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Alright, so you’re finally ready to tackle that renovation project you’ve been putting off for a while. Awesome! 

But now you’re stuck flipping between your Pinterest inspiration boards, more interior design websites and magazines than you care to admit, and all those colour swatches you’ve picked up at the hardware store. 

Feeling a little confused? Overwhelmed by all the options and still unsure about what shades will work best in your space? Don’t worry, you’re definitely not alone! In fact, most people find this part pretty challenging, as getting things wrong can result in expensive and time-consuming redos, not to mention putting a real damper on your entire renovation project! Let’s face it, there’s a lot to consider — including the intended use of the room, the lighting situation, and, most importantly, the type of atmosphere you want to create in the space — so feeling nervous about committing to a particular colour palette is totally normal!

The good news is that there are lots of successful ways to approach your colour selection process. One of our absolute favourites is looking to your existing decor for inspiration and using it as the starting point for building a gorgeous, cohesive, professional-looking colour scheme you can be proud of! We love this method because it’s simple and can be used with just about any item, from a favourite painting to a statement furniture piece, and beyond!

USING ARTWORK AS A FOCAL POINT:

Using a treasured piece of art or a photograph you love to draw your paint colour inspiration is one of the easiest ways to guarantee the finished space will look well thought out and perfectly put together. First, you’ll need to decide on the vibe you’re hoping to achieve in the newly renovated space, as this will dictate the general direction you’ll be taking with your colour selections.

For example, if you’re renovating a bedroom, you’ll likely want to create a soothing, peaceful atmosphere, so cooler tones like blues and greens will work well, while warmer and more vibrant colours like yellow, orange, and red are better suited for active, busy spaces like playrooms and kitchens.

Once you have a general idea of your design direction and have a good understanding of how lighting will affect the room’s final appearance, you’re ready to choose your paint colour! Take a close look at the artwork you’re going to display and choose a few shades that draw your eye. Depending on the look you’re trying to achieve, pick one of the shades you’ve selected as your wall colour. Painting a nursery? Try going for soothing neutrals and muted shades that will help create a soft and relaxing atmosphere. Ready to add a bit more depth and drama to your bedroom decor? Awesome! Don’t be afraid to go for a darker shade, especially if you’re planning to offset the effect with contrasting furniture and textiles. If using multiple artworks for a gallery effect, try finding a shade that is common to all of the pieces you’re displaying. It will serve as a unifying background to help tie your decor theme together.

If you’re feeling hesitant, grab small samples of a few of your favourites from the hardware store and test them out in your space, before settling on the perfect shade. And don’t feel bad for the other colours, you can always introduce them through textiles and additional accessories, for a finished, magazine-worthy design!

COORDINATING WITH EXISITING INTERIOR FINISHES:

Another great way to pick a paint colour that’s guaranteed to jive with the rest of your space is coordinating it with interior finishes already featured in your decor. These can include hardwood flooring and tile, your kitchen countertops, or even the colour of the walls in an adjacent room.

Keep in mind that even if you’re planning to work with neutrals like whites, greys, and beiges, your best bet is matching your paint colour to your existing design elements, rather than just grabbing a random shade at the hardware store. Why? Well, ‘neutral’ colours still come in a huge variety of shades, some with ‘cool’ (blue) and some with ‘warm’ (red) undertones. Since warm and cool undertones generally don’t get along too well in the same space (there are exceptions, of course, but that’s a whole other post waiting to happen), you’ll want to ensure the shade you’re going with doesn’t clash with the rest of the space. Try matching your cabinet paint colour to the veining in your countertops or your the tile in your backsplash, for example, to create a cohesive, streamlined effect!

USING STATEMENT DECOR PEICES:

Coordinating with a statement item like a gorgeous Persian rug, unique wallpaper, or a custom painted piece of furniture is another excellent option. Just think about it – these decor pieces are likely to grace your home for quite some time, so why not highlight them and let them take centre stage when it comes to creating a beautiful new colour scheme!