Photo courtesy of Coastal Living Magazine |
It sounds so easy. Just point and click. Use that blue that a designer chose at a designer showhouse featured in Traditional Home magazine. Or, follow the lead and paint your walls that 'shade of gray' you loved in Elle Décor.
The problem is that it doesn't translate as well in real life. Your home has different light than the home you saw in House Beautiful. Maybe your floors are dark and your wood furniture has a different stain color than the picture you so want to replicate.
What do you do? Put down that color chip and go to your nearest paint store or call your favorite designer and choose a variety of tones in that shade of blue, for instance. You may need a warmer, grayer blue than the one in the magazine.
Some colors appear reflective. Other shades may be more recessive. You may need a contrast in your room rather than a basketfull of neutrals that will put you to sleep.
It will be trial and error. Sometimes it's easy and sometimes it takes a few go-arounds till you settle on the color of your dreams.
Whatever you do, take your time. Understand that there is a color for you. It's just waiting for you to discover it and love it!