“Let’s throw a fresh coat of paint on it.”

It’s the universal phrase to signal that it’s time for an update. But could it really be that easy? Heading down to your local hardware store, grabbing a few paint brushes and a gallon of paint and throwing it on the wall?

Well the short answer is — no.

I know you don’t believe me, but statistics state that around 90% of homeowners choose the wrong color for their home, and more than 50% admit to not testing the paint color first.

Testing paint colors sounds crazy —- I know. However, what’s important to know before you go is that paint colors are not always what they seem.

The hardware store that your paint colors looked perfect in? Well… it might not really be perfect. That small swatch of paint that was exactly what  you thought you needed looks different in natural light than it did in the hardware stores fluorescent lighting.

And while we’d all like to believe our brains, eyes, and taste are top notch, the fact of the matter when it comes to color and enduring style, you might not be the most trustworthy individual. Unfortunately, you are most likely not a professional who understands the mysteries of the paintbrush, and because of this — you could fall into the 90% of paint purchasers who have buyers remorse.

(Submitted by C Tatum & Jil Young)

So let’s talk about testing paint colors. What does it even mean?

• You need to know what the paint color looks like outside the hardware store and in natural light. Keep in mind that your home most likely does not have fluorescent lighting and concrete floors, and those two things are heavily influencing what that paint sample looks like. 
• You need to know if the undertones of the paint color works in your space. Shadows and surrounding decor in a room will make a difference how that paint color looks. Choose your decor first and your paint colors last — trust us — paint should be the last thing you decide on in a room. 
• A small swatch of paint looks different than an entire wall full of it. Buy the sample quart first and paint a square on the wall before you buy the gallon and fully commit. Paint colors are like relationships, you can test out a few before committing fully.

I know this sounds a little overwhelming, but I’ll tell you why it’s important and you should take this decision seriously.
Color actually matters. It can affect your mood, how big the room looks, how much relaxation and comfort you can find in the room, and whether or not you actually spend time in the space.

The truth is, that spending all of your time, money, and effort into making a room awesome won’t matter if you avoid it because your brain has an underlying desire not to spend time there.

For example, a red room is a big statement and might be really cool choice for a dining room or social space because it is bold and stimulating, but using it in the bedroom might be a bit much.

Neutral walls like grey and white are super trendy right now, but is that going to feel cold and lifeless in a few years when that trend starts to fall out of favor?

The bottom line is that you could spend a lot of time worrying and going back and forth about this. You can grab your paint samples, compare them against every single piece of furniture in your space, and spend three weeks going back and forth about the tiny paint squares on your walls wondering if the right paint sample is still sitting at the store.

Or….

You could call in a professional.

Just like you’re an expert in your field, there are people that understand paint and colors and how they work in a room more than you could ever believe. They’ll come to you, understand you and your goals for the space, and bring the right options back for you to choose. They’re going to have a good grip on trends that are here to stay, colors that will evoke the right feelings for each room, and save you a lot of time, and possibly a few headaches.

Your space is your sanctuary, so don’t minimize these decisions. Investing in your home is an investment in yourself and your future.

So test the paint color, call the professional, and take the time that this task requires.

And if you have any questions feel free to call and get a consultation with Jil Young Designs. 919-988-0045