Whether you are going it alone or working with an expert, you will want to paint some samples of potential colors in your space to see how you like them in different light conditions.
People often take their white background and then paint a variety of colors next to each other in a line to compare and see what they like best. This is a totally ineffective way to compare color because each color is affecting the way you see the adjacent color.
This happens because of what is called “simultaneous contrast”. This could happen when one color is laid on top of the other such as in the examples in “Mistake #1”, where for example you put Moscow Midnight on a white background and the white makes it look darker and grayer.
Or it can happen when you paint a bunch of test samples next to each other as in the picture below. If you place color compliments next to each other (colors opposite each other on a color wheel) like red and green, they each make the other look more colorful and brighter. So, in the picture below, the green next to the red is making the red look redder, and the red is making the green look greener.
Great advice, Mary Ann! Color selection is the alchemy of science and art! I especially love the admonition to stop painting a bunch of swatches on the wall next to each other, which is the first thing most people do thinking they are being really diligent…just say no!
Thank you! I have had numerous consultations where they have painted a whole wall of color swatches. No wonder they are confused and stressed about color!
So many great tips, thanks! Color science really is amazing!
It really does make the magic happen and simplify all the noise out there about color.
This post is a bonanza of valuable color scheme information. I feel like it is a perfect summary of what was a whole semester of color theory in school. Well done.
Thank you so much!
My top 2 favourite tips: don’t listen to friends and stay in a lane! Loved all of your tips, but those 2 are my top ones! Great advice as always.
Haha, not listening to friends is one of the best!
Wow! What a lot of great info. Your imagery is really impressive.
Thank you so much!
I love that you demonstrated how choosing colors can actually be quite complicated. Great instructions and inspiration for those who are “green” to this complex process!
Thank you so much!