How you use colour depends on where you plan to use the colour. Each room as its own unique elements and functions. First, think about the structure of the room. Consider its shape and size. A lighter colour can make a small room feel more spacious, while a dark colour can help an immense room feel cozier.
What kind of architectural details does the room contain? Think moulding, trim, columns, or brackets. What’s attractive and what’s not? Varied intensities and hues can complement architecture, finishings, and art. Remember, paint can both accentuate and hide a room’s features.
Will the main purpose of the room be eating, sleeping, working, entertaining, or something else entirely? A warm hue in the living room gives a more comfortable and inviting atmosphere for guests than a cooler colour, which might be more appropriate in a bedroom or bathroom.
Think about where the room is situated in relation to other rooms, such as low vs. high traffic. Flat finishes are good for low-traffic areas of your home because it takes more effort to remove stains from this type of paint. Aim for a muted low-reflecting finish on ceilings, adult bedroom walls, and dining rooms.
Use low-lustre, satin, and eggshell paint on areas where a sheen is desired. These paints are easier to clean than flat paint, and hold up better under repeated washing. They withstand the wear-and-tear of high-traffic areas more easily than other finishes, like hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, children’s rooms, and playrooms.
Semi-gloss and high-gloss paint and enamel are excellent for banisters, railings, shelves, kitchen cabinets, furniture, doorjambs, windowsills, and any other surface you wish to highlight.
Note: The higher the gloss, the more it emphasizes any surface imperfections.
Choose a design direction by working with existing elements in your home. For example, if you’ve already chose your interior decor or if you’re working with a room that’s already furnished, focus on a favourite fabric, piece of art or furniture, or other object.
If you still can’t settle on a colour, try our online paint selector! You can search for the perfect shade, then order online and pick it up in-store..
Have colour confidence! Don’t be afraid to paint bold and bright. If your room is unfurnished, a vibrant colour can fill it in until you can fill it out.
Consider yourself above all by using paint colour to reflect your mood and personality. If you’re having trouble selecting a colour, try looking in your closet. The colours you enjoy wearing are the ones that make you feel good. You’re the one who’ll live with the colour you end up choosing, so go with shades you love.
When selecting an interior finish, try choosing a water-based enamel instead of an oil-based gloss. Water-based gloss enamels emit less odour than conventional oil-based paints, are much easier to clean up after, and wear better over time.
Avoid low-quality paint and go for a high-quality selection because the latter will perform better for a longer period of time. It’s less prone to yellowing as it ages, goes on smoother, and won’t leave as many brush marks as inexpensive paint. It’s also easier to wash and is much more dirt-resistant.
Get sample quarts to review your colour and finish selections at home. Paint a piece of scrap material, like cardboard or even a small portion of wall, to study the effects of various light conditions on your potential colour(s).
When choosing a brush or roller you have two options: natural or synthetic.
Bristles: Usually made with animal hair, hog hair is best. Natural bristle brushes are best used with oil-based or alkyd paint.
Rollers: They are usually made with mohair or lambswool and are best with oil-based paints.
Bristles: Made with nylon, polyester, or a combination, they can be used with oil or latex paint.
Rollers: Usually made with nylon, polyester, or a combination. Synthetic rollers are best with water-based paints.
For latex paint, you should only use synthetic brushes. For oil-based or alkyd paints, you can use either synthetic or natural bristle but it's always a good idea to check the manufacturer's recommendations.