The Power of Paint: How to Choose the Perfect Colors for Your Home
Picking the perfect paint color can feel like a big decision—after all, it sets the entire mood of a space. With so many shades and finishes to choose from, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed, but don’t worry! With a little color know-how, you’ll be able to choose a paint color you love and feel confident about.
Let’s break it down into simple steps so you can refresh your home with ease.
Color Psychology: Setting the Right Mood
Color isn’t just about style—it actually has a huge impact on how a room feels. Whether you want your space to be cozy, energizing, or calming, choosing the right shade makes all the difference.
Blues & Greens → Calming, serene, and perfect for bedrooms or home offices.
Neutrals & Earth Tones → Warm, inviting, and versatile for any space.
Bold Colors (Reds, Yellows, Oranges) → Energizing, great for creative spaces or accent walls.
Deep Jewel Tones → Elegant and moody, ideal for dining rooms or libraries.
Pro Tip: If you love a bold color but don’t want to overwhelm your space, try using it through décor elements like throw pillows and artwork.
Understanding Undertones
Not all neutrals are created equal! A beige might look warm in one home and cool in another, all due to undertones.
Warm Undertones → Yellows, reds, and oranges create a cozy and inviting feel.
Cool Undertones → Blues, greens, and purples offer a crisp, refreshing look.
To avoid surprises, always test your paint in different lighting conditions. A gray with a slight purple undertone may appear neutral in natural light but take on a lavender hue under artificial lighting.
Pro Tip: Compare your potential paint color against a true white sample to reveal hidden undertones before committing.
Types of Paint Finishes & When to Use Them
The finish you choose affects the final look and durability of your paint. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Matte/Flat → Soft, smooth, and great for hiding imperfections, but not ideal for high-traffic areas.
Eggshell → Slight sheen with easy maintenance—perfect for living rooms and bedrooms.
Satin → More durable and wipeable, great for kitchens, bathrooms, and kid-friendly spaces.
Semi-Gloss → Reflective and easy to clean, ideal for trim, doors, and cabinetry.
High-Gloss → Ultra-reflective and durable but best for accents due to its dramatic effect.
Pro Tip: Eggshell or satin is typically the best choice for balancing durability with a stylish finish on walls, while flat is great for ceilings.
How to Test Paint Like a Pro
Before you commit to a color, test, test, test! What looks perfect in the store might look very different in your space. Here’s how to do it right:
Buy sample pots of your top 2-3 choices.
Paint large swatches on different walls to see how light affects the color throughout the day.
Check in natural & artificial lighting to ensure the shade looks good morning, noon, and night.
Compare against furniture & flooring to make sure it complements existing tones.
Pro Tip: Don’t want to paint swatches directly on your walls? Try peel-and-stick paint samples for a mess-free way to test colors!
Need Help Picking the Perfect Color?
Choosing paint can be overwhelming, but VM Interiors is here to help!
📞 Schedule a Discovery Call today!
📩 Subscribe to our newsletter, Design Unwind, for more home design inspiration.
📲 Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook for daily design tips!
