Choosing Paint Color for your Home
You’ve finally decided to update your house with a fresh paint job. You’ve called Mike’s Quality Painting for the best service and value. You’re almost done—you just have to select your paint color scheme.
Interior Colors
What’s the difference between “Pumpkin Spice” and “Bittersweet”? Which one goes better with “Whispering Sage?” Will it match the couch? So many choices can make picking out an interior paint color scheme overwhelming. At Mike’s Quality Painting, our color consultants are here to help.
Here are some helpful hints:
- If you’re only changing the wall color, pick out colors from the largest pattern in the room—an area rug, wall hanging, upholstery.
- Keep darker colors close to the floor and lighten as you move up.
- Look at your closet—your favorite colors are probably evident in your wardrobe. Why not try them on your walls?
- Colors next to each other on the color wheel tend to create a relaxing atmosphere, ideal for bedrooms.
- For a balanced color scheme, use the 60-30-10 rule
- 60% primary color (usually for walls)
- 30% secondary color (upholstery, for instance)
- 10% accent color (wall hangings and other decorations)
When choosing paint color, the finish is also important to consider. Higher gloss paint reflects more light, making the space seem brighter and bigger. Semi and high gloss paints are also easy to clean up with soap and water—good for homes with young kids and pets.
Exterior Colors
The same 60-30-10 rule applies to the exterior paint color scheme. Many paint brands have suggested color trios for exterior paints. However, the color choices available may be limited by the kind of paint or coating your house needs. For instance, the stucco surfaces common in Albuquerque are best protected by elastomeric coatings. Some traditional tints may compromise the coating’s elastic properties, limiting the color possibilities.
