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I haven't been on the decorating board for a while. I've mostly been visiting pets and tv shows.

When I moved into my house 7 years ago I immediately got busy painting and also slowly remodeled a couple of rooms.

I sort of like painting. I think I just like seeing a fresh clean coat go up, and seeing an instant transformation. Unfortunately, I rarely get the color right on the first try. It takes a few gallons, but I eventually get there. Today I painted again for the first time in a while. Pittsburgh Pickling Spice - I thought I'd have fun with this room. As the first coat went up I thought, "Oh, yeah, I don't really like warm colors on the wall." Okay, it's 95 degrees out but I took my time and promised myself not to get upset. But I'm getting there.

I think I'm just venting, but I really do worry that I can never seem to get things right. I keep telling myself to stick with the neutrals (I've done well with them). Every time I get "daring", it's a flop.

Any advice, support, commiserations - heck, even a whack upside the head will be accepted. Thanks for listening.

To answer your question...sure! I call it having a senior moment. LOL!

Color is tricky and if you're unsure, you'll doubt your choice every time...but once you put everything back together, and if you chose a color based on some bit you already have, like a rug or window treatments or upholstery or even an accessory you love, it'll work out. The key is loving what you choose because it speaks to you.

It is so frustrating when paint goes wrong. I feel your pain.

My number one professional tip for choosing paint is to sample it first. Get a sample pot of something you think might work and paint it on a large sheet of poster board. Tape it up on your wall and observe it for at least 24 hours. Notice how it looks during the day, but also at night as the color will change with artificial light. Move the painted poster board from one spot to another so that you can see how the paint does in the more shadowy areas of the room.

The nature of all color is that it is elusive. Color is influenced by everything around it. It is impossible to get color right without seeing it in the actual space. Even though many people resist testing color, not wanting to bother, it truly is the only way to get it right.

Obviously, you're not alone. It can be a trial and error endeavor, but once your eye is pleased, it can be so amazing. I agree w/ cocok, re. trying samples on a test board before commiting to a color once you've narrowed down the search to one or two colors. I have also found that the first coat isn't always a good indicator of the final result. I also feel that living w/ a color and tweaking lighting if need be, can often prove a positive outcome.

No...you don't have to live w/ neutrals, but you can certainly opt for some here and there and then bring color in via fabrics. In fact, we all know that neutral walls can afford greater change in scheme down the line, but as in all colors, even neutral choices can be challenging. This is why I advise one views samples under THEIR lighting conditions vs. a recommendation from someone who had great success w/ a particular color.

Don't worry too much about a wrong wall color choice. Paint is relatively inexpensive and can do wonders for a lackluster space. Life is too short to stick w/ all neutrals when there's such a vast array of options at our disposal. Once you get the knack of seeing undertones and how a wall color sets a mood, you'll wonder what the fear was all about. Keep the faith and do sample boards and you'll end up a happy camper.

Thanks for your support. I sometimes make sample boards, but it's still not the same as surrounding yourself with the color. So I usually just jump right in.

I like the neutrals in my house. I don't think they're "boring beige". Other's will disagree. Even though they may all look alike at first glance, there are subtle differences. One's more pink, one's more green. You understand. There's just a calmness that I like. Maybe it is boring.

I think what annoyed me is that I know from experience that I like cooler, gentler colors, but I still try to do something new. Actually, this green is looking okay. Unfortunately, after a week of spackling and sanding, a couple of areas did bubble up. So know I'm spackling and sanding again. Hopefully I'll get to the second coat tomorrow and I can set up the room, and be happy.

Maybe I am not as fussy or as insecure or as proficient etc etc, but no I don't really have difficulty picking a paint color. I like light clear colors or white.

I definitely do not like the beige, sand, taupe type colors maybe because I do not look well in those colors to wear.

We tend not to change paint colors often. Many, many years ago I picked paint from a sample for my bdrm. First stroke on the wall I knew it was way to dark/bright/deep, and I had a gallon of paint. Bought a gallon of white and just mixed till I had the balance that pleased me.

Came back on to say that if you like beige don't apologize or feel that it is boring! I love beige! Most of my entire house is painted in a custom version of the most delicious beige. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Can you post some pics, 401?

Beige doesn't mean boring by any means. The trick w/ using neutrals, especially soft hues, is to feature contrast (crisp whites, rich chocolates and/or dramatic black are popular choices), print mixes and/or a pop of accent or two. Even neutrals need these elements as well as textural mixes and attention to details to make a room memorable. When selecting a wall color, along w/ the designer's tips mentioned, one must factor in their personal tastes. If you tend to dress yourself in predominately neutrals because that's your personality or personal preference, why not your interior spaces? Neutrals can be calming, clean and stand the test of time. Artwork and accessories can take the forefront in a neutral space as well. For a change of pace and to explore other color families consider painting one wall, a wide band or even a small room in a color outside your normal comfort zone to see how you like it. If neutrals are still your thing, then by all means, stick w/ what pleases YOU. It's your home after all.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Froo Froo,

Good morning! I'm off to paint the second coat (waiting for some spackle to dry). It is a small room. It will be for the occasional guest, but mostly as a yoga/light workout room. I wanted something serene, and ended up a little tropical (maybe it's the heat, or the fact I've been shopping for cruises). I have hardwood floors, a sisal area rug, pine furniture. Oh, is there such a thing as "rustic Caribbean"? That might work!

Anyway, I appreciate everyone's input. We got a little off-topic, but I enjoy hearing different viewpoints. Thank you!

40kpaintchips; I struggle with the same paint decisions and colors! I always start out excited about the "new" color I have in mind, but then it seems impossible to actually have it on the walls. I too am a more neutral color fan and am happy with that, but it still is a challenge for me. I've just recently painted my kitchen gray and really do like it now. But there were several paint samples on the wall and I just finally went with one and said that's it!

I have a hard time choosing paint colors, mainly because I'd like them to harmonize throughout the house. I lean towards neutrals and warm colors, but with little light in our home, I feel warm colors makes it feel too dark/depressing. So, I'm trying to break away and use cool colors. I just can't seem to make myself do it.