Essential Guide to Choosing Paint Colors for Your Renovation or New Build

Renovating your home can be an exciting, yet overwhelming, process. One of the biggest decisions you'll face is choosing the perfect paint colors. Where do you even begin? The key is to find a jumping-off point – a design element that inspires your entire palette. For many, especially during a bathroom or kitchen remodel, that starting point can be your tile selection.

Why Start with Tile?

Tile offers a fantastic foundation for building your color scheme. It often incorporates multiple hues, textures, and patterns, providing a wealth of inspiration. Because tile is a permanent choice, selecting your tile before paint allows flexibility in your paint selection. This approach ensures the wall color complements the already-chosen features.

Finding Your Inspiration

Beyond tile, consider other fixed elements in your home. A beautiful rug, a favorite piece of art, or even a stunning view from your window can serve as that initial spark. The goal is to identify the colors you love and want to highlight in your space.

Here are some other ideas for design inspiration:

• Artwork: Pull colors from paintings or prints.

  
  

• Rugs: Use the dominant colors and patterns in your rugs. Or if the rug is heavy on color and pattern, choose a light neutral to let the rug be the star of the room.

  
  

• Textiles: Curtains, upholstery, and bedding can all inspire your palette.

  
  

• Nature: Draw inspiration from the colors of your garden or landscape.

Tips for Choosing the Right Paint Colors

• Consider the Undertones: Pay attention to the undertones in your tile and paint. Do they have warm or cool undertones? Matching undertones will create a more harmonious look.

• Use Paint Samples: Always test paint samples in your space before committing to a color. Observe how the colors look in different lighting conditions throughout the day. When you work with me, I will provide large color samples so you can ditch the multiple paint pots.

  
  

• Don't Be Afraid to Experiment: Renovating is a chance to express your personal style. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try something new!

  
  

• Work with the lighting you have in each space: Gather samples of paint colors and notice how they appear at different times of the day. This step is essential for ensuring that the chosen colors look great in various lighting conditions. For example, a soft beige might appear warmer in the morning light but shift to a cooler tone in the evening.

Choosing a paint color palette doesn't have to be daunting. By using your existing design elements, especially your tile, as a guide, you can create a cohesive and beautiful space that reflects your personal style. Remember to consider undertones, test paint samples, and most importantly, have fun with the process! Happy renovating!

Applying this tool in practice

For this basement renovation project, the stunning celadon quartzite served as the perfect springboard for the entire color palette. Its lovely hues of taupe and gray set the tone, guiding the selection of the square tiles that followed. Next up were the hex tiles, featuring a fun mix of white, chocolate brown, and sage—each adding a unique flair to the space. To create a seamless flow, I chose Pale Oak as the main paint color, effortlessly tying in with the shower tiles. But to inject a bit of drama, I introduced one of my all-time favorite Sherwin Williams colors: Urban Bronze. This rich, dramatic hue not only adds depth but also brings a warm, inviting vibe with its brown undertones. When it came to the media wall, I was determined to go dark. With a large TV and a black ping pong table in the mix, blending these elements was essential. Additionally, there was a tiny mechanical closet and door in the guest room—another opportunity to downplay its presence by painting it in that striking dark color. The rest of the walls were painted in the soft taupe of Pale Oak, creating a cohesive backdrop. The bedroom ceiling presented a challenge with its various heights, but by painting the entire room—including the ceiling—in Pale Oak, I was able to minimize sight lines and create a more unified look. Now that the foundation is set, this basement is ready for the finishing touches of art and decor. But for now, let the ping pong games begin!