Choosing a new paint color for your home can be an exciting project. But it can also lead to endless procrastination if you’re unsure where to start. Don’t let indecision keep you from making updates. With some simple strategies, you can finally commit to a color scheme. Here’s how to quit procrastinating and pick the perfect paint.
Evaluate Your Priorities First
Before staring at paint chips for hours, think about the goals for your space. Are you looking to create a soothing retreat, energize with bright hues, or showcase your style? Identify the mood you want to achieve. Also consider the room’s purpose. Sleep spaces may benefit from neutral tones while a home office can handle bolder colors. Understanding your aims will give direction to your color selection.
Gather Inspiration
Look to your existing architecture, furnishings, and decor for inspiration. Cool undertones in floors or countertops lend themselves to blue and green paints. Warm wood furniture pairs nicely with reds or yellows. Gather images from magazines or Pinterest showing rooms with potential colors. Arrange paint chips next to furnishings to visualize combinations. Aim for colors that enhance your existing features.
Understand Color Undertones
When browsing paint selections, pay attention to the undertones. Warm undertones have hints of yellow/red while cool undertones lean towards blue/green. Neutral colors work everywhere. Warm paints can make a room cozy and inviting. Cool shades feel calming and refreshing. Select undertones to match your goals. In sun-filled rooms, cool paint prevents a space from feeling too warm. North facing rooms usually benefit from warm hues.
Limit Your Options
The endless options in paint aisles often lead to indecision. Limit choices by deciding on a color family that fits your goals. Blues for a coastal feel, greens for natural serenity, grays for sophisticated neutrality. Pull chips only in appealing families. If drawn to opposite ends of the color spectrum, pursue a versatile neutral shade. Still unsure? Start lighter – you can always go bolder. Limiting options helps prevent choice paralysis.
Visualize Using Paint Samples
Once you’ve narrowed down appealing hues, get sample sized containers. Paint swatches on a wall will give the most accurate impression of how a color looks. Moving samples to different walls allows you to see effects of light. Observe samples throughout the day as lighting changes. Live with samples for a few days before fully committing. Imagining a new color is difficult, so paint testing is key.
Seek Input From Others
It’s hard to be objective when staring at potential colors all day. Seek opinions from others to help give perspective. Share photos of paint samples on walls for feedback. Have a friend or family member come observe the samples in person. Extra input helps spot potential issues and provides reassurance. Avoid taking votes though – make the final call based on your own vision.
Just Pick One!
At some point, you just need to take the leap with a color selection. Limit samples, research options thoroughly, and get others’ takes. But no amount of debate will eliminate all uncertainty. Look for consensus among your evaluations, then trust your judgement. Keep in mind that paint can be re-done if something really doesn’t work. Don’t let perfectionism lead to missed opportunities for change.
FAQ About Conquering Paint Indecision
Still have concerns about settling on paint colors? Here are answers to common questions on ending procrastination and choosing the perfect paint.
**Q: What if I’m unable to narrow down sample options? **
A: If you’re still stuck between multiple potential colors, impose some limiting factors. Restrict yourself to three favorite samples. Focus on colors available in your preferred paint finish. Or pre-select brands based on quality and budget. Setting firm criteria can help eliminate options until your ideal choice remains.
Q: What’s the best way to visualize paint colors accurately?
A: While paint chips give an impression of color, viewing hues on an actual wall is most realistic. Sample or tester pots allow you to paint sections to see colors in your environment. For a budget option, paint sheets of paper in potential shades and move them around. Always evaluate paint samples at different times and lighting.
Q: How many paint samples should I test on walls?
A: Limit sample walls to around three options. Testing too many colors will increase indecision. Narrow down selections first, then apply top choices to wall sections for on-site visualization and comparison. Move the samples around to walls with different lighting for the full effect. Avoid painting entire walls initially – sample sections will suffice.
Q: What if I’m indecisive between compatible colors like blues and greens?
A: For compatible color families, consider selecting a neutral transitional shade like gray for larger spaces. Then use bolder colors from appealing families as accents on focal walls or in smaller rooms. A combination allows you to incorporate multiple appealing shades in different applications.
Q: What if my preferred paint color looks different than expected?
A: Don’t panic if a long-awaited paint color doesn’t look as anticipated. Some initially disappointing results can be tweaked with simple adjustments. Try pulling in furnishings or decor in the shade to enhance it. Adjust lighting temperature if the wall appears too cool or warm. The right accessories and lighting can make a paint color work after all.
Q: How long should I live with paint samples before deciding?
A: Give yourself at least three to five days of living with sample paint colors before making final decisions. Observe the samples in morning light, evening light, artificial light, and on sunny and cloudy days. Get used to seeing the shade around you. Make notes on your impressions – a little time and context helps gain clarity.
Key Takeaways on Ending Paint Indecision
Choosing paint colors can be enjoyable if you employ the right decision-making strategies. Here are some key tips on finally settling on the perfect paint:
- Determine room goals and desired mood upfront to guide colors
- Gather inspiration from existing elements like furnishings and decor
- Evaluate paint undertones and families to find suitable shades
- Limit samples to top contenders to prevent choice overload
- Paint samples on walls and observe in different lighting over time
- Ask for objective input and feedback from friends or family
- Trust your judgement, make a final decision and move forward
With an organized and thorough selection process, you can overcome paint procrastination. Implement a schedule for your project, set a decision deadline, and commit to new colors that align with your vision for the space. Taking action will inspire you as you finally witness your home’s transformation.
Conclusion
The number of paint choices available may seem unlimited. But don’t let the options deter you from making timely decisions and completing your home painting projects. With some simple evaluations about your goals, research on appealing colors, and hands-on sampling, you can push past procrastination. Limit choices, seek input, and trust yourself to make the final call. Establish a timeline and commit to moving forward sensibly. Soon you’ll be thrilled to see your perfect paint scheme finally grace the walls and breathe new life into your home. Just take that first step by selecting up your paint brush and getting started.
