1. Consider the following: Warm or Cool?

   Colors are often referred to as "warm" and "cool." Orange, red, and pink are considered "warm" colors, while blues, greens, and violet are thought to be "cool." Knowing the theory behind color can help you select the right tone for the feel you're trying to achieve. So, if you want a vibrant and energized room, pick warm colors. If you want a calm, and relaxing room, use cool colors.

2. Know that White is Not Always White

   Many people think they can not go wrong with white paint, and it will match everything. However, trying to find the perfect white can be a challenge! Beiges and off-whites have subtle color, so, even if you are using "white" do not forget to compare paint chips to your fabrics and flooring to determine if a warmer pinkish or yellow-toned white -- or a cooler, bluer white -- is best for your room.

3. Never forget anything because you are going to Keep Notes as You Shop

   Take a pen along with you, so that as you look at paint chips and color cards, you can make a note on the back, telling yourself the name of the store where you picked it up, and the paint brand if this information isn't printed there already. This way you can match the paint to another paint, or purchase it elsewhere if desired, but get the same thing. Since most home centers and hardware stores carry more than one brand of paint, you may discover the perfect color, and then find you can't remember where you got the sample! Then you'll have to start over.

4. Always Be Sure To Shed a Little Light On The Situation
   
   Lighting in your home changes throughout the day from morning to night, so the best way to get a realistic view of a paint color is to look at it in many lights. Take the paint chip outside to see it in natural light. Look at in under an incandescent and fluorescent light. And last but not least, take the paint chip, fabrics, and accessories to the room in which they'll be, and see what they look like there.
5. Measure

   Don't just buy paint haphazardly and hope you get enough. Take your room measurements before you purchase paint. If you need to ask a professional to help you determine the correct quantity of paint to buy for your job. Use your numbers to consult an online paint estimators to get an idea of how much paint you'll need for your project. Remember primer and trim paints.

6. Never hesitate to Ask, Ask, Ask!

   Go both online and to your local paint store to get advice. Talk to a paint professional about your project and goals for your decorating project. Ask which paint products they recommend, and why. Get information on specialty paints such as low-odor, stain-killing primers, chalkboard paint, washable paint, and many more.

7. Custom Color Matching

   If you want to achieve a perfect match or find a truly unique color, your paint store or home center offers custom color mixing. This makes it possible to bring in a fabric swatch, painting, or other color reference, and have a paint color created to be a perfect match.

8. Test it out

   When you think that you've picked the perfect color, buy a pint of paint to do a test patch. This will prove to be excellent insurance for less than $10.00. Paint a 12-48" square on a board or directly on your wall. Look at it during the day, morning, evening, and night. How does it look with with the room's flooring, wallcoverings, and fabric choices? If it isn't right, get another pint and try again. We like to test three colors at once to save time. You'll undoubtedly find the right color.

See the Plane

For the most accurate color representation, view paint samples vertically (up against the wall) and view carpet samples set flat on the floor. If you do this, you'll see how the colors will look when they're applied to your space.

Color Contamination

Once you've gotten your test sample up on the wall, notice whether the color you're testing might be adversly affected by other colors in a room.

For example, if your room is currently painted pink and your test patch is beige, it is likely that the pink will reflect onto the beige, changing the color. The same would go for blue or yellow. Or if there are colored curtains on the windows, their color will reflect onto your new paint. To get the best idea of how the room will look. place the painted sample up on the wall and place the flooring samples on the floor. Test the color in a room with the same exposure to sunlight. Find a room that is neutral.

Let It Dry

Wet paint color often looks different from dry paint. Don't panic when you first see the paint applied to the wall. Let it dry, then check it with your other samples (fabric, tiles, carpet) to decide if it looks right. Paint can also look out of place in an empty room. Bring in a few room elements (a chair, painting, or window treatment) to see how it all works together.

Always Have White Around

Having some extra white paint, carefully sealed in a container, can never hurt. Use it to lighten some paint that's too dark. Or use it to dilute your wall color by 3/4 for use on the ceiling. Just make sure to use the same kind of paint (flat latex for example), mix thoroughly, and make enough of the new color to finish the project. It will be impossible to mix up more later.

Give It Time

Getting used to a new room color might take a few days. A new bold color may seem overwhelming at first. Put some furniture, flooring, and fabric in the room. You'll probably be pleasantly surprised to see that your new color harmonizes with other room elements.