Choosing Paint Colors

by Bill and Aby Brooks, REALTORS® 05/06/2018

When you move into a new home, perhaps one of the first things that you’ll want to do is paint. Really, there’s no right way to choose a paint color. There’s many different methods to find colors that are going to match with your rooms. When you get to the hardware store, you may end up feeling a bit overwhelmed by the hundreds of shades of each and every color that appear on swatches. You can go through many different thought processes in order to choose the color that’s right for each room in your home. 


Don’t Paint First


Sometimes, the best thing to do is to paint after everything else is done. This may seem like a less-than-ideal way to approach moving into your new home, but it works. Paint can always be changed. You can use the strategy of moving into the house first. Then, you’ll buy the furniture to match the room or get your existing furniture reupholstered if needed. If you’re starting from scratch, it’s much more effective to put the larger pieces in and then decide on a paint color.


If You Like It, Paint it!


You really have to like a color for it to be on your walls. You can always get some sample paints and try it on your walls to see if you like the colors. Remember that all the advice in the world can’t replace what you love. You’re the one who has to live with the paint on your walls!


Study Paint Chips


 The overwhelming wall of paint chips at the local hardware store is a necessity when it comes to choosing paint colors. Those little swatches are very useful. Don’t forget about the paint samples mentioned above as well. These small samples can help in really pinning down the color that you like. Remember that you’ll need to ignore the messages that your brain is trying to send you when comparing a sample color to the existing color on the wall. You’ll definitely want to look at samples more than one time for you to really know how you feel about a paint color in a room.   


Don’t Rush


Take time in your space and think about what colors you visualize in the space. Ask yourself, “What kind of mood am I trying to create in this room?” Take your time when making paint color decisions. Sometimes rushing leads to poor decisions.   


Know Your Accent Colors


Understanding how your accent colors will work with certain paint colors will allow you to make a better decision about what kind of paint color to choose. Your paint color will have a relationship with your sofa, the trim, the flooring, the fixtures, the curtains, and more.  Knowing what kind of colors you have to work with from the start can help you to choose the right color to feature in the room.

About the Author
Author

Bill and Aby Brooks, REALTORS®

Aby’s understanding of excellent customer service stems from her extensive professional background. Prior to earning her real estate license in 2005, along with her college degree that focuses on business and engineering, Aby was the head of purchasing, inventory and quality assurance for an OEM medical and aerospace manufacturing company. Known by her clients and fellow realtors for her tenacity, honesty, integrity, and attention to detail, as a full-time realtor, she is also appreciated for her quick response to her client’s needs. Aby has been an avid horse rider and owner since the age of eight, with her husband Billas a local firefighter/EMT they are very active within the community. Bill served as a US Army Airborne Ranger in 75th Ranger Regiment, he is a combat-wounded veteran who was awarded a Purple Heart. Bill's background as facility Manager for an International metals company and as a firefighter/EMT gives him the experience, attention to detail and the desire to go above and beyond to serve his customers. The Brooks' serve on the board of a local non-profit (501c3) that gives back to the veterans, first responders and their families. The Brooks family resides on their small ranch in Manatee County. Aby& Bill excel in all types of real estate and their passion is helping people. “We genuinely like people, growing up in Sarasota and Manatee counties and now raising our own family here, it is an absolute pleasure to share our growing area with newcomers and reminisce with longtime residents. Our area has so much to offer and it is our business to help folks buy and sell their own piece of paradise.”