The Ultimate Guide to Interior Paint

Color: Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s:
The time has come to ditch yellow-toned beiges in favor of gray-based neutrals and pastels. Gray-based paints look softer on the wall, says Schlotter, and they’ll also complement any furniture and design style. In fact, gray-toned beiges and other neutrals will instantly modernize your home.

Don’ts:
Stay away from mauves, evergreens and burgundies when choosing interior paint colors. These colors are solid choices for home exteriors, but they’ll send your interior designs straight back to the 1990s.

Expert Tips

1. Choose paint last. When you choose paint first, you limit your options for everything else. Choose everything from throw pillows to window treatments before you choose your paint color. Then, match the paint to complement the room.

2. Use one swatch at a time. Most of us have been taught that painting multiple swatches on the wall is the best way to compare and choose paint color. Not so, says Schlotter. Using one swatch at a time will give you a better feel for how every color will work in the space.

3. Be mindful of lighting. Paint will look different on your walls than it will in the store. And it will also change with the light throughout the day. Always test two-coat swatches on the walls of the room you intend to paint. This way, you’ll see exactly how different colors perform in different lighting.

4. Consider the ceiling the fifth wall. Stark white ceilings can be disruptive, especially against darker walls. To create a more integrated look, Schlotter suggests taking lighter colors all the way up through the ceiling and trim. For ceilings against darker walls, she says, going a few shades lighter on the color card can yield outstanding results.

5. Use high-quality paint and application products. Always use high-quality paints and application products. You can choose the most beautiful color there is, says Schlotter, but it simply won’t look good if you don’t invest a little extra in high-quality materials.

Find Your Finish

Choosing the right finish is just as important as choosing the right color, says Schlotter. Here’s what she recommends for a whole-house approach:

Bathroom
Satin or semi-gloss resists humidity

Bedroom
Flat or eggshell diffuses light

Cabinets
High gloss withstands frequent washings

Front Doors
High gloss increases curb appeal

Kitchen
Satin or semi-gloss easily scrubbed clean

Living Room
Flat or eggshell elegant, low-sheen finish

Trim
Semi-gloss is durable in high-traffic areas

How Much Will It Cost?

According to HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide, most homeowners pay between $938 -$2,442 to paint their home’s interior.

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On Trend: Color of the Year

PPG Paints’ Color of the Year is Violet Verbena. PPG says: “This nuanced update on a classic shade adds depth, luxury and pampering to every space, making it the perfect backdrop for consumers looking to blend the masculine, the feminine, the mystic and the modern.”