How to Choose the Perfect Paint for Your Home

Since decorative painting offers many options to enhance and personalize interior spaces, transforming your home with them can be exciting and daunting. Choosing the right color and finish can significantly impact your space's ambiance and style. Here is what you should know when selecting the perfect decorative paint to enhance your home's beauty.

Understanding the Different Types of Paints and their Applications

Latex paint is the most common paint for interior walls. It has matte, satin, and gloss finishes, offering distinct appearances and practicality. It's easy to apply, quick-drying, and water-resistant. Other options include:

• Acrylic paint provides superior resistance in both interior and exterior use.
• Synthetic enamel paint is highly durable and resistant and preserves gloss well.
• Acrylic enamel paint is a water-soluble, odorless paint made from acrylic resins, catalysts, and pigments.
• Metallic paints create rich accents and come in various colors and finishes
• that achieve effects like antique gold, burnished bronze, or shimmering silver.
• Textured paint adds depth and dimension to walls, creating various effects like stucco, sand, marble, or stone finishes.
• Specialty paints include Venetian plaster (a rich, polished stone-like finish), suede paint (a soft, velvety texture), and metallic plasters, which adds sparkle and shine to surfaces.

When matching paint to styles, consider using cool colors like blues and greens for a calming atmosphere in a modern environment. Choose classic color schemes like dark blue and white, or red and gold for traditional styles. Opt for warm, neutral palettes in a rustic atmosphere. Color trends, colors of the year, etc. are readily available from paint manufactures.

Tips for Selecting Colors that Complement Your Decor

To select colors that complement your decor, consider the following strategies:

• Use a color wheel for creating harmonious color schemes.
• Follow the 60-30-10 rule, which advises using 60% dominant color (walls, large furniture), 30% secondary color (accent pieces, textiles), and 10% accent color (accessories, small details).
• Consider existing elements by assessing the undertones of cabinets, tiles, or fireplaces to determine if finishes have warm or cool undertones.
• Create a cohesive flow by choosing colors from a standard palette for easy room-to-room transitions.
• Look to your current furnishings and accessories for inspiration, using your favorite rugs, artwork, or fabrics as a starting point for your color palette.

By applying these principles and considering your style, you can select colors that complement your decor and create a cohesive, visually appealing space.

The Impact of Lighting on Paint Color Selections

Lighting significantly affects color appearance, so look at paint samples under different lighting conditions throughout the day. Remember that colors can look different in natural vs. artificial light. The type of light bulbs will affect how you see the color. Use lighter, cooler colors for rooms with limited natural light to make the space feel more open.

Comparing your new color to your current color can skew how you perceive the color. We recommend you place a piece of white paper and observe how the color changes. Think of it like smelling coffee between wine tasting to freshen your palette. Remember you are eliminating the current color for new. This will also help you see the undertones of the color.  

Eco-friendly Paint Options

Several eco-friendly decorative paint options are available for homeowners looking to create beautiful spaces while minimizing environmental impact.

• Water-based paints are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• Natural and organic paints come from renewable resources, such as plant oils, resins, and natural pigments.
• Recycled paints are produced by reprocessing leftover paints, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
• Mineral-based paints use natural minerals as highly breathable ingredients and are free from petrochemicals and synthetic ingredients.
• Plant-based paints are often made with ingredients like linseed oil or soy, which are renewable and biodegradable.

Let Us Help You Choose the Paints for Your Next Project

We know the correct paint and sheens to use for any given situation and with our free color consultation you can rest assured that you will not make a bad choice.

We can offer custom painting suggestions for floors, ceilings, fireplaces, cabinets and other surfaces. Don’t settle for a dated look when you can quickly revitalize your interior with the painters at Martzall’s Custom Surfaces!