COLOR CONFECTIONS

Paint departments sometimes can be intimidating places. There are endless colors and finishes to choose from, so how can you select colors that will enhance your home? When Kimberly’s clients fret about color, she tells them to trust their instincts. “I think white walls have fallen out of fashion. Don’t be afraid to paint. Don’t be afraid to play with color,” she advises. Consider her tips to help guide your next painting project:

STUDY COLOR.

List your favorite colors in a painting project notebook. Think about what colors appeal to you and what moods they evoke. Record room measurements in the notebook, too.

USE YOUR SMARTPHONE.

Snap pictures of appealing fabrics, pottery or flowers when you are out and about. Paint centers can use technology to color match images on your smartphone.

TEST SAMPLES.

Buy a paint sample and brush the color onto cardboard. Tape the cardboard to the wall. Examine the hue in natural and artificial light. Hold textiles and collectibles close to the color to see if the paint complements your treasures.

PAINT AN ACCENT WALL.

If a color is outside your comfort zone, paint a single wall as an accent wall. Paint the other walls a lighter shade.

CONSIDER A CHAIR RAIL.

Install a chair rail anywhere from 30 to 36 inches above the floor. Paint the wall below the chair rail one color. Paint the wall above the chair rail a different color.

REPAINT IF NECESSARY.

Paint is a budget-friendly DIY project, so if you dislike a color, cut your losses and repaint the wall with a more suitable shade.