Tips for Selecting Paint Colors

If you’ve put off painting because you couldn’t decide on a color, the wait is over! Get tips for selecting paint colors and create a fresh space that suits your style perfectly in this Pottery Barn video:

Start by thinking about how you plan to use the room and the mood you want to create. What words come to mind? Sophisticated, elegant, dramatic, cool and relaxing, warm and cozy, or sleek and modern? Do you want to create an active family room or a drop-dead gorgeous powder room?

With a better idea of how the space will be used and the mood you want, you’re ready for the next step. Browse magazines, websites and catalogs for color ideas. Get more inspiration from your wardrobe. Do any colors stand out? Is there an outfit that make you feel great? These little cues can lead to smart color choices.

Create the following moods with these color selections:

• Energetic: Red, orange, yellow or any bright saturated color is ideal for a family room, game room, kitchen, or any room used for entertaining and interaction.
• Spa: An aqua, blue or green shade is a good choice for a bathroom or bedroom.
• Neutral: Warm gray, taupe or beige convey a natural comfortable feeling virtually anywhere.
• Sophisticated: A less saturated color, light or dark, with an undertone of gray gives a refined appearance to a living room, dining room or bedroom.
• Minimalist: Whites give a sense of spaciousness. They complement any style and work with a rainbow of accents so you can personalize decor or change the look with a few accessories.
• Daring: Bold colors such as black, navy, red, espresso, or charcoal are showstoppers that have stunning effects in a dining room, powder room or media room.

Once you’ve decided on a basic shade, you can spice it up with a contrasting accent wall or by adding bright accessories for a fast fun change of pace.