The Art of Picking Paint Colors & Faux Finishes

1. Think about how you are going to use the room: When picking a color, choose one that fits the personality and purpose of the room.

Red- raises a room's energy level.
Green- is restful for the eyes.
Yellow- has been found to make a room feel happy.
Purple- is considered to be luxurious.
Blue- lowers blood pressure and slows heart rate.
Neutrals- (black, grey, white, and brown)- are the foundation to every room.

2. Test your choice: For a few dollars, you can purchase a sample of most paint colors. Once your sample color is applied to a wall, it is best to live with the color for several days.

3. Faux finishing your home without over faux finishing: Faux finishes can be a great thing. It is important to remember to not have too many finishes on too many walls at the same time. It is best to use a few faux finishes sparingly in order for the room to not look too busy.

4. Keep your lighting in mind: A good rule of thumb is to have four sources of light in the average room in order to eliminate dark spots. Four sources of light may not be enough when painting. The darker the color paint that is chosen, the weaker the lights will seem. Remember to have a balanced light scheme for optimal impact within your space.

5. Think about flow throughout your home: The colors you choose for your home should be harmonious. When selecting a color for a room that connects with multiple other rooms, such as a hallway or great room, make sure to choose a color that compliments its counterpart.

6. Determine your color palette: When choosing a color palette for a room, it is best to stay between 3-7 colors. A good rule of thumb is to look at your colors as 1 primary, 1-2 secondary, and the remaining 1-4 as accents or punches of color.

7. Understand your Paint finishes
Flat Enamel - This is good for halls and powder rooms because it is easy to touch-up and there is low or no sheen.
Eggshell Finish - With the sheen of an egg, this paint will hold-up better to washings than its flat counterpart.
Satin Finish - Most often used for windows, doors, trim, this velvety paint can also be used for ceilings and walls, but it will show blemishes and imperfections in well lit areas.
Semi-Gloss - This is found on doors, trim, and cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms. This durable finish is able to be easily wiped for cleaning.
Glossy - Not used very often in homes, but the shiny finish adds a tremendous amount of pop to cabinets, trim, and furniture.

8. Take a chance, it's just paint!