue in that color family.
In order to decide you need to take into consideration the elements in the room that aren't going to change. For instance the color will need to work well with the color of the flooring or carpet. It will need to complement any furnishings that are in the room or that you plan to purchase. It will also need to harmonize with the colors in adjoining rooms.
While there are many things to consider the good news is that all of them can help you to hone in on the perfect color by quickly ruling out some color families that you know won't work.
Also keep in mind that the color you paint your wall is a backdrop for the room and does not need to match anything exactly so don't worry about finding the exact yellow of the little square in your upholstery fabric and in fact it is often more appealing if it doesn't match exactly but rather harmonizes with the elements in the room.
Step 2 Reference: Color Visualizers
Once you have a color family or two in mind that you think you might like you may want to go online and see if you like the look in a room.Almost all paint companies have an online color visualize that can help you to image how a color will look within a room.
If you want to use an online tool to spark your imagination then a good place to begin visualizing your color is with the House Beautiful Paint Brush.
This tool allows you to see and select colors from three top paint brands--Valspar, Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore.
A visualizer is a wonderful tool for giving you an idea of how a color will look but that is all it is...an idea of the color.
You need to take that "idea" to the paint store and find a actual paint color that will produce that results you desire and I can almost bet it won't be the one you the exact color number you chose online.
TIP: Your computer may be able to do most things with great accuracy and consistency however displaying colors is not one of them.
Step 3: Selecting the Perfect Tint, Tone or Shade
I know that for many the only trip to the paint store is to decide on the color and purchase the paint all at one time but considering a rather high percentage of the paint sold is purchased to replace a color that someone didn't like the first time. Add to that all of the people that say they don't really love the color but didn't have the energy, time or money to redo it and I'd say the chances aren't very good your going to be happy with the outcome if this is your approach.
Okay that being said once you've got a color family or two in mind it's time for your first trip to the paint store.
The good news is that rather than feeling overwhelmed with hundreds of choices you have already narrowed your focus to one or maybe two areas.
Take along any reference fabrics or pictures that might help you but this is NOT the place to try to find the exact color. What you want to do is pick up a range of swatches in your color family that are close to what you have in mind to take home.
For example if you have decide on green pick up some swatches that in the paint store look slightly more blue than the color you have in mind and some that are slightly more yellow. Also some that are darker, lighter, brighter or more muted than what you have in mind. You might be amazed at home different the colors will look in your home so don't try to narrow your selection too much while your at the paint store. It is much better to do that at home.
Don't worry about taking too many color swatches. That's what they are there for and better to take a few extra colors than have to make an extra trip back to the store.
TIP: Don't match color in the store even if they have an area with special lighting. The lightening in your home is never the same and you must look at the color in the actual room if you want to get it right.
Step 4: From Paint Swatch to Paint Selection
The next step is to look at the swatches in your home and pick one or more colors that you think will work in your room.There are many dos and don'ts involved in this part of the process that I've put together a downloadable report that helps to guide you and simplify the process and more importantly shows you how in a few simple steps you can take the beautiful vision of color in your mind and have it be the one you see on your walls when the project is complete.
Click here to access the Step 4 guide
Just make sure to check your email box and click the link in the message confirming it was you that requested the information otherwise you won't receive the report.
Step 4 Reference: Option for Your Paint Sample Boards
I used to use boards or foam core that I primed for my sample board but once I found Tru-Hue Paint Test Boards , which are a sturdy, premium quality white board I have never used anything else.No need go to the trouble of keeping foam core or poster boards from curling up while drying and no need to wait for the prime coat to dry and believe me I'm not any more patient than you are when it comes to seeing what the color is going to look like.
Once painted, simply place your Tru-Hue Paint Test Boards around the room or on the wall to see how a color will look in your room while keeping your walls clean and ready to paint.
Step 4 Reference: Think About Your Lighting
Most rooms have incandescent lights. These bulbs wash your room with warm yellow tones, which will enhance red, orange and yellow based colors and dull blue and green based colors.
A standard fluorescent bulb on the other hand brings out cool tones and has a bluish cast that can be unflattering. Fluorescent light enhances blue and green based colors while dulling red, orange and yellow based colors.
There are also warm fluorescent bulbs, which like incandescent add warm casts do not have the same power to intensify colors as incandescent lights.
A popular choice recently has been halogen lighting, which is a bright, cool white and while it tends to distort color the least but it can tend to add a slight coolness to the hue.
Kate on Martha Stewart Colors
Martha Stewart remains a decorating favorite because she instructs us on how to make everything in our home more beautiful.She has taken the same approach with her paint line. Unlike most paint sample cards that include a single color or several shades or tints of the same color, Martha's color swatches include stripes of two coordinating paint colors that would work well with the main color. [more...]
Kate on Ralph Lauren Paint
The name Ralph Lauren has become synonymous with American style. He redefined American fashion and home decor and has always stayed true to his vision.Ralph was the first designer I ever had a love affair with and he has held a special place in my heart ever since. I was so taken with him that [more...]
Kate on Restoration Hardware Paint
I remember walking into the Restoration Hardware in Georgetown and seeing "my color" on the walls and I knew the secret was out.
The muted blue green that has been one of my favorite "neutrals" was now the signature color for this popular retailer and 'Silver Sage' was available for sale by the gallon for their customers to take home along with several other paint colors. It seems they had discovered the same thing that I had. [more...]
Kate on Citron Paints
Doesn't it make sense that paints blended from eight to fifteen different color pigments would interact more with light than the standard two- or three-pigment paints?CJ Volk thought so, so she created full-spectrum Citron Paints.
In addition to using more pigments, CJ also omits light absorbing black, allowing her paints to reflect a broader range of light. I think you'll enjoy how her multi-faceted colors interact and play with light. [more...]
Kate on Ellen Kennon Full Spectrum Paint
What I like most about Ellen Kennon's beautiful palettes of paint is that her colors are blended from the seven colors of natural sunlight. Without light-absorbing black or gray, her paints reflect a broader range of light.By using several pigments, rather than the usual two or three, Ellen creates colors that seem to change in different light and space. [more...]
Kate on Christopher Lowell's Designer Paints
Besides the fact that just listening to Christopher makes me smile, I enjoy his down-to-earth style of giving decorating advice. This same approach is reflected in the way he put together the colors for his signature paint line.Christopher has developed what I call an "edited" palette. What this means is that rather than offer hundreds of paint colors he has selected 40+ colors that in his own words are, "Tried and true colors. Just neutral enough to act as a backdrop (to go with the things you love), but dramatic enough to really make a difference in any room." [more...]
Kate on Susan Sargent Paint from Fine Paints of Europe
Susan Sargent's color sense is simple and playful. She is a fan of rich, vibrant colors and is not afraid to pair a hot pink chair with zebra print or lime green walls with brown furniture.A textile degree earned in Sweden and 15 years spent in a studio gaining hands-on experience as an artist, dyer and weaver ... [more...]
Kate on Cath Kidson Paint from Craig & Rose

Visiting Cath Kidon's website is like going through my grandmother's attic and finding a treasure trove of beautiful floral fabrics and classic furniture items. What a treat.
Whimsical, classic and nostaligic are all adjectives that describe her unique, vintage inspired paints, fabrics and accessories for the home. [more...]
Kate on The Old-Fashioned Milk Paint Company
Just looking at the colors of The Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company takes me back to my grandparent's farm and sitting on the back porch with a glass of lemonade and a plate of homemade molasses cookies.For over 30 years, The Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company has been faithfully producing a genuine milk paint as close as possible to the original home-made paint made [more...]
Kate on California Paint
Whether restoring an historic home to its former glory or sprucing up a teen's room, I think you'll be inspired by the palettes full of colors from California Paints.California Paint gets a thumbs up from me when it comes to providing colors inspired by the historical homes of America.[more...]
More Signature Paint Lines
A color solution company that believes background color should create "harmony without monotony and contrast without conflict."
Kelly Hoppen
Kelly has created the perfect palette of subtle, neutral colours which are both an end in themselves or provide an ideal backdrop for bold statements of individual taste and design.
Donald Kaufman Color
Designed by artist Donald Kaufman and Taffy Dahl have developed a unique way to mix colors to produce full spectrum colors.
Coordinated Paint Lines
Crayola Paint Crayola paints will allow parents to really put fun back
into their decorating and add a real splash of colour to their
children's bedrooms with a selection of amazing effects.
Disney Paints Mixing the magic of Disney with the quality of Behr.
More Popular Interior Paint Brands
- Behr
- Color Charts Available Online using their Color Smart tool; Save Selections Online in My Workbook; 8 oz. Color Samples Available; Sheen Chart Helps You Choose the Right Paint Sheen; Paint Calculator; How-To Advice
- Benjamin Moore Paints
- Personal Color Viewer, 2 oz. Color Samples, Color Makeover, Color Magazine, Color Trends
- Dunn-Edwards Paints
- Perfect Palette Tool Allows You to Select and Compare Colors Online, Order Color Chips by Mail, Online Survey Leads to Painting Tips, Techniques and Recommended Products for Common Painting Projects, Downloadable How-To Brochures
- Dutch Boy Paints
- Ready to Roll paint containers, Project planner includes retailer selection, product determination, option selection, color selection, color matching, gallon calculator, and tip section
- Glidden
- Color palette, Color consultant online, Color calculator, Color visulizer, Color quiz, Sheen guide, how-to tips, Team colors(with Home Depot) for MLB, NFL, Colleges, Soccer, Olympics and NASCAR.
- Pratt & Lambert Paint
- Williamsburg palette
- Sherwin-Williams Paint
- Color selection tools, Color samples, Martha Stewart Signature line, Color trends, How-to tips
- Valspar American Tradition Paint
- Color samples, Laura Ashley line, Painting hints, paint calculator
- Van Sickle Paint
- Van Sickle Paint is an industry leader in the manufacture and sale of superior quality coatings to rural America.
- Duron Paints
- George Washington's palette- The Estate of Colours, Colors of Historic Charleston, Carolina Lowcountry Collection
- Fine Paints of Europe
- Fine Paints of Europe paints offer savvy homeowners unmatched beauty, durability, and value.
- True Value Paints
- Quality paint, samples and how-to tips.
- Fuller O'Brein Paint
- For many years, Fuller O'Brien® paints has been a preferred brand in the western U.S. and has the intimate knowledge of the product needs of the western U.S.
- PARA Paints
- PARA Paints offers quality Architectural paints, stains, varnishes and faux finishing products for almost any painting project.
- Pittsburgh Paint
- The Voice of Color
Environmentally Safe Paint Lines
Premium, environmentally responsible paint products with a user-friendly color palette.
Bioshield Natural Paints
BioShield Paint offers non toxic, low voc (no voc) environmentally safe paints, stains, finishes and household cleaners.
Auro Paints
Harmony from Sherwin-Williams
Horizon by Rodda Paint Company Low VOC coatings that was first introducted in 1995.
Sydney Harbour Paint Company The finest
architectural paints, using the highest quality ingredients gathered
from around the world, blended by hand, we achieve uncomprised beauty.
Aura from Benjamin Moore
Historic Colors from Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams offers historically accurate paint color palettes for wall, trim and accent colors.Their are six color palettes for home interiors and four for exteriors. Shown here are two color schemes from the Arts and Crafts collection of colors.
You can get a quick look at the palettes as well as find links to download all of the color here...
Historic Paint Lines
Craig & Rose is a specialist paint manufacturer. We have been making high-quality paints and decorative finishes and the paint range includes decorative emulsion, eggshell and a wide range of special effects as well as novel and exciting finishes such as glitter, magnetwall, heat sensor and glow-in-the-dark.
The Old-Fashioned Milk Paint Company
A faithfully produced genuine Milk Paint as close as possible to the old primitive, home-made paint made on the back porch with skim milk or buttermilk, crushed limestone and pigments found around clay pits, or chimney soot and mineral colors crushed and powdered.
Farrow & Ball
The last remaining traditional paint manufacturer in Britain still manufactures paint to original formulations.
Heritage Village Colors
Replicating the qualities of paints used throughout Colonial America, Heritage Village Colors are perfect tools for the country-color enthusiast as well as for use in reproduction of 18th and 19th century decorating.
Paints Kids Love
- Disney Paint Colors
- The wonderful world of color for your kids room.
- Crayola Colors
- The perfect way to put crayon colors on the wall.
Find Your Inspiration
Images and ideas to inspire your decorating scheme
- The Interior Paint Colors of Wisteria Lane
- Interior colors of the hit TV show Desperate Housewives
- Ralph Lauren Home Lifestyle Pages
- The definitive guide to creating the world of Ralph Lauren in your home.
- Hundreds of images and articles from Behr
- The Behr inspiration page where you can get home interior decoration ideas and learn more about color scheme
- Design ideas from Sherwin-Williams
- Explore local color, rose-colored glasses, hide & chic, what's the big teal, dream weaver, bold luxury and olive grove
- Dutch Boy Inspiration Center
- Inspiration by the room- kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, bedrooms and living rooms
- HGTV articles and videos on colors for you kitchen
- Get clues on hues that can make your kitchen go from drab to creative and colorful
Planning Tools
- Digital Color Wheel
- Use the Digital Color Wheel to help you look at a range of color schemes.
- Paint Calculator
- Use the Paint Calculator to help you determine how much paint you need.
- Paint Quality Institute Color Solutions
- Connecting Rooms With Color, Tips for Choosing Color, Adding Color to the Ceiling, Color Can Manipulate a Space Without Changing the 'Fixed Assets', Enlivening White & Beige
What Else Would You Like To Know?
I've tried to give you the basics in a nutshell but maybe I've overlooked something that you need to know in order to be successful in finding your perfect color.
Let me know and I'll do my best to add it to the lens.
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Reply
- renee7 renee7 Dec 16, 2009 @ 8:24 pm
- Great article. Thanks for including the line of environmentally safe paint. I have been trying to add sustainability consciousness to my makeover efforts.
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Reply
- lasertek lasertek Dec 7, 2009 @ 7:09 pm
- Pretty helpful! I will visit this lens again when I decide to repaint my house.
Hope you could check out my lenses as well. Thanks
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Reply
- thillukka thillukka Dec 5, 2009 @ 11:00 pm
- I love color, too! Fun information.
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Reply
- Manbiki Manbiki Oct 15, 2009 @ 2:25 am
- This is wonderful! Beat Info
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- StyleEstate StyleEstate Sep 16, 2009 @ 9:56 pm
- Hi, Kate. I am blogrolling a couple of your fantastic lenses into my latest lens, Color Therapy and The Seven Chakras This was a great lens. Thanks:)
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