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One of the biggest changes you can make to your home is by changing the color on the walls. Unfortunately, this can also be one of the most difficult decisions to make. There are hundreds of colors, textures and finishes to choose from and it is easy to get overwhelmed. By preparing yourself before you head to the paint store you can save your self a lot of frustration and a lot of trips back and forth.

The first thing to do is to walk around your home and take in some simple observations. What colors have you used throughout your home already? Sometimes you have used similar colors and tones a few times and may not even know it. By really paying attention to the accents, colors and finishes already in your home, you will be better able to narrow down your color choices. Once you have taken some notes about your home, it’s time to head to the store. Take the color cards home with you and tape them up onto the wall in the room you want to paint. This will give you an idea of how the colors will look in the room with its existing lighting. After you have narrowed down your choices to two or three colors, invest in some paint samples. These mini cans of paint only cost a few dollars but can save you a lot of disappointment. Bring home the paint samples and put blocks of color up on the wall. Taking all of these steps will ensure you will end up with a color you love.

You might be saying, “these are great tips, but what if my house is a blank slate?” Have no fear – there is advice for this too! First, consider the age of your home. If you are planning on revitalizing an older home, a great color idea is to be true to history. Hit the internet and do some searching for photos of what color schemes may have been used at the time your home was built. Also, check out the other homes in your neighborhood. You obviously don’t want to copy them exactly, but they can give you some ideas of where to start. It will also save you from picking colors that will stand out too much and clash with the whole neighborhood!

Another great place to get some color inspiration is right under your nose. Take a look at the nature that surrounds your home. Natural elements can give you a wonderful color palette to borrow from. The trees, grass and flowers that bloom around your home are great inspiration for colors inside your home. You might even find some surprising colors that wouldn’t have crossed your mind if you hadn’t seen them blooming. An additional place for inspiration is in the textiles you have purchased. Even if your home is a so-called ‘blank slate’, you are sure to have a comforter, throw pillows and maybe even curtains. While you don’t want to paint a room exactly how your pillows or curtains look, it can help you realize what color combinations you like.

Familiarize yourself with the color wheel and discover new color combinations that you may not have thought of. It can help you put together some bold colors for a look that is truly individual. No matter what you choose, go with your gut and do some preparation and you will not be disappointed.

Keith Smallwood is the president of Creative Energy Exteriors, a leading provider of Richmond home improvement services and products such as Richmond Infinity from Marvin windows and Richmond Hardieplank siding. Creative Energy Exteriors can be found online at: http://www.creativeenergyexteriors.com.