Choosing paint colors for your home can be a intimidating experience. This is how I begin when I’m designing a space. Believe it or not, the wall color is the LAST finish that I select. Hopefully these tips will make it a little easier for you to select your color palette.

Start with Fabric

When I start on the design of a space, I always look at fabrics first. I usually pick the largest piece of upholstery fabric which is frequently a textural solid, then I look for drapery and accent fabrics that contain the colors and style that my client loves. Once these fabrics are selected, I often choose a background color from one of the fabrics or a lighter version of a bolder color in the fabric. Fabrics set the style and mood for an entire room and is the foundation for the color palette.

Get inspiration from art or an area rug

If a client has art or a special area rug that they really love, I draw colors from it the same way that I would with fabric. Then of course, I select fabrics that complement that art or rug.

Photo from Bassett Furniture

Love Wallpaper? 

Wallpaper can be used as a starting point for a room’s color palette and it’s a wonderful way to bring color into a room. You can paint the ceiling and trim to complement the pattern you choose and it will tie it all together.Fabricut

Don’t Forget the Floor When Choosing a Color Palette

I always consider the flooring in my color palette. It’s a huge surface and it has to be taken into account. If we are selecting new flooring, I don’t choose my wall color until the flooring is selected. All colors have undertones and you have to be sure to get those undertones right. For instance, If you use a pink beige paint next to an oak floor with orange or yellow undertones the paint will end up looking dirty.

Select the wall color last. 

I always choose my paint color last. There are millions of paint colors to choose from or you can have one custom mixed.  You know you will find the right color to complement all of the other choices you have made. 

Design Plan

One of the most popular services that Patterson Decorating offers to our clients is a Design Plan. We design your space, select everything for you and provide you with a notebook that contains your fabric, wood flooring, carpet, tile, paint, wallpaper, and trim samples. You’ll need to refer to it when you go shopping so take it with you, there’s no telling when you might see something wonderful.