The Vexing Issue of Paint Colors

How do I pick out paint? Very Carefully. It is not an easy task to do. Most people look at their two inch square chip and make the decision in the paint store under artificial light. The next thing they know is that they are making their second trip back to the paint store to pick a more toned down version of choice number one.

My steps are choosing a warm or cool color palette, pick the color I like and tone it down a bit. Next, I take a few chips and hang them on my wall for a few days. What looks good 9:00 am one sunny day may take on a whole new look at 4:00 when the clouds moved in.

After a few days the choice becomes clear. This photo is of a clear coat put on top of a paint color- a technique called "Candle Light" by Ralph Lauren. It plays with light and adds an interesting sheen to the walls.