Flagler County Builder

Helpful Hints on Picking Interior Paint

October 31, 2014 - Flagler County Builder

Whether you are building a new home, redecorating, or adding an addition, picking paint is an important step in the process. Color accounts for 60 percent of our response to a room. With so many colors to choose from the process can be overwhelming. There are a few tips to help you chose the right color for your home. If you are unsure about where to start, pick a small room, hallway, or an accent wall to experiment with color.

When selecting a color select a favorite color from artwork, a rug, and an accessory or furniture piece as a main color or accent. Consider the mood you are trying to accomplish for that room. Soft, cool colors and neutrals create a quieter feel while strong colors are selected for drama. Warmer, contrasting and brighter colors add to a sociable mood. Be carefully in choosing intense bright colors for kid’s rooms, you may not know it, but some brighter colors can lead to unrest and irritability.

Lighting has an impact on selecting colors as well. Natural lighting shows truest colors, incandescent lighting brings out warm tones and yellows, and fluorescent lights cast a sharp blue tone.

Choosing the right paint sheen can be as overwhelming as choosing paint color. There is a few different paint sheens to choose from, flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss.

When picking paint sheen there is a basic rule of thumb to follow. Higher sheen means higher shine to the paint and is more durable. Flat paint has no shine to it.

Flat/Matte paint provides a smooth subtle finish, is ideal for low traffic areas such as living room, hallway, ceilings, and bedrooms. It does hold dirt and is more difficult to clean.

Eggshell/Low Lustre paint offers a low sheen finish and is best for low traffic areas such as living room, dining room, bedrooms, kitchen, and foyers/hallways. It is more washable than flat sheen.

Satin paint can be wiped clean and is ideal for active rooms such as playroom, laundry room, kitchen, guest bathroom.

With so many different types of paint, Gulf Stream Home & Construction understands how overwhelming the choices can get. We will be more then happy to help with your selection and providing professional painting services.