Christopher Knight Home Evelyn Mid Century Modern Fabric Arm Chair, Dark Gray, Walnut
- MID-CENTURY MODERN: Blending together iconic splayed legs with beautifully tufted upholstery, our club chair offers a mid-century look to your lounge space. With its clean lines and understated look, this chair uses new materials to reimagine a traditional design. Seat height: 17.75 inches
SAFAVIEH California Shag Collection Area Rug - 8' x 10', Ivory, Non-Shedding & Easy Care, 2-inch Thick Ideal for High Traffic Areas in Living Room, Bedroom (SG151-1212) 7'6" x 9'6" Ivory
- [NON-SHEDDING]: Expertly machine-woven from enhanced soft synthetic durable fibers that have a virtually non-shedding pile for ultimate convenience.Avoid Direct sunlight since direct sunlight will cause the colors in your area rug to fade over time
Umbra Hub Round Wall Mirror with Rubber Frame, Modern Style for Bathroom, Entryway, Living Room and More, 24-Inch, Black
- Glass
nuLOOM 5x8 Rigo Jute Hand Woven Area Rug, Natural, Solid Farmhouse Design, Natural Fiber, For Bedroom, Living Room, Dining Room, Hallway, Office, Kitchen, Entryway Natural 5 x 8 Feet
- Kid and Pet-Friendly Rug: This jute area rug is built to last in high traffic areas of your home. With its handmade nature, this rug was crafted to withstand everyday foot traffic from kids to pets while adding style and comfort to your space
MIULEE Pack of 2 Velvet Soft Solid Decorative Square Throw Pillow Covers Set Fall Cushion Cases for Sofa Bedroom Couch 18 x 18 Inch Golden 18" x 18" (Pack of 2) Golden
- Velvet
Have you ever stared at your house and wondered how it would look in a different color? Maybe you’re tired of the same old paint and want a fresh vibe. Choosing the right color can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.
Key Takeaways
- Understanding color theory is essential for choosing the right hues for your house, as it helps create a cohesive look by analyzing how colors interact.
- Familiarize yourself with primary, secondary, and tertiary colors, as well as their emotional impacts to select the most suitable palette for your home.
- Utilize tools like color apps (Sherwin-Williams ColorSnap, Behr ColorSmart) and physical color swatches to visualize and test different shades effectively.
- Experiment with small sections of your home and view colors under various lighting conditions to make informed decisions about your final color choice.
- Draw inspiration from design magazines, websites, and nature to discover current trends and color combinations that resonate with your personal style.
Understanding Color Theory
Color theory helps you choose the right hues for your house. You can create a cohesive look by understanding how colors interact with each other.
The Basics of Color
Colors fall into primary, secondary, and tertiary categories. Primary colors—red, blue, and yellow—mix to create secondary colors like green, orange, and purple. Tertiary colors result from mixing a primary color with a secondary color. Each color carries its own emotional impact. For example, blue often evokes calmness while red brings energy. Use these basics as a foundation in selecting the colors for your home.
Color Combinations and Harmony
Harmonious color combinations enhance the overall aesthetic of your house. Use the color wheel to find complementary colors—those opposite each other—like blue and orange, for vibrant contrast. Analogous colors, which sit next to each other on the wheel, like blue, blue-green, and green, create a soothing palette. Triadic colors—three equally spaced colors—like red, yellow, and blue offer balance. Choose a combination that reflects your style and the mood you want to create. Experiment with samples to see how colors look under different lighting conditions.
Tools for Visualizing Colors
Visualizing colors on your house involves using effective tools to ensure you achieve the desired look. Several resources assist in making color choices clear and straightforward.
Color Apps and Software
Color apps and software provide a convenient way to experiment with different hues. You can upload a photo of your house and apply various colors to see how they interact with your existing surroundings. Popular options include:
- Sherwin-Williams ColorSnap: This app lets you test paint colors in real-time and access their extensive catalog.
- Behr ColorSmart: You can visualize colors on your home and find complementary shades.
- Benjamin Moore’s Personal Color Viewer: Offers a user-friendly interface to explore color palettes digitally.
Using these apps simplifies the decision-making process, allowing you to visualize multiple color options before committing.





Physical Color Swatches
Physical color swatches remain an invaluable tool in the color-selection process. You can obtain paint samples from hardware stores to see how colors look in real-world conditions. Here are some tips for using color swatches effectively:
- Select Multiple Swatches: Choose at least three to five shades in the same family to see how they differ in natural light.
- Test in Various Lights: View swatches during different times of the day to observe how lighting affects color perception.
- Use Large Samples: Painting a larger area on your wall helps visualize the final effect better than small swatches.
These practical steps with swatches lead to more informed decisions, ensuring the selected color enhances your home as intended.
Techniques for Experimenting with Colors
Exploring different colors for your house can be fun and rewarding. Here are effective techniques to help you decide on the perfect shades.
Online House Visualization Tools
Online house visualization tools simplify color selection. These platforms allow you to upload a photo of your home, testing various paint colors in real-time. Popular tools include:
- Sherwin-Williams ColorSnap: Offers an extensive color library and lets you visualize how colors will look on your house.
- Behr ColorSmart: Provides color combinations and the ability to try out shades on your uploaded images.
- Benjamin Moore’s Personal Color Viewer: Enables users to explore an array of hues and visualize them on different surfaces.
Utilizing these tools can save time and reduce uncertainty about how colors will appear in reality.
Painting Small Sections
Painting small sections before committing to a color proves invaluable. Follow these steps:
- Choose a Test Area: Select a small, inconspicuous part of your home, such as a corner or behind a shrub.
- Prep the Surface: Clean and sand the area to ensure even paint application.
- Apply Samples: Use paint samples to apply multiple colors side by side. Consider using a brush for accuracy.
- Observe at Different Times: Monitor how colors change with varying light throughout the day, both in sunlight and shade.
This hands-on approach allows you to see firsthand how colors interact with your home’s architecture and surroundings.
Finding Inspiration
Finding inspiration for your home’s color can be an enjoyable journey. Leverage various resources to discover the perfect shades that reflect your style.





Design Magazines and Websites
Explore design magazines and websites to gain insights into current color trends. Resources like Elle Decor or Architectural Digest showcase stunning homes and innovative color combinations. Bookmark articles that resonate with you or create a mood board. Websites such as Pinterest allow you to search for specific styles, helping you visualize how colors work in different home settings. Dive into blogs dedicated to home decor for unique perspectives and expert tips.
Inspiration from Nature
Look to nature for a wealth of inspiration. Observe the colors of local landscapes, gardens, and parks. Natural color palettes can offer calming, harmonious combinations. For instance, the greens of foliage, blues of the sky, and earthy tones of soil provide a balanced, tranquil aesthetic. Capture photos of these scenes, or collect small samples like leaves or stones to reference colors you love. Use these natural hues as a guide when selecting paint and accent colors for your home, ensuring an organic, inviting feel.
Conclusion
Transforming your home’s color can be a fun and fulfilling journey. By diving into color theory and exploring various tools you can easily find shades that resonate with your style. Remember to take your time experimenting with samples and observing how colors change with the light throughout the day.
Let your creativity flow as you gather inspiration from design resources and the beauty of nature. Your home is a reflection of you so embrace the process and enjoy the vibrant transformation that awaits. Happy painting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first step in choosing a paint color for my house?
Choosing a paint color begins with understanding your personal style and the mood you want to create. Consider the architectural features of your home and how colors can enhance them. Gather inspiration from design magazines, websites, and nature to visualize your ideal color palette.
How does color theory help in selecting paint colors?
Color theory explains how colors interact, helping you understand combinations that ensure harmony. Knowing the difference between primary, secondary, and tertiary colors allows you to pick shades that complement or contrast effectively, creating a cohesive look throughout your home.
What tools can I use to visualize paint colors on my house?
You can use color apps and software like Sherwin-Williams ColorSnap, Behr ColorSmart, and Benjamin Moore’s Personal Color Viewer. These tools let you upload photos of your house and experiment with different paint colors, helping you visualize options before making a decision.
How can I test paint colors before committing?
To test paint colors effectively, paint small sections of your home with samples. Observe how the colors change under different lighting conditions throughout the day. This approach will help you see how the colors interact with your home’s architecture and surroundings.
Where can I find inspiration for my home’s paint colors?
Inspiration can be found in design magazines, websites like Elle Decor and Architectural Digest, and by creating mood boards. Additionally, observe the colors of local landscapes and nature, as they can guide your paint selections for a calming aesthetic in your home.