The wall, trim and ceiling colors you select for your redesigned room, renovated spaces or newly built home are fundamental to your overall design. And paint can be one of the most cost-effective ways to change your look. To choose right, it is important to have a clear design vision for a cohesive feel. Here are a few tips for build your paint color strategy that satisfies your aesthetic, functional and financial goals:

Watch your tone!

Consider what mood or atmosphere you want to create in the spaces. For example, if you’re going for calm, sleek and Zen-like, choose cool shades like white, blue, gray, or green. If you’re aiming for comfy-cozy or earthy consider warmer colors and beiger hues. Rooms (or even nooks) can certainly be different colors, but it’s always best for your home’s overall flow to keep the tone in the same temperature.

See the light!

It's important to consider the amount of natural and artificial lighting in your space before selecting paint as colors can look different under different lighting conditions. For example, a color that looks stunning in natural light may appear dull under artificial light. Look at your paint swatches at different times of day and under various lighting conditions before covering your walls.

Featured items.

Do you have a favorite item of furniture that will be the anchor or showpiece of the room? Make sure your paint color highlights its unique elements whether they are rich wood grains, funky angles, classic construction or antique beauty.

Live, laugh…move?

Your personality, life phase and, perhaps, real estate outlook may guide your color and finish choices. Are you a high style fashionista individualist? Go for bold, deep, bright or unexpected colors in select spaces or throughout. Have young, active children? Make sure it’s all washable and easy to cover so you can keep up with changing tastes in their bedrooms and playrooms from toddler to teen. Think you’ll be moving in the next few years? You can’t go wrong with warm neutrals. They are always stylish and allow potential buyers to envision themselves (and their furnishings) living in your spaces.

With an accent.

Don’t forget that trim and ceilings don’t have to be white, but there are many beautiful whites to select from to achieve just the right look. On ceilings, go a few shades lighter than the wall color for an elegant living room flair. Or choose deep and dark to give a den or office some serious drama. To add some height, avoid bright white moldings that contrast too starkly with the wall color —creamier colors keep the eye moving up.

Need some help creating a “color map” for your home that aligns with who you are and how you live? Give me a call. I’ll ask lots of questions, make many suggestions and then tie it all together for you. Happy painting!