Oyster White, Navajo White, Cielo Blanco, Off White are but a few variations that builders use when painting the interior of most homes. That while these colors look clean and crisp when we first move in, it doesn't take long before we tire of the look and want something with a bit more pizazz. Having said that, most people are a little afraid to step out of the standard for fear of not liking their color choice and having to re-do the process back to its original, boring Off White.



After 25 plus years in the Paint Trade, It still amazes me when a room gets a facelift with color. For around $50.00 you can create a look that has a designer flare. Your old furniture can even look new again. So don't spend a whole lot of time thinking about the work involved. The pay off is far greater. So where do you start? How do you go about picking the right color?

My first suggestion would be to go with a tinted neutral color. Such as something in the gray or creme colors. Stay away from choosing colors that are deep or rich. You don't want a startling effect nor do you want to date the room. I'm sure they won't create the look your trying to achieve and you'll become tired of it quickly. These deep colors will also create additional work for you. It's been my experience that the darker colors will require a minimum of two coats, sometimes more.

However, when you go to your local home improvement store you will be faced with a sea of color swatches - hundreds of versions of basic beige and gray to choose from. So before you go, consider these steps to choosing the right color for you.

Now when you head on over to your local paint store or home improvement center you can become overwhelmed with all the variations of creme and gray. There can be hundreds of each. So before you go, take a good look around the room your going to repaint. See if you can't find a light color somewhere in the room that you can take with you. Such as a color in the background of a piece of fabric on say a couch cushion or lampshade. If you like the feel of a warm and cozy room - think of fireplaces, brown leather and sunsets - then you'll want to start with a beige tone.

Now, consider your furniture and accessories. What colors do you see? If you have a lot of black or navy you may wish to choose a beige with orange or pink undertones to keep the look warm. If you have browns or reds in your furniture, select a cooler beige with ashy tones to avoid ?overheating? your room.

If you prefer a cooler, airy look - chrome, glass and shades of icy blue - then select gray tones. Some stores will have a ?true gray? color swatch which you can use to compare with their designer selections. On comparison you will notice that each gray has undertones. Some will have blue or lavender tones, others may have green or even a hint of pink.

Using the same guide as stated above, identify the main colors of furniture and accessories in the room. Use green or pink toned greys with cool toned furnishings to avoid it from feeling like an ice box. Use blue or lavender undertones in rooms with warmer colored furnishings.

If you are really torn between beige or gray, than the easiest color to work with is green. Keeping it in a muted tone will make it very easy to live with, and will work with most color palates.

Now, If all of the above guidelines only further confuse you, you can simply go to the paint store and pick up as many different color chips as you like, bring them home and make your decision there. I know it's an added trip you'll have to make but what better location to make your decision than from the comfort of home?

Picking and painting your rooms with your choice of color will bring you the results your looking for and a sense of accomplishment when you see the finished product. Remembering that you'll get this makeover for less than the cost of a good meal at your favorite eating place.