decorators' handbook

Decorators’ Handbook: How to pick paint

  1. Shannon @ What's Up Whimsy says:

    Thanks for that tip on sanding the test swatches…I wouldn't have thought of that!

  2. Bryn says:

    Wow! I'm surprised to hear you go with Satin! I always always go with Flat unless it's trim. Different strokes for different folks 🙂

  3. Teresa Hatfield says:

    Thank you for these fabulous tips! Perfect timing, as I am in the middle of choosing a color.
    Love your blog,
    Teresa (Splendid Sass)

  4. Flavia @ Estilo Home says:

    Paint really is so tough! There are just so many colors out there. I'm getting ready to buy samples of a couple of paint colors, so I really appreciate the sanding suggestion!

  5. Scientific Housewife says:

    Thanks for sharing, picking the right colors is very important 🙂

  6. Elizabeth says:

    i love paint…..the way it can transform a room, the smell, picking swatches, etc. It can be overwhelming though. When we were trying to pick paint colors for our living room, I bought a poster board, cut it into four large squares and painted my samples on the poster board. By doing this, I had the true color and not on top of existing wall color {which may affect the shade} and I could move the "sample" around to different parts of the room during different times of the day.

  7. Laura PARING DOWN says:

    Loved this post –

    I, too, learned the hard way about the test squares.

    I also love love love satin; it's my favorite finish.

    Cheers,
    Laura

  8. coolkids says:

    great tips! I prefer eggshell with kids. I do agree that it isn't easy picking out paint.

  9. The Boese Family says:

    Wow! I think this is the best set of tips I have EVER read on choosing paint colors. Where were you two years ago when I chose the "wrong" color for my entire house? 🙂

    And I am so pleased to hear you like satin. I use satin because I have kids and a dog who likes to rub against the walls. I also like the bit of reflection and therefore brightness it can add to a space. I now feel vindicated! Thanks!

  10. SteFay says:

    I ended up here from What's Up Whimsy and I must say I'm glad I did… Those steps for picking a color where not only helpful, but really carefully thought out. Thanks so much!

  11. Kim@Chattafabulous says:

    Superb post full of great advice!

  12. High-Heeled Foot in the door says:

    So happy you are all enjoying the new series.

    Bryn,

    I use all types of finishes when painting clients home, but for myself I tend to stick with egg-shell and normally satin.

    For me flat finish can be a pain when trying to clean up the wall. It always seems to stain with my experience.

    🙂

  13. J. Is A Bird says:

    Great advice. I like the sanding idea too.

    I always tell people, go with what you love even if it's "different", you can always just repaint it. We like strong colors, my 4 yo son's room is wine red, our bedroom is deep forest green. People think we're nuts till they see the finished product.

    Beautiful pics too by the way.

  14. Evie says:

    1) I just found a great neutral shade that isn't beige. Benjamin Moore's "Wilmington Tan" in the aura paint. I'll be using it somewhere in every house I live in!

    2) I always choose my nail polish color based on the name too! I once decided to not go with this awesome shade of red because it was called "liar liar pants on fire" because I had just been cheated on by an ex. Also, I will admit that I buy books because I like the cover….is it a crime to want pretty bookshelves?

  15. Style Chronicle says:

    satin is the best!!

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