How the clueless pick paint colors

We have been in our house for about 2.5 years and we are FINALLY getting around to painting and doing some decorating!  It has been a long time coming, obviously.  Originally, I had thoughts of doing a lot of the work ourselves, such as painting the walls and interior trim, but that idea was short lived (thank God.)  I really have no idea what I was thinking, as neither Scott nor I have ever done any sort of home improvement projects.

I got a quote to get some painting done awhile back and we selected painters.  The next step was for us to pick the colors.  I started by browsing pictures online, but after awhile I realized there was no way I was ever going to come to a decision without hours of anguish.  I have talents, but interior decorating is not one of them.  I think I have good taste and when I see a room put together, I can decide whether I like the look.  But when it comes to putting different elements together, I really lack the creativity.

I went ahead and made an appointment with a color consultant.  Yes, there really are people who exclusively pick colors as an occupation.  She came over today and even though I felt like the most indecisive person in the world, in a matter of 2 hours, we had all of the colors picked out and she even discussed how I can now approach picking furniture and other accents.  It is amazing how fast I was able to pick colors with her help.  Outside of hiring movers, I think deciding to meet with her was probably some of the best money ever spent.

So, here are the colors.  We are having almost all the walls in the downstairs painted, as we have a very open floor plan and the entryway, living room and kitchen basically all flow together.  We will also be painting the downstairs ceilings.  Other rooms (walls and ceilings) include the upstairs bonus/family room, the master bedroom and the downstairs office.  Oh, and we are also getting rid of all our ugly wood-colored trim and getting it painted WHITE.  I can’t wait to get rid of that trim.

The colors are all Benjamin Moore.  The walls will be eggshell finish, the ceilings flat, and the trim, satin.

• Downstairs walls: Subtle
• Downstairs inside our tv niche: Stardust
• Office: Spring Mint
• Master Bedroom: Brewster Gray
• Bonus/family room: New London Burgundy
• Ceilings: Acadia White
• Trim: Chantilly Lace

I also learned that all of the colors in  your house should flow, even though there are different colors in different rooms.  I now only feel about 75% clueless when it comes to home decor, versus the 99% I felt before. Before and after pics to come.

Tags: benjamin moore paint, how to pick paint colors, picking paint colors

• August 25, 2012
• home
• 8 Comments