Why do we find choosing paint colors so hard?

Oftentimes clients have no problem choosing furnishings, tiles, throw pillows, and home accessories, but become paralyzed by fear when it comes to choosing a paint color. Change is scary and painting an entire wall a different color is a lot of change. Because paint covers so much square footage and can be time-consuming to repaint, people are terrified to get it wrong. We want to make choosing a paint stress-free by answering all of the common questions we get about paint:

How to choose a color palette for my home?

Start with selecting a color that you love that’s already in the room. Perhaps a secondary color from a rug or a piece of art, is a good jumping off point. There are also apps that let you take a pic of the room and it will paint the walls. (Like the Benjamin Moore Design Your Own Room App)

Or find an inspiration image that you love and select colors from there. An inspiration image can give you a good idea of how the room will look when it’s completely painted.

What are the differences in paint finishes? How to Choose An Interior Paint Sheen?

Flat- Flat finishes are easy to repaint and hide blemishes well. Consider flat finishes for low-traffic areas, interior walls, and ceilings.

Eggshell- A good finish for an elegant look, but still hides blemishes on the wall well. Eggshell finishes are beautiful in moderate traffic rooms like living rooms.

Satin- Satin finishes are beautiful, but you must have a near perfect wall surface because blemishes show. That said, satin finishes are great in rooms like kitchens or bathrooms with some exposure to moisture.

Glossy and Semi-Gloss – Gloss is for high-sheen effect, perfect for cabinetry and trim. The surface must be blemish free, but a glossy paint is durable and will hold up well over time. Applying a gloss finish takes many thin layers of paint to get correct coverage.

Lacquer Finish- Lacquer finishes require 10 or more layers to get a thick, glossy finish. The application is time consuming, but the end product is stunning.

Are there any paint colors I should avoid? What mistakes do homeowners make in choosing paint colors?

Color is specific to each person, so there’s no color to avoid. However if you’re going for something bold, test out an 4×4 patch on the wall to make sure you really like it– the lighting in a room can affect how similarly or differently you view the paint compared to the swatch you saw at the store. In any event, a good rule of thumb is to give yourself 3 days to adjust to the new color.  You might hate it at first and then fall in love.

What colors work best for reselling my home? What colors are best to paint rentals?  

Whites and neutrals (light light greys, creams) are the best. These colors have broad appeal and work in virtually every space. White and neutrals are also great for rentals, for the same reasons. It’s also a good idea to use an in-stock, popular color for touch ups. White/Light colors are the best because you don’t need a primer when you repaint.

Where do color trends come from? Do they matter?

Paint companies, color trend companies, blogs and magazines all have their opinions about trends, but paint is personal and you should select what you love. Realize your opinion of what you love, however; is being affected by the trends in the aforementioned with the imagery they put out in print and social media.

What types of paint to avoid/toxic paints?

Go for Zero VOC if possible, but at least Low VOC. Avoid paints with formaldehyde. Acrylic or water-based paint is great, unless it lists toxic chemicals such as cadmium, cobalt, magnesium, chromium, and, of course, lead.