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By an Interior Designer 🙋♀️.
Choosing paint colours is something almost all of us can relate to. So it’s no surprise that it’s paint colours I get asked about the most.
So here they are
Your top paint related questions answered.
1. Do I have to use “designer paint”?
Absolutely no way! Sure, there are some big advantages to using designer paint brands, but budget and trade brands offer a great range of products and colours, so work with whatever is best for you and your budget.
If you’re curious about what those advantages are you can read this blog post about it here.
2. Do I have to always use a tester pot?
IMO yes! Always. Every time. There is no way you can tell how a colour will appear in your own space unless you try it and see it with your own eyes. So many factors will influence how a colour behaves in a certain room. It will depend on the orientation, size of your windows, what’s directly outside of your windows, the climate, plus all the items in the space like your existing flooring and furniture. So test your shortlist of colours in the space you will be using it to get a feel for how it will look.
If you want to know how to get the best out of your testers you can check out this blog here.
3. Will a colour I’ve seen on Pinterest look the same in real life?
No. It won’t. And that’s the long and short of it. We all know the internet isn’t real. Most photos are edited, and even if they aren’t paint colours can look wildly different in different rooms, even within the same house. So if you’ve fallen for a colour online, check it IRL before you commit to it.
4. Does a dark colour make a room look smaller?
Yes. It definitely does. Dark colours make a wall appear closer to you than it actually is, and this is why your room will feel smaller because all the walls will feel closer. But don’t panic, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Small can be cosy and small can be dramatic. Here are three perfectly good scenarios for using dark colours. 1. A space is large and you want it to feel cosier. 2. A space is tiny so the only way to make a visual impact is with a fabulous dark colour. 3. The room is naturally dark so you lean into the natural characteristics of the space and make it feel amazing.
5. Is it true that “you can’t go wrong with white”?
No. White is one of the hardest paint colours to get right. And so are pale neutrals such as grey, taupe and beige. It’s because of their sneaky undertones that can be hard to read and can look very different depending on the light and what finishes you pair it with. So if you think that they are the easy option think again!
6. Will the natural light affect how the colour looks?
Yes! The orientation of your room (the direction the windows face) will determine the quality of light that the space receives during the morning, afternoon and evening. Then the size of your windows in relation to the size of the room will affect the amount of natural light the room receives. These key factors will influence how colours are perceived. Some colours that look cool and drab in north-facing spaces can feel amazing in south-facing spaces. So it’s always best to work out what you are dealing with, in terms of the quality and levels of natural light, before shortlisting your paint colours.
You can download my free guides and paint colour lists here.
7. Should I ask my friends/family/cat for their opinion?
Generally, no. But it does depend. If they have a beautiful home that you admire then sure. If they are an interior designer then yes! But if you are just asking them because they happen to be there then no. I find it’s best to just listen to yourself and the guidance of professionals when selecting paint colours for your own home.
8. Should I trust my instincts?
Yes! One hundred percent. Colour is deeply personal and only you can truly decide if you love a colour enough to put it on your walls.
What next?
Are you in the process of choosing paint colours? I can help you! I offer colour consultancy as part of my Design Surgery sessions which are just £140. You can find out more here…
And don’t forget to grab your copy of our best-selling Room-By-Room Renovation planner. It’s the perfect tool to guide you through your home projects 😀.
Let me know what other paint-related questions you have in the comments below.
Happy decorating 🤗,
Sarah x
