Painting your walls is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to refresh your home—but choosing the right paint color can feel overwhelming. With new “colors of the year” popping up annually and design trends constantly shifting, it’s easy to get caught up in what’s popular instead of what actually works for your space.
If you’ve ever painted a room in a trendy shade only to realize it clashes with everything you own, you’re not alone. But don’t worry—I’m here to help you pick a paint color you’ll love long-term. Here’s how to do it right.
1. Consider Your Existing Elements
Before you even glance at a paint swatch, take a look at what’s already in your home. Your flooring, furniture, cabinetry, and even trim play a huge role in how a paint color will look. A trendy deep green might be gorgeous online, but if your home is full of warm wood tones, it could end up looking muddy or out of place.
Pro tip: If you have honey oak cabinets or reddish-toned flooring, opt for neutral paint colors that complement rather than compete. Soft greiges, warm whites, and muted earthy tones can help balance these elements.
2. Pay Attention to Undertones
Not all whites are created equal, and not all blues are simply blue. Every paint color has undertones that can make a huge difference in how it looks on your walls. A beige with a pink undertone will feel different from one with a yellow or green base, and the wrong undertone can throw off your entire space.
How to test undertones:
- Compare swatches side by side against white printer paper to see their true base colors.
- Hold them up against your existing furnishings to see if they complement or clash.
- Test samples on your walls before committing to a full gallon!
3. Test Paint in Different Lighting
A paint color that looks perfect in the store (or on Pinterest) can look completely different in your home due to lighting. Natural light changes throughout the day, and artificial lighting can alter how colors appear.
How to avoid surprises:
- Test large swatches on multiple walls in different rooms.
- Observe the color in morning, afternoon, and evening light.
- Consider how warm or cool your lightbulbs are—soft white vs. daylight bulbs can make a big difference!
4. Choose a Color That Reflects Your Style
Trends are fun, but your home should feel like you. If a bold color speaks to you, go for it! But if you’re choosing a shade just because it’s popular, take a step back and ask yourself: Will I still love this in a year?
For a timeless look, opt for classic neutrals like greige, soft white, or muted earthy tones. You can always bring in trendy colors through accent decor like pillows, rugs, and artwork—much easier to switch out than an entire wall color!
5. Don’t Skip the Sample Test!
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is picking a color based on a tiny paint chip. Paint looks very different once it’s on a full wall, so never skip the sample step.
Best way to test paint samples:
- Get sample pots of your top 2-3 choices, my favorite paint is Sherwin Williams.
- Paint large swatches directly on your walls (or use peel-and-stick sample sheets).
- Live with them for a few days to see how they feel over time.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right paint color isn’t just about following trends—it’s about finding a shade that enhances your home, works with your existing decor, and makes you feel good every day. By considering your current furnishings, testing undertones, checking lighting, and sampling before you commit, you’ll set yourself up for success and avoid the dreaded “why did I pick this color?” moment.
Have you ever regretted a paint color choice? Drop your story in the comments—I’d love to hear what you learned!
