Picking a paint color can seem scary. The paint store paint swatches are too small for you to be sure your paint is a wonderful treat and NOT an ugly trick!

Here are some simple tips can help guide you to the right choice for your specific room. Start with painting sample colors on the walls. Small containers of sample paint are available and typically covers approximately 75 sq. ft. This is enough to visualize the color in your room with your lighting and décor. Now, take time to look at the samples in different light, in the morning, during the afternoon, at dusk and at night with your room lighting.

Specific colors can emphasize certain features and minimize others. A long narrow room will look wider if you use a slightly darker color on the shorter walls and a lighter color on the longer walls. You can make a ceiling appear higher by applying a lighter color to it, or lower with a darker color. Dark colors absorb light, making a room look smaller. While lighter colors make rooms look bigger. To help a big room feel more intimate, paint the walls in colors that are warm, such as red, gold, orange and brown. To help a small room seem larger, try cooler colors such as blue, green or violet.

You can emphasize your home’s unique architectural features, like crown molding, mantles, window/doorway trim, with contrasting paint (lighter or darker than the wall) or by painting them with a glossy finish. Remember, all trim and moldings tend to look best in a lighter color than your walls.

Create an accent wall by painting it a different color. The wall to accent is generally the first thing you see when you walk into the room. Some rooms have a natural accent like a wall with a fireplace or large window. However, if there is not a focal point to a room, you can choose the wall where the headboard of your bed will go or wall behind your television.

Don’t let the wrong color haunt you! Following these simple tips can help carve a smile on your face and save you time and money!