A Fresh Look For Spring, Or Any Time Of Year

Choosing a paint color for a room can be challenging and overwhelming because there are so many colors to choose from. Luckily, Sherwin Williams created a free online
 Color Visualizer to help you see what your room will look like before you paint it.

My parents felt like their living room needed a little color, so we decided to paint an accent wall. An accent wall is using color to treat one wall differently from all the others in a room. It adds excitement and importance to a space. Pick a wall with a major focal point such as a fireplace wall, an unusual shaped wall, walls holding dramatic artwork, or the wall behind a bed's headboard. This is where your eye goes first. An accent color makes a focal point more dramatic. We chose the wall with the fireplace in my parent's living room. We weren't sure what color we wanted, so we gave the Color Visualizer a try. We tried gold to compliment the brown couches and the rock fireplace, seafoam green to pull in the accent color on the pillows and accessories, and brown for a rich, warm feeling. We took a picture, uploaded it into the program, and then tried the three colors.

 My parents liked the seafoam green, but went with the brown. They felt like their fireplace stood out in the room too much because of its size, but the brown really softened the look, and I agreed! Brown is a great neutral color, so they can still switch out pillows and other accessories depending on the season. I painted the wall for them in just a few hours. They have been happy with the results and have received many compliments on their color choice.

Click HERE to try this fabulous free program with a photo of your home. If you still feel unsure of your paint color choice after trying the program, you should consider hiring an Interior Designer. Let me know if you need help!

Here are a few Wise Design tips for painting:
{1} Choose an inspiration piece in your room and pull a color from it. For example, a rug, accent pillows, or art work.
{2} Check out Sherwin Williams and give the Color Visualizer a try before you purchase your paint.
{3} If you like more than one color, purchase a small sample can and try painting a little before doing the whole wall.
{4} Don't be afraid to try bold color!
{5} When painting, tape all molding, cut in the edges with an angled brush, and make sure you have the right roller cover for the textured surface you are working with.
{6} Cover all flooring and furniture.
{7} Wear old clothing. No matter how careful I am, I always seem to get paint on my clothes.
{8} Open doors and window to air out the room and to help the paint dry. Wait 24 hours before hanging anything on the wall or pushing furniture back into place.
{9} Keep in mind, the paint color changes a bit as it dries.
{10} Enjoy your room's new look!