Picking paint colors for your home may seem simple; however, it is often the most perplexing part of the painting process. This month, R Lucas Construction and Design President and CEO Ron Lucas offers tips on choosing paint colors and shares the names of some of his favorite shades.
The Pantone Color of the Year 2015 is Marsala 18-1438. Described by the world-renowned authority on color and provider of color systems as “a naturally robust and earthy wine red,” this shade – in my opinion – is ideal for items like lipstick and pomegranate martinis. Each year, Pantone LLC selects a color of the year using many different criteria. Most of the colors originate in the fashion world and are then transferred over to parts of the design trade, including interior design and furniture. As I noted earlier, I believe this year’s color will look fabulous on a woman’s nails; however, I wouldn’t recommend choosing Marsala 18-1438 for a home’s walls.
When it comes to interiors – be it bedding, furniture or wall colors – the gray complex neutrals are shades I prefer. Complex neutrals are created by mixing two or more colors together. It’s important to note these colors will appear to change shades depending on how much light exists within the space in which they are used.
Two of my favorite colors are Accessible Beige SW 7036 and Modern Gray SW7632 (both are by Sherwin-Williams). These colors are great neutrals, and even look great on cabinets. Over the past three years, we have seen a renewed interest in white kitchens. I think a true white can be too sterile. A great shade that I’ve used on kitchen cabinets is Heron Plume SW 6070 (by Sherwin-Williams). When holding this color up by itself, the eye will read it as white; however, when the shade is compared to a true white, the color’s grey undertones appear.
One of the best ways to pick paint for a home’s walls is to obtain samples and put the color in question on postboard or even small pieces of sheetrock. Stores such as Lowe’s and Home Depot sell 2’x2′ pieces of sheetrock. When using these mediums, do at least two samples of the same color. Then, put them in different parts of the same room or different parts of the house.
When picking paint colors, it’s important to take time to research the shades you like and do an inventory of what pieces of furniture may be in a room to make sure everything will flow. Remember, just because a color looks good on a paint chip doesn’t mean it will look good on your walls.
