Choosing the Right Paint Colors and Finish

With an almost limitless array of options, selecting which colors to use can be a challenge.  This year, the color palettes of plum and mustard as well as red and orange are in vogue.  But as with every other trend, this may or may not look great with your project.  To make the selection less overwhelming, here are top 5 tips in picking the perfect home paint color:

1. Coordinate your choice of paint colors with the rest of the décor.  Consider the flooring, set of furniture, fixtures and other furnishings.  If you have no eye for coordination, then you can do this together with your contractor.
2. To get an idea on which colors complement well with others, seek inspiration from interior design magazines, photos, other interiors, paintings, natural sceneries, or just anything that displays magnificent combination of hues that looks fabulous.
3. Other than the traditional paint color swathes and chips, you can also try out home painting software to get a good idea of what the room might look like with its new color and everything in it.
   
4. The thing about color chips and swathes is that some samples have a slight difference with the actual result.  So when going through the choices, consult a contractor.
5. As colors tend to look different with varying lights casted on them, it would be best to take the sample into the specific room to be painted and see if the hue emanated is what you have in mind.

Other than the quality of work of your painting contractor, your choice of paint finish will also have a considerable effect on how your home painting project result will stand throughout time.  As each type holds characteristics that make them withstand the required maintenance of certain rooms, enumerated are home areas and the ideal paint finish to use on them.

High Traffic Areas

The hallway, living areas and other most frequented areas would greatly benefit from the practicality and long lasting appeal of eggshell or satin finish.  Both offer a low sheen that can withstand repeated washing and even light scrubbing.

Baths, Kitchens and Laundry Rooms

Semi-gloss paint finish is a popular choice for high moisture areas.  But if you personally prefer to have your contractor apply a more subtle finish, satin and eggshell will do.  These options are good choices for the ease in maintenance they offer.

Woodwork, Trim, and Cabinets

Glossy and semi-gloss paint finishes work great with banisters, trims, woodwork, cabinetry and the like.  Glossy surfaces work best in highlighting features and would tend to magnify any flaws on your wall.  The lustrous effect that both finishes have would superbly create an appealing contrast with the lower sheen finish of the walls.  When using semi to high gloss, meticulous surface preparation is vital.

Low Traffic Areas

For places in your home that receives less traffic like dining areas and master bedrooms, the bare simplicity of a matte finish can work well.  Also known as flat finish, matte does not reflect light.  This characteristic makes it great in hiding wall imperfections and would be what your contractor would likely refer if you want to achieve a rustic look.

Craftsmen Network,

New York, NY

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 12th, 2009 at 11:05 pm and is filed under Painting. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.