How To Choose The Right Paint Colors For Your Home Remodel

Remodeling your space during a home remodel often begins with selecting the right paint colors, a task that may seem overwhelming but is easier than you think with the right approach. By taking some time to plan and consider key factors, you can discover the ideal shades to bring your vision to life and make your space a true expression of your taste and character. With these tips, choosing paint becomes an exciting step in your home improvement journey.

Understanding Home Remodeling

Home remodeling involves upgrading, redesigning, or improving living spaces to meet evolving needs, boost property value, or enhance comfort and aesthetics. From simple updates like repainting walls to major renovations such as a full kitchen overhaul, home remodel provides an opportunity for homeowners to personalize their spaces and adapt to changing lifestyles.

With a well-thought-out plan, remodeling can transform a house into a dream home—making it more functional, stylish, and valuable over time. By clearly defining goals and understanding the potential of each project, homeowners can prioritize effectively and make informed decisions to achieve their renovation aspirations.

Why You Should Choose a Paint Color Palette Before Starting Your Home Remodel

Creating a cohesive paint color palette for your home ahead of time is a game-changer when it comes to achieving a polished, designer-quality look. Planning your palette before painting ensures you stay focused and inspired while keeping your project organized. A well-thought-out color scheme can stem from anything—a favorite fabric, an inspiring photo, or even a curated stack of paint swatches that spark creativity.

Especially in today’s open-concept homes, pre-selecting a color palette offers several advantages:

Streamlined Decision-Making: Your palette serves as a blueprint, guiding you effortlessly when choosing furniture and decor, making decisions faster and less stressful.
Saves Time and Money: By selecting the right elements from the start, you avoid costly mistakes and time-consuming adjustments.
Creates a Cohesive Look: A unified color scheme ties everything together beautifully, eliminating the hassle of finding pieces that match later.

No need for fancy software, either! Keeping it simple often yields the best results. For example, I followed this exact process while selecting the colors and finishes for our recent bathroom remodel, and the outcome was stunning.

Are Accent Walls Still in Style?

Absolutely, yes! While trends evolve, accent walls are making a stylish comeback after fading a bit during the 2010s. Today, they’re reimagined with fresh and creative ideas that fit modern aesthetics.

An accent wall is no longer just about bold or moody colors breaking up a neutral space. It’s a statement piece that adds personality and depth to your room. For instance, you can create a striped wall like we did in my son’s bedroom to bring balance and color. Alternatively, explore geometric patterns, lush plant walls, or curate a gallery wall showcasing your favorite artwork to add a personal and dynamic touch.

With so many possibilities, accent walls are a timeless way to give your home remodel space character and flair.

How to Start Designing an Accent Wall

Creating an accent wall is an exciting way to transform a room’s atmosphere, adding personality and style without overwhelming the space. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle enhancement or a bold statement in your home remodel project, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft the perfect accent wall.

Define the Mood of the Room

The first step in designing your accent wall is determining the vibe or mood you want the room to convey. Your choice of colors and patterns should align with the room’s purpose and your personal preferences. Think about the following questions:

Do you want the room to feel calm and relaxing, perfect for unwinding after a long day?
Are you aiming for a warm and welcoming space for guests?
Perhaps you want the area to be fun and bold, full of energy and life?

Colors play a significant role in shaping the room’s atmosphere. For example:

Relaxing and Serene: Greens, soft blues, taupes, or whites create a sense of tranquility.
Warm and Welcoming: Beiges, soft yellows, or muted oranges evoke coziness.
Bold and Fun: Bright hues like pink, teal, or vibrant yellows can energize the space.
Neutral and Cozy: Greys, creams, and earthy tones offer understated elegance.
Light and Airy: Whites and pastel shades give a fresh, spacious feel.

Take time to envision how you want to feel in the room. This initial brainstorming will guide all subsequent decisions.

Explore Color Psychology and Personal Associations

Color psychology can influence the emotions a room elicits, but personal associations with colors are just as important. For instance, while yellow often represents happiness, you might prefer a different shade that resonates with your style or memories.

Consider using a piece of inspiration, such as a favorite piece of artwork, upholstery, or fabric, to inform your choices. If the item features a color you’re not fond of, use it sparingly or as an accent instead of making it the primary focus. Balance is key, and your accent wall should work harmoniously with the rest of the room.

Account for Fixed Elements

Fixed elements in your home—such as flooring, cabinetry, or large furniture pieces—are important factors to consider when designing your accent wall. While it’s not necessary to match these items exactly, your chosen wall color or pattern should complement them.

For example:

Dark wood floors pair well with lighter, contrasting wall colors to brighten the space.
Neutral furniture can serve as a backdrop for a bold accent wall, creating visual interest without clashing.
Trim and molding are often overlooked but can act as design anchors. If they’re staying as is, make sure your accent wall complements their color.

Pro Tip: Select an inspiration piece, such as a rug or bedspread, before finalizing your wall design. It’s far easier to find paint that matches existing décor than the other way around.

Seek Inspiration from Photographs

Looking at professionally designed home remodel spaces can spark ideas and clarify your vision. Gather 3–5 photos of rooms that inspire you and analyze what you love about them. Is it the color palette? The texture of the walls? The interplay of light and shadow?

This exercise ensures your design choices align with the room’s end goal, not just the immediate remodeling project. Inspiration photos can also guide you when selecting paint, patterns, or materials.

Understand Undertones in Paint Colors

Paint colors are rarely pure and often contain undertones—subtle hints of other hues that may become more noticeable once applied to a large surface of your home remodel project. Identifying these undertones is crucial for achieving the desired look.

Here’s how to decode undertones:

Warm Undertones: These include hints of yellow, orange, or red. They create a cozy, inviting ambiance.
Cool Undertones: These include shades of blue, green, or grey, which lend a calming, refreshing vibe.

To identify undertones, observe paint swatches next to their neighbors in the store. Warm tones will stand out among yellows and reds, while cool tones will blend with blues and greens. Testing swatches in your home under natural and artificial light is essential to ensure the color works in your space.

Incorporate Patterns and Textures

Accent walls are no longer limited to bold paint colors. You can experiment with patterns and textures to add depth and visual interest. Popular options include:

Geometric Patterns: Create a modern and artistic feel.
Wood Paneling or Shiplap: Add warmth and texture.
Wallpaper or Murals: Offer intricate designs and unique themes.
Plant Walls: Bring a touch of nature indoors.

Choose an option that complements the room’s overall style while making the accent wall a true focal point.

Step-by-Step Guide to Picking Paint Colors That Work for Your Home Remodel

Choosing the perfect paint color for your home remodel space can feel overwhelming, especially when what you see in stores or photos doesn’t always translate well into your home’s unique lighting. Here’s a straightforward step-by-step method to ensure you make the best choice for your walls.

Start by Narrowing Down Your Options
Limit your color choices to 2–5 shades. Avoid selecting your final color at the store—it’s tempting, but the lighting there is far from what you have at home.
Test Samples, Don’t Trust Swatches
Swatches, especially the tiny 2×2 squares, can be misleading. Purchase paint samples of your selected shades; the difference between a swatch and actual paint can be surprisingly significant.
Use Posterboard for Testing
Paint a large piece of posterboard or cardboard with your samples. Move it around your room to see how the color reacts to various lighting conditions throughout the day, such as morning sunlight, afternoon brightness, and evening shadows.
Consider Color Reflections
Be mindful of how other elements in your room can affect the appearance of the paint. For example, a yellow room might cast a tint on your sample, making it look warmer than it actually is. Place the posterboard near trim, furniture, or other permanent finishes to ensure the new color complements them.
Understand the Effect of Tone and Intensity
Remember, the color you choose will appear amplified when applied to an entire room. Dark tones will seem even darker, light shades will brighten significantly, and vibrant hues will become even bolder. Adjust your expectations accordingly.

By following these steps, you’ll take the guesswork out of picking the perfect paint color for your home, ensuring a harmonious and beautiful finish every time.

How to Choose the Right Paint Sheen for Your Space

The sheen of your paint plays a significant role in both the durability and appearance of your finished walls. While color is the most noticeable aspect, the paint’s finish determines its longevity and practicality.

Here’s a simple guide to choosing the right paint sheen:

Gloss or High Gloss

Key Features: The most reflective and durable option, but also the most unforgiving of imperfections.
Best Used For: Trim, furniture, or decorative pieces where a shiny finish is desired.
Avoid On: Walls, as its extreme reflectiveness can detract from other elements in the room and highlight even minor flaws.

Semi-Gloss and Satin

Key Features: Slightly less shiny than high gloss, with semi-gloss offering more shine than satin. These finishes are durable, moisture-resistant, and relatively easy to clean.
Best Used For: Trim, cabinets, bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, and kids’ rooms. Satin offers a softer shine, making it great for high-traffic areas or spaces prone to spills and smudges.
Pro Tip: Satin is often preferred for its balance of durability and understated shine.

Eggshell

Key Features: A low-sheen finish that strikes a perfect balance between durability and aesthetics. It reflects light subtly without being shiny, offering a smooth and sophisticated look.
Best Used For: Living rooms, dining rooms, and general-purpose spaces. It’s durable enough for moderate traffic and easy to maintain, making it a versatile choice.

Flat or Matte

Key Features: The least reflective sheen, creating a velvety and richly pigmented appearance. However, it’s less durable and more challenging to clean.
Best Used For: Low-traffic areas such as guest rooms, ceilings, or open spaces where touch-ups are rare.
Avoid On: Bathrooms, kitchens, and spaces with frequent spills or scuffs, as flat finishes absorb stains and are prone to damage from cleaning.

A Quick Rule of Thumb

The shinier the paint, the more durable and easier it is to clean, but it will also highlight surface imperfections. Opt for higher sheens in high-traffic or moisture-prone areas, and choose lower sheens for a more subtle and cozy aesthetic in quieter spaces.

By understanding the functionality and appearance of different paint sheens, you’ll make informed choices that enhance both the style and durability of your home’s walls.

Using Paint to Make Small Spaces Feel Larger and Brighter

Small spaces can often feel cramped and dark, but the right paint techniques can completely transform them, making them appear more open, airy, and inviting. This guide will walk you through practical, proven strategies to use paint and complementary design elements to maximize light and space in your home.

The Role of Light-Reflecting Paint Finishes

One of the simplest ways to brighten a small space is to use paint finishes that reflect light effectively. The finish you choose determines how light interacts with the walls and can greatly impact the room’s ambiance.

Glossy Finishes: High-gloss and semi-gloss paints reflect light the most, creating an almost mirror-like effect. These are ideal for areas like ceilings or accent walls where light reflection can enhance brightness without overwhelming the space.
Satin and Eggshell Finishes: These finishes strike a balance between reflectiveness and subtlety, offering a soft sheen that works well in small living rooms or bedrooms.
Flat or Matte Finishes: While these finishes absorb light, they can still be used effectively in combination with light colors to create a cozy, sophisticated look without making a space feel enclosed.

Pro Tip: Pair light-reflective finishes with good lighting to maximize their effect. Natural light works best, but strategic artificial lighting can work wonders too.

Best Paint Colors to Visually Expand Space

Choosing the right paint colors is crucial for creating the illusion of a larger, brighter room. Lighter colors and cool tones are generally the most effective for opening up small spaces.

Soft Whites and Neutrals: Shades like ivory, cream, and light beige reflect light and provide a clean, timeless canvas that makes rooms feel larger.
Pastel Hues: Soft blues, greens, and pinks add a touch of color while maintaining a spacious, airy vibe.
Cool Tones: Colors like pale gray, light lavender, or mint green create a calming effect and enhance the sense of depth.

Pro Tip: Stick to colors with similar undertones (warm or cool) to create harmony throughout the space, avoiding any visual clutter.

Techniques to Visually Expand Small Spaces with Paint

In addition to choosing the right colors and finishes, applying paint strategically can make a small space feel much larger.

Monochromatic Schemes: Using variations of the same color throughout the room creates a seamless look that prevents the eye from stopping, giving the illusion of more space.
Ceiling Paint Tricks: Painting the ceiling a lighter shade than the walls draws the eye upward, making the room feel taller. For dramatic effect, consider using a gloss finish on the ceiling.
Accent Walls: A well-chosen accent wall in a light, contrasting color can create depth and make the room appear larger.
Vertical or Horizontal Stripes: Vertical stripes make ceilings feel higher, while horizontal stripes elongate walls, both helping to visually expand the room.

Pro Tip: Avoid dark baseboards or trims, as they can “box in” the room. Instead, opt for trim that matches or is slightly lighter than the wall color.

Combining Paint with Design Elements

Paint alone can do a lot, but when paired with thoughtful design elements, the effect is even more powerful.

Mirrors: Mirrors reflect both light and color, doubling the impact of bright walls and finishes. Place them opposite windows or light sources for the best effect.
Lighting: Use layered lighting (ambient, task, and accent) to enhance the brightness and highlight the paint’s reflective properties.
Minimalist Décor: A clutter-free space allows the paint color to shine and contributes to the perception of openness.
Light-Colored Furniture and Décor: Complement the paint with furniture and accessories in light shades to maintain a cohesive and spacious aesthetic.

Pro Tip: Use sheer or light curtains to let in as much natural light as possible, further amplifying the effects of your paint choices.

Common Painting Mistakes to Avoid

Painting a room can transform your space, but a few common mistakes can derail your efforts. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure a flawless finish:

Not Considering Paint Brands and Bases

Paint colors vary between brands because each has its own base shade. Stick to one brand for a consistent look, as even the same color name may differ slightly between manufacturers.

Skipping Sheen Selection

The paint’s finish affects both durability and aesthetics. Flat finishes hide imperfections but are harder to clean, while satin or semi-gloss are great for high-traffic areas due to their durability and ease of maintenance.

Overlooking Lighting

Lighting dramatically changes how a color appears. Always test paint samples in different light conditions—daytime, evening, and under artificial lighting—to ensure it works in your space.

Ignoring the Role of Trim Colors

Trim colors aren’t just “white.” They come in warm, cool, and bright tones, so pick one that complements your wall colors for a polished look.

Custom Mixing Colors

Custom colors are hard to match if you need more paint or touch-ups later. Stick to standard colors to avoid frustrations down the road.

Not Using Primer When Necessary

Even paints with built-in primers might not suffice for first-time applications, heavily patched walls, or damaged surfaces. A separate primer ensures a smooth, even finish.

By paying attention to these key aspects, you’ll avoid common painting challenges and create a space that looks both beautiful and professional.

What is the Hardest Paint Color to Get Right?

Gray is often considered one of the most difficult paint colors to get right. Its complexity comes from subtle undertones, which can shift dramatically depending on lighting, surrounding colors, and the size of the home remodel painted area. Whether you’re aiming for a warm gray or a cool gray, even small changes in tone can have a big impact on the final look.

Undertones are the secret to gray’s complexity. Grays often carry hints of other colors like blue, purple, or brown that might not be noticeable on a small swatch but become obvious when applied to an entire wall. This is why gray can sometimes appear cooler or warmer than expected. Choosing the right gray means paying attention to these undertones and how they interact with your space.

When selecting gray paint, take your time. Observe the color in different lighting conditions and test samples on your walls. It’s also helpful to look at how the swatch compares to the colors around it in the store, as nearby shades can subtly influence the undertones you see.

Tip: Use sample sizes to paint small areas of your wall and check how the color shifts throughout the day. This will help you confidently pick the perfect gray for your home.

Conclusion

Choosing the right paint colors for your home remodel is an exciting opportunity to express your personal style while enhancing the ambiance of your space. By understanding the nuances of color undertones, lighting, and paint finishes, you can confidently select shades that complement your home’s unique features. Testing samples, planning a cohesive palette, and considering accent walls or design elements can transform your home into a harmonious and beautiful retreat. Remember, thoughtful preparation and attention to detail will save time, reduce stress, and ensure a stunning outcome that you’ll enjoy for years to come.

FAQs

How can I identify undertones in paint colors?

Look at the swatch in different lighting and compare it to other shades. Observe how it shifts next to surrounding colors to spot undertones like blue, purple, or brown.

Should I test paint colors before committing for a home remodel?

Absolutely! Paint samples on walls or large boards to see how they look in different lighting throughout the day.

How do I create a cohesive color palette for my home?

Start with a main neutral shade, add 2–3 complementary colors, and consider the undertones to ensure harmony throughout your space.

Are accent walls still a good idea for home remodel projects?

Yes! Accent walls are a timeless way to add character, and today’s trends include creative textures, patterns, and bold statements.

What’s the best sheen for walls in high-traffic areas?

Satin or semi-gloss are ideal for durability and easy cleaning, making them perfect for kitchens, hallways, and kids’ rooms.