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Tips for Perfect Paint Every Time:
A very easy way to refresh and revitalize your home: paint! It’s easy, affordable, and can have dramatic results to add energy and inspiration to your space. However, picking out swatches of paint can be overwhelming. So many companies, so many swatches, so many choices of similar colors. It really starts with how you want to feel in the space you are in – a cozy and calming master bedroom, a bright and energizing kitchen, or maybe you just want to be transported to a destination without leaving your home. All this can be done with just paint. You must ask yourself, how do I want to feel in this space? What am I trying to accomplish in this space? Will this be a relaxing space, a workspace, or maybe even a space for family members to unwind? You can draw inspiration from almost anywhere.
Beginning steps before you apply the first coat:
- Texture. Think about the texture you love. A matte is more subdued and subtle, while an eggshell paint has a slight sheen. Using a semi-gloss is important in wet spaces and anywhere you need to wipe away life’s messes. Most paint companies offer suedes, sands and hand-troweled looks. It really is extraordinary what you can do with a can of paint.
- Color. Remember the color wheel from your elementary days. Primary colors add vibrancy and can wake the senses, while cool colors offer feelings of calm and serenity. Are you interested in having a focal wall that’s bold and draws the eye or blending into the surrounding room and furniture? There aren’t any rules. Using a bold color to highlight a piece of furniture or picking a color to surround four walls is only the beginning. I am partial to Sherwin-Williams colors. If you don’t have one near your home, most local hardware stores will color match your perfect shade and texture.
- Lighting. So now you have narrowed down the color family. Most companies offer small tins to paint sections. Try a few color swatches on your space and make sure you are measuring the color at all times of the day. Paint can look different in the early morning hours and even at night with a few lights on. Are you happy with the color at all hours of the day?
- Primer. I always use paint with a built-in primer. Who has time to paint primer, wait for it to dry, and then apply a coat of color? A lot of times, the texture goes on more evenly and it saves time on having to paint multiple coats. It is well worth the extra cost and you will be happy with more even, rich color on your walls.
- Design. You may be thinking that painting your walls in a solid color is the only option. I have painted stripes in my daughter’s nursery, diamonds in a playroom, and added color-blocking in the living room. Your vision and imagination are endless. Reimagining your home and changing it after a few months or years can quickly add value and personal touches.