Picking The Perfect Paint Colour - For You

I am not here to tell anyone what colour paint to pick, or speak about what Benjamin Moore colour is being highlighted – mainly because Benjamin Moore does not sponsor me, so why? As well, how boring, and why every house in the 90 was builders beige. That is why I am going to give some pointers on how to pick the perfect paint – FOR YOU-

What Is the Base Tone?

Most (I don’t like to speak in absolutes) Pigmented tones have a base colour. It may not look like it, but its hiding there.  So how do you flush it out?

For instance with whites, use an untinted white sample, and if you can’t find that, the next best thing would be Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace – its still tinted – but it is the closest to a pure white that I’ve seen. Hold it next to the paint colour and lo and behold that perfect white taupe grey is actually pulling to a dusty rose white.  The same goes for colours, but use the purest form of the colour as your tester.

So find the base tone you want, and roll with it, but please take heed, I'm not just saying this. I know someone who found the “perfect” grey and I warned them of undertones and they didn’t listen, and they are currently enjoying their lavender walls ( no they aren’t they hate it)

What Sheen Are You Painting?

Matte paint colours – are going to absorb light and will come out a bit lighter once you paint it on a wall

Glossy colours - reflect light so your paint will come across a bit darker

This will matter

What Colours Are Staying Put Or Have They Already Been Decided?

Sometimes your perfect colour will be dictated to you by… -wait for it-  ….what you didn’t choose. Flooring that isn’t changing, fireplace stone, cabinets, etc - If this is your situation my opinion on this is work with it, don’t fight it. If you aren’t taking out your cherry floors, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DON’T PAINT WALLS DISTANT GREY. I find a lot of people really want something they see in a magazine or at someone else's house, but this does not mean it is your ‘PERFECT PAINT COLOUR’  your perfect paint colour ties together your house, it marries the floor tones and the countertops, tiles, and millwork. It should tie in your tones and everything should pop because of it.

If you are doing a full renovation or a new build, you really should be picking your paint last -  It’s usually the easiest thing to pick and control, so I find that’s it’s the thing people hone in on, but again I think you should wait

When In Doubt Paint it Out

Most paint stores offer a sample size so grab your paint brush or your paint and put a swatch on the wall and see if it’s worth the commitment!

If you find this all very overwhelming and need a colour consult contact Est Elle Interior Design, we are here to help you create a unique fresh space that you will love.  View all our interior design services. Serving Chilliwack, Abbotsford and the lower mainland.