Choosing An Interior Paint That Fits Your Life
Sometimes it's just time for a change, and a fresh coat of paint can be all you really need to feel like you're in a whole new house. More than anything else, choosing the right type of paint will make all the difference in the world, both in terms of longevity and appearance. Understanding your choices and how they'll impact the final result will help you make a more informed decision about the paint that you're putting on your walls.
Begin With The Type Of Finish
The finish on your paint will determine the level of shine or reflection that you see from the walls after the paint has dried completely. Low gloss finishes, like satin or flat, will show fingerprints, smudges, grime, and dirt more readily than high gloss paints. High gloss finishes also tend to be more durable. They clean more easily and hold up over time more favorably.
In areas that tend to catch messes a lot or see high traffic, choose a high gloss finish for your paint to make clean up easier. Living rooms where people put their hands on the walls and kitchens where spills are common are ideal areas to use paints from the higher end of the gloss spectrum. Bedrooms and other rooms that aren't likely to have kids putting their feet on the walls are great places for flat or matte finishes.
Match Your Existing Color Palette
Take a long look at the room you're planning to paint, and use color samples from magazines or fabric samples to get an idea of how a color might interact with the existing colors in the room. Neutral colors are a safe bet, especially off-whites, very light browns and beiges. Avoid extremely bold colors, especially on multiple walls, as these can be harsh on your eyes and will be difficult to paint over if you ever choose to repaint again in the future.
Choose paint colors based on carpets and furniture you want to help stand out, and choose a color that's already present in them. This will help to ensure that the paint that you choose ties in nicely with your existing decor choices, rather than clashing awfully. If you must use a bold color, use it on a single wall that isn't going to be a main focal point of the room.
Painting is one of the least expensive parts of home renovation, and if nothing else in your home needs repaired or replaced it can still help breathe new life into an old space. If you're low on time, or simply have a lot of areas to cover, hire a professional to ensure that the job is done right and the final outcome doesn't appear rushed or sloppy. One company that might be able to help you is Kucker Haney Paint Co.