The task of selecting paint colors can take loads of time if you haven't already selected options and begun making choices by the time the painters arrive. They are there to paint, not help you make selections or stand around while you waffle about the perfect choice. You can easily cut out 3 - 4 days time if you are ready when they arrive to paint.
I have had a busy day today and I met with a client this morning who has been challenged by selecting paint colors on her own. I often recommend to clients that when we are selecting the perfect white or cream paint, just selecting from a basic paint deck is not enough. After doing this for 12 years for builders and their clients, I have several "tried and true" tips.
We have our favorites, some of which are listed below, (
Sherwin Williams) but I always order LARGE (8 1/2 X 11) samples from our paint suppliers and we tape those up on the wall to see how they change in the space and how light affects them. If you aren't working with a designer and want to paint directly on the wall, you can always purchase a small sample pot and paint on the wall yourself if you are planning to paint over the existing walls anyway.
SW6119 Antique White
SW61126 Navajo White
SW6385 Dover White
SW7008 Alabastor
Once you have selected the perfect paint color, start keeping a paint sample page. This helps you always know what the colors in your home are and you will also see if there is a flow between rooms (no more digging in the garage through dried up paint cans trying to remember what colors you used). Very simply, just cut and paste the paint chips from each room on a piece of paper with the paint description underneath.
Next time I will address how to keep a trim paint color the same throughout the house, while changing up wall and ceiling colors.
Do you have any "tried and true" tips that have worked for you when selecting your paints? Leave them as a comment here. Thanks!