When you're not sure where to start, take stock of the details already present.
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Choosing a paint color for any room is not an easy task, considering there are endless colors and variations to pick from. If you have no clue where to start, look at the materials in your space. For wood, it's smart to incorporate some contrast. For other natural materials, like stone, it's a good idea to rely on complementary shades. Whether you're giving a kitchen with dark hardwood floors a fresh coat of paint or are redoing a room with prominent brass accents, the simplest place to start is with what elements you already have. Here, we share a few recommendations from designers to help you get one step closer to nailing down a color you'll love.
If you have wood floors, Georgia-based designer James Farmer recommends going for just enough contrast. "For more bold color, pinks and corals look great with blond, bleached, and pickled wood. I love Sockeye by Sherwin-Williams," he says.
Warmer oaks and heart pines are great with sage and silvery greens. Farmer suggests trying Benjamin Moore's Jade Romanesque.
"Darker woods like cherry and mahogany tend to go more red; soft blues like Sea Sprite by PPG look great with the patina of antiques," Farmer says.
Not into blue? Take note of this home by James Farmer, which features dark wood floors with a coat of Wimborne White by Farrow & Ball on both the trim and shiplap. It creates an ultra-sophisticated look. Another stellar option? Benjamin Moore's Linen White.
If you have natural materials, play up complementary shades, says Virginia designer Shazalynn Cavin-Winfrey. "One unexpected color I like to use is cerulean, like Buckland Blue by Benjamin Moore, which creates a nice contrast and feels less formal," she says.
Another good choice for brick? Green. In this office by Cavin-Winfrey, Hillside Green was used on the walls and Misted Fern on the trim and cabinets (both by Benjamin Moore).
"To pull the warmth out of gray rock, try Subdued Sienna by Sherwin-Williams—it's a beautiful, almost translucent color," Cavin-Winfrey says.
When working with brass, Cavin-Winfrey prefers warmer tones. If you're set on a neutral, go for Farrow & Ball's Skimming Stone, which is a warmer gray.
"I find that blue paint colors with a down-to-earth and grounding feel pair wonderfully with cooler metallic or metal finishes, such as chrome, pewter, or stainless steel," designer Keita Turner says. "Who doesn’t want to feel grounded these days? Complement the environment with elements of warm wood tones to achieve both the ideal elegant and practical results." Turner suggests trying Farrow & Ball’s De Nimes.
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