How to Choose a Paint Color without the Stress
“Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions."
— Pablo Picasso
Choosing the perfect color for your room doesn't have to be rocket science. Let's take the guesswork out of the equation so you'll feel happy — not apprehensive — about making color choices.
I'm not sure what it is about paint color that has homeowners running for the hills. There is something about the permanence of a paint color that makes people think that (gasp!) they can't change it if they don't like it! But choosing a new wall color, trim color, or accent color can overwhelm many people, even to the point of total indecision.
With dozens of paint chips scattered across the floor and taped up on the walls, you might feel like you are no closer to deciding than when you started.
But let's not make this process so darn difficult.
Choosing a paint color can seem intimidating, sure — but it can also be fun, creative, and empowering. I'm here to help you get your color confidence back.
Why People get so Anxious over Paint Colors:
You're not alone if picking a color feels strangely high-stakes. Here’s why:
Fear of regret: No one wants to spend money and time repainting if it turns out wrong.
Too many choices: Walk into any paint store and the options can feel endless.
Pressure to "get it right": Thanks to Pinterest-perfect rooms and HGTV makeovers, we feel like our choices have to be flawless from the start.
Lighting and undertones: Most homeowners don't realize how much lighting conditions and subtle undertones can drastically affect how a color looks on your walls.
How to overcome your paint dilemmas:
Instead of staying stuck, here are a few ways to move forward:
Start with inspiration: Find a photo of a room you love. What colors are used? Make a note of similarities to help you get closer to a color vibe or general direction.
Narrow your choices: Now that you have ideas, pick a color family from your inspiration (e.g., blues, greens, neutrals). Pick up a few samples in that color range to review different shades. Hold the samples up to your wall in different areas to see which ones are your favorites.
Test smartly: Slowly narrow down your choices until you have a few colors in mind. Instead of 15 tiny paint swatches, test a few large samples on different walls to see how they react to the light.
Don't choose in isolation: Look at colors next to your flooring, furniture, and countertops — not just on a white wall.Test them in different times of day. Have family members or friends weigh in on their favorites and why
The simple way to select paint colors:
Want to make the decision easier? Think about the feeling you want the room to evoke:
Relaxing retreat? Soft blues, muted greens, and cozy neutrals work beautifully.
Energizing space? Brighter hues like coral, teal, or sunny yellow can lift the mood.
Elegant and timeless? Grays, greiges, and deep navy are classic choices.
When you lead with how you want the room to feel, it becomes so much easier to narrow down your color options. In the end, you'll feel better about the color choice you've made.
How to feel confident in your choice:
Here’s a little secret:
There’s no one “perfect” color — just the right color for you and your space.
Give yourself permission to experiment. Trust that even if a color feels bold at first, your eyes and emotions will adjust. And if you truly don't love it? Paint is one of the easiest and most affordable design elements to change!
(And spoiler alert: Most of my students find they fall even more in love with their room once they see the color fully on the walls.)
In many cases, you should just listen to your instinct, and just pick the color you love the most. It's sometimes that simple.
Want Even More Help Choosing the Right Color?
If you loved these tips, you’ll LOVE what’s coming inside my upcoming course,The Color Joy Method—a step-by-step course that walks you through my proven process for designing beautiful, budget-friendly interiors using paint and more. Your dream home is just a plan away.
I’ll be walking you through a proven step-by-step process to:
Pick the perfect paint color without overwhelm
Understand undertones and lighting like a designer
Create a whole-home color palette that flows beautifully from room to room
Click here to enroll in The Color Joy Method
And if you can’t wait to get started, grab my FREE Color Personality Guide to find out which colors naturally fit your personal style and energy.
Don't Let Paint Keep You from the Room You Love.
Paint doesn’t have to be scary. With a little guidance, you can make color choices with confidence — and create a home that brings you absolute JOY.
