When you last painted your walls, ceilings or trim, how did you arrive at the color you purchased? Who helped you select the color? How did you feel after the room was painted and you had a chance to sit down and take it all in?
Hopefully it was exactly what you envisioned, and you are pleased with your choices. If you have continued reading this far,,, there is a very good chance that like many others, you were less than satisfied.
When choosing colors, you should look for keys in the surroundings that the overall color pallette will complement, not clash with. Too often people select the main color in a room, and match that color. Sometimes that works, but more often than not it lends itself to an overpowering effect, and makes good choices seem muted, and highlights bad choices.
The last place you want to select a color is in the paint store. The most successful place to choose the color for the room is in the room itself. Different times of the day and different areas of the room will reveal contrasting results, so make sure you are happy in all or most conditions the room will be subject to.
I always recommend sampling a few colors, on a larger scale than a paint chip in various areas of the room. Live with it for a few days and take mental notes of what you like, and if there is a clear mistake in one of the colors, paint over it with one you like so it is out of the way and not vying for your attention.
Sheen is another factor in choice, because of the way it reflects and projects light and color. There is a tradeoff between brilliant color, muted tones, and durability and cleanability. All these factors should enter into the selection process, so a trusted color consultant is always a good investment in time and something even more precious,,, time.
