How to Choose the Right Paint Color (Even If You Always Pick the Wrong One)
You know that moment when you finally paint your living room and realize it looks nothing like the Pinterest photo? Maybe it’s too pink. Maybe it’s green at sunset. Maybe it just feels… off.
Yeah, we’ve been there — and so have most of our clients.
Choosing paint colors shouldn’t feel like gambling with $70 gallons of paint. Let’s talk through how we (and our clients) get it right every time.
Step 1: Understand Your Lighting Before You Pick a Color
Lighting is everything when it comes to color. The same paint can look completely different depending on your light source.
Here’s the breakdown:
→ North-facing rooms: Cool, indirect light — colors look darker and moodier.
→ South-facing rooms: Warm, bright light — neutrals appear warmer, and whites can look yellow.
→ East-facing rooms: Morning glow, cooler evenings — consider soft warm tones to balance.
→ West-facing rooms: Flat midday light, golden evenings — watch for strong color shifts.
💡 Designer Tip: Always test your paint on two opposite walls in the same room. Look at it morning, afternoon, and night before deciding.
Step 2: Learn to Spot Undertones
Every color has an undertone — that hidden hue that sneaks up on you once it’s on your wall. Beige can read pink, white can flash blue, and gray can pull green.
To check undertones:
Hold your paint sample against a true white sheet of paper.
Compare it beside another color you’re considering — you’ll instantly see which is cooler or warmer.
Avoid choosing based on the paint chip name (they lie).
Step 3: Start with Neutrals, Then Layer Personality
If you’re unsure where to start, begin with a neutral base and layer in color through art, textiles, or furniture.
Some of our favorite designer-approved neutral paint colors:
→ Swiss Coffee (Benjamin Moore) — creamy and warm without yellowing.
→ Edgecomb Gray (Benjamin Moore) — soft greige that flatters every space.
→ Pure White (Sherwin Williams) — crisp and balanced, works in modern or classic spaces.
→ Natural Linen (Sherwin Williams) — warm, cozy beige with sophistication.
💡 Designer Tip: When in doubt, pick a neutral that feels one shade lighter than you think you need. Paint always looks darker once it’s covering four walls.
Step 4: Test Paint Like a Designer
Forget tiny swatches — they’re useless. Here’s our exact testing method:
→ Order large peel-and-stick samples (we love Samplize).
→ Place them on two different walls.
→ Observe for at least 24 hours in all lighting conditions.
→ Remove any other colors in view (curtains, art, bold furniture) that can skew perception.
You’ll be shocked how much lighting and context shift your opinion.
Step 5: Don’t Forget Finish and Sheen
Even the right color looks wrong in the wrong finish.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
→ Flat/Matte: Best for ceilings and low-traffic rooms.
→ Eggshell: Soft glow, great for walls (our go-to).
→ Satin: More durable, perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.
→ Semi-gloss: For trim, doors, and millwork only.
💡 Designer Tip: Always keep finishes consistent across spaces that connect visually — like hallways and adjoining rooms — for a cohesive look.
Final Thoughts
Choosing paint is part science, part intuition — but mostly about knowing your space. The more you understand your lighting, undertones, and finishes, the more confident you’ll feel making big decisions on your own.
If you still feel stuck, that’s what we’re here for. You can explore our design packages or grab our free Room Refresh Checklist to start refining your space the right way.
