Start With What You Already Love
The most common mistake homeowners make is choosing paint colors in a vacuum. Instead of scrolling through thousands of swatches, start by looking at what you already own and love -- a favorite piece of art, a cherished rug, or even a throw pillow that catches your eye every time you walk past it.
These existing pieces contain the color DNA of your personal style. Pull three to five colors from them, and you have the foundation of a palette that will feel authentically yours.
Understand Undertones
Every paint color has an undertone -- a subtle secondary hue that becomes apparent once the paint is on the wall. A white that looks pure on the swatch card may reveal pink, yellow, green, or blue undertones in different lighting conditions. This is why what looked perfect at the paint store can look completely wrong at home.
The key is to test colors in your actual space. Paint large swatches (at least two feet by two feet) on multiple walls and observe them at different times of day. Morning light, afternoon sun, and evening lamplight will each reveal different aspects of the color.
Create Flow Between Rooms
In an open floor plan, colors in adjacent rooms need to work together harmoniously. This does not mean every room should be the same color. Instead, choose colors from the same family or with complementary undertones. A warm greige in the living room can transition beautifully to a soft sage in the kitchen when both share warm undertones.
When in Doubt, Consult a Professional
At Fridenmaker Painting, every project includes a complimentary color consultation. We bring years of experience and trained eyes to help you navigate the thousands of available options and land on colors you will love for years to come.
