Why Paint Color Should Always Be Selected Last

I receive many calls from folks who have recently purchased a home, or are looking to update their home, and they want a paint color consultation. I get wanting a fresh coat of paint on your newly purchased home, but paint color can be a critical part of a room’s atmosphere, and unless you have all your furniture and décor selected and know exactly how it will be laid out, choosing paint color is a bit premature.

When designing a space from scratch, whether it be a bedroom, kitchen, or home office, I ALWAYS select paint last, and here’s why:

There are tens of thousands if not millions of paint colors available, all with the same (or similar) price point, lead time, and durability level. However, when selecting a sofa, or a dining table, or even flooring, there are limited options that will fall into your desired aesthetic, price point, performance requirements, and time frame.

What you need to do is:

Identify which component of the space in question is LEAST negotiable, least flexible, and most critical.

Example:

Say you’re decorating a family room. You have three kids and two dogs, and you want a sofa with machine washable covers. That limits your sofa options SUBSTANTIALLY. So start there. Pick a sofa, and then a material that pleases you and your budget, and work your way out from there.

But wait…what if you can’t decide on a sofa fabric, or anything else for that matter?  What if you know you want the Bradley Sofa, and you are favoring the “Ivory linen weave” material, but are unsure if it will work in the broad scheme of things? 

THIS is where it helps to call a professional designer. THIS is where we really can make a difference. Because designers CAN visualize. We can see how it will all come together. Now, this may entail several hours of design research to assemble a design concept that you can then pursue, but one way or the other, you need a plan. And a qualified designer will be able to help you create one.

For instance, with my company’s “One & Done” interior design service, you can potentially get a rough floor plan, design concept, and even a few specific recommended pieces that you can source yourself if you choose. It’s low pressure, but incredibly productive interior design advice, saving you time and potentially thousands of dollars.

The Lesson:

Before you pick your paint, have a PLAN.

If you need help formulating your plan, it's easy and risk free to send me an email inquiry. Click here to be redirected to my inquiry page.