Too Bright or Just Right… how to use color on your walls

Have you ever dreamed of painting a room in your home a fun color, but then got nervous and ended up with a very neutral, boring wall instead? It happens all the time, so don’t worry. I myself am I huge fan of neutrals, but sometimes it is worth t to take a leap of faith and go for that color you have been dreaming of.

There are a few things to keep in mind when painting with color. Definitely ALWAYS test the color first… and test a few similar ones at the same time. When you go to pick up paint, you can get small tester cans to paint small patches on the walls. I recommend painting your sample patches in a few different places within the room and look at the color in the morning, afternoon and evening because you need to see how the color looks in different light.

Also, remember that however dark or bright the paint swatch looks, it will look even darker or even brighter on the walls. I recommend choosing a color with more gray or dusty undertones. Lets say you are wanting bright purple… maybe choose a color that is a little lighter, and grayer that the initial bright purple that you want. It will translate bright when it is on your walls.

This is what I am talking about:

Too Bright

Just right. (See how the green is softer? yet still bold?)

Too Bright

Just Right

Too bright

Just Right. Save the brightness for the accents.

Too Bright. I love the idea, but this porch would be much more soothing in a more powdery blue.

Just Right.

Too Bright.

Just Right. This color is still very dark and bold, but not overwhelming due to the gray undertones.

Too Bright.

Just Right.

Have you ever thought about painting any of your walls a fun color? Did you go for it?