Courtney Warren is a Texas-based interior designer whose work has been featured in Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, Good Housekeeping, Apartment Therapy, and Today.com. She is a frequent consultant on Fox 4 TV’s Good Day program in Dallas, was ranked in the top 3 percent of interior designers in the US by Houzz.com, and starred in the Dallas episode of TLC’sFour Houses. She delights in helping overwhelmed clients create beautiful spaces—and will never turn down a warm chocolate chip cookie or Diet Dr Pepper.

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Do You Know How to Pick Paint Color for Your Rooms?

Inquiring minds want to know- do you how to pick a paint color?

That’s why I’ve been busy answering readers’ questions during my Ask a Designer Week on Facebook. For example, if you join my Facebook Group, you can see my post from Ask a Designer Day 1: Are Accent Walls OUT?

See it here.

Or read my blog about it here.

Now on to today’s question: how do I pick a paint color I will love?

How to Pick a Paint Color

We’ve all been there—you choose a color from a tiny swatch, excitedly paint your walls, and then step back only to groan, “Ohhhh, that’s not what I was going for…”

But don’t worry! I have the perfect fix for you, broken down into three simple steps. Follow these and you’ll confidently land on a color that works beautifully in your space.

Step 1: Choose Your Paint Samples Wisely

Picking the right paint color isn’t just about matching it to your furniture or decor. It’s about understanding undertones, lighting, and overall ambiance. Here’s how to start:

Select a few paint chips based on your general scheme and preferences. Do you want a soft, airy tint or a bold, moody tone?
Consider undertones: If you’re leaning toward gray, is it warm or cool? If you love blue, does it have hints of green or gray? If beige is your choice, does it lean pinkish or yellowish?
Narrow your options to your top three or four, and purchase sample sizes of each.

I’ll tell you right off, it’s impossible to pick a room color based solely on how well the paint swatch matches the color in your chair fabric, your painting, or your bedspread!

So, Step Number 1 is:

a.) Pick the paint chips you THINK will work, based on your general scheme and preferences. A paler tint or a more dark and moody tone? Gray? (Warm or cool?) Blue? (With more green or more grey in it?) Beige? (Pinkish or yellowish?)

b.) Narrow your choices down to your top three or four and purchase sample sizes of them.

(I realize this is heady stuff, and many folks don’t feel confident with this part. If we’re working on this project together, I’m glad to help you with it!)

Step 2: Create Large Paint Samples

This step is critical—do not skip it!

Buy several sheets of white poster board.
Paint each board with ONE of your sample colors.

This method lets you test the color without committing to your walls too soon.

Step 3: Observe the Colors in Different Lighting

Now it’s time to truly live with your colors:

Hang your large samples in several places around your home.
Observe them throughout the day—morning light, afternoon sun, evening glow.
Test them under different lighting conditions: overhead lighting, lamp light, and natural light.

You’ll be amazed at how a color shifts throughout the day! That soft gray you love in the morning may look too purple at night. That perfect tan might suddenly appear peachy in artificial light. This process eliminates surprises and ensures you’re choosing a color you’ll love 24/7.

Final Thoughts

Whatever you do, do not wait until the painters arrive to pick your color! And never rely on a tiny two-inch paint chip to make your decision. Taking the time to test your colors properly will save you frustration, time, and money.

Still feeling unsure? I’m here to help!

I offer a complimentary, no-strings-attached phone consultation. Let’s chat and find the perfect paint color for your home—because design should be fun, not stressful.

Don’t let paint color defeat you! I am here to help. Let’s talk!

Have some questions? No problem! I offer a complimentary, no-strings-attached phone call consultation.

Email me to book a call time–and let’s start making design fun!

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