How to Choose Interior Paint Colors for Your New House

Having a hard time choosing paint colors? Discover essential tips for selecting the perfect interior paint colors for your home. Enhance your space’s ambiance and style with our comprehensive guide.

 

How do I choose interior paint colors for my whole house?

With so many colors to choose from, deciding on one can be difficult! To begin your color-hunting journey, start by deciding on an overall theme you want to achieve in the space. Consider your personal preferences, the mood of each space, and how you want all of your rooms to flow. Typically, neutral tones are placed in the common areas of the house as they create versatile backgrounds. Many expand their use of color in separate rooms; they select a cohesive color palette that includes a mix of neutrals, complementary hues, and accents to add interest. Take advantage of ordering paint samples and painting small sections in the rooms you want to paint and observe how they look in different lighting. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different shades and hues; you may surprise yourself! Trust your instincts and choose colors that resonate with you; the perfect interior color is one that you feel suits you best. 

 

What to consider when choosing paint colors?

Several factors merit careful consideration when choosing paint colors to ensure an appealing outcome. Start by evaluating the light in the room as light can affect how colors appear. Rooms with a lot of sunlight accommodate bolder hues, while limited light benefits lighter colors, creating a brighter atmosphere. You’ll want to consider your desired function for each room. For example, you’ll want a more muted, relaxed bedroom or study space tone. If you’re repainting an already furnished space, you’ll want to ensure the chosen colors don’t clash with the furniture. This is where paint samples become useful, allowing you to compare the colors in different lighting and alongside furniture. Striking the right balance between personal style, functionality, and aesthetic cohesion is key to selecting paint colors that transform your space into a harmonious and inviting environment.

 

What color is best for interior walls?

Determining the best color for interior walls involves a thoughtful consideration of various factors to achieve the desired atmosphere and aesthetic. Neutral tones such as whites, grays, and beiges are perennial favorites due to their versatility, offering a timeless and adaptable backdrop that complements various styles and seamlessly coordinates with furnishings. White, especially, is favored for its ability to create a clean and spacious feel, making it a popular choice for smaller rooms or spaces with limited natural light. Earthy tones, like soft greens and warm browns, introduce a natural element indoors, establishing a serene and calming environment. Alternatively, for those seeking a more vibrant statement, rich jewel tones or muted pastels can infuse personality and depth into a room. Consider the purpose of each space, opting for soothing colors in bedrooms, energizing hues in workspaces, and inviting tones in communal areas. Ultimately, the best color for your interior walls aligns with your style, complements your furnishings, and contributes to the overall ambiance you aspire to create in your home.

 

Should I paint my whole interior the same color?

Deciding to paint your entire interior the same color is like giving your home a personalized touch, aligning with what makes you feel right at home. Going for a consistent color scheme has a way of weaving a sense of togetherness and flow throughout your space, turning it into this harmonious and interconnected haven. It’s a trick that works wonders, especially in cozier spaces or those breezy open layouts, where it’s all about minimizing interruptions and letting that feeling of continuity shine. But, hey, there’s a fun twist to it – don’t forget to spice things up with a mix of shades and tones within your chosen color. On the flip side, if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, painting each room with a different color is like giving each space its own personality. It’s your chance to be the artist, tailoring every nook to its unique vibe. Whether you’re team consistent palette or all about that diverse range, throw in a dash of your personal taste, consider the sunshine streaming in, think about the room sizes, and voila! Your interior becomes this charming reflection of you, looking good and feeling like the coziest version of home sweet home.

 

 

What is the 60 30 10 rule?

When discussing the realm of interior paints or color theory, you may come across the “60 30 10 rule.” This rule serves as a guiding principle to achieve a balanced color scheme. They suggest you separate whatever area you’re working with into three separate proportions: 60% as the dominant color, 30% as the secondary color, and 10% as an accent color. The dominant color sets the overall tone typically represented through wall paint or large furniture pieces. The secondary color should complement the dominant one. The secondary color is usually represented through objects like upholstery or drapery. The last 10% should act as your accent color; the accent color injects vitality and contrast. Accent colors are visually more attractive in smaller details throughout the space, like throw pillows or decor items. The 60-30-10 rule allows you to achieve a visually appealing design while helping you avoid the chaos of picking palette colors. 

 

Do neutrals count in the 60-30-10 rule?

Neutral colors play a crucial role in the 60-30-10 rule. While the rule just explains the percentage of each color and how to use them, it’s important to understand that neutral colors such as whites, grays, and beiges can be used in any of these categories. Neutral colors often dominate 60% of this rule, acting as a foundation color. Additionally, neutral colors expand your possibilities of options for your secondary and accent colors. However, you can also use neutral colors to act as your secondary or accent colors, as the versatility of neutrals makes them a valuable component in creating a harmonious environment.

 

Paint Color Tools

If you’re stuck at a standstill point with choosing a paint color, a paint color tool may be most helpful for you. Check out some color tools we’ve added below that offer the ability to see a desired paint color in your space. These tools allow you to choose what space you’d like the color for, upload a personal image to personalize, and/or have the ability to “paint your space virtually.” With these resources, you can also view current & previous colors of the year, paint color ideas for a specific space, or simply get inspiration. 

 

Sherwin Williams – Color Snap Visualizer for Web

Sherwin Williams – Paint a Photo

BEHR – Color Discovery

BEHR – Color Smart