Taking the Stress out of Choosing Paint Colors

Choosing paint colors can feel very overhwelming. In the past, I have agonized for hours about what paint color to choose and fearing making a mistake. I have defintely chosen paint colors that I regretted using, but the great thing about paint is that anything can be fixed with a little extra work. So, I am writing this post today to take the paralyzing stress of choosing paint colors away.

Right now I am in the middle of this process for my girls' bedroom, and having to navigate the opinions of two small humans defintely doesn't simplify the task!

1. Start With the Mood

Before reaching for a paint swatch, think about how you want the room to feel. Calm and cozy? Bright and playful? Airy and clean?

For example, in my daughters’ room, I want a soft, joyful vibe that still feels timeless. If they had their way, there’d be rainbows painted on every wall (and honestly, that could be fun!). But for now, we’ve narrowed it down to pink or purple—both playful, but still classic enough to grow with them.

2. Look at What You Already Have

Take stock of the furniture, fabrics, flooring, and fixtures in the room. If you’re not replacing major items, your paint colour should complement what’s already there.

In our home, for our living room I wanted a soft, cozy white that would keep the room feeling airy and pair nicely with our gray sectional couch and black lght fixtures. I ended up choosing White Dove by Benjamin Moore.

Our living room: I wanted a cozy, warm room. I chose BM White Dove and BM Wrought Iron for the Feature wall

3. Use a Mood Board (Pinterest Is Your Best Friend)

Creating a visual mood board can be a game-changer. Pin rooms you love, colours that catch your eye, and see what themes emerge. Sometimes you’ll notice you're consistently drawn to warm tones, muted shades, or a specific colour family.

I’ve been slowly adding inspiration to my girls’ bedroom board, and it’s helped clarify that I’m leaning toward dusty pinks and soft lavenders with neutral undertones—nothing too bubblegum or neon.

4. Test Before You Commit

Lighting can dramatically affect how a colour looks. Always test your paint swatches on different walls and check them throughout the day as the natural light shifts.

I like to paint sample patches directly on the wall (or use peel-and-stick samples), so I can really see how it interacts with the room's light, especially near windows or darker corners.

Our master bedroom under renovation: I tested out several different paint colours for the space

5. Consider the Flow of Your Home

If you’re painting multiple rooms, think about how they connect. Choosing colours that complement each other from room to room creates a cohesive, calming flow throughout your home.

Since most of our house leans neutral—soft whites, warm woods, and gentle greiges—I want the girls’ room to have a pop of personality, but not clash with the rest of the house.

Final Thoughts

Choosing paint colours can feel like a huge decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Let your space—and your family—inspire you. Whether you’re creating a calming retreat or a cheerful kids’ room, the best colour is the one that makes you feel at home.

I'll be sharing more updates as we dive into painting the girls’ room this summer, but for now, I'm feeling excited about planning and dreaming about what the space could look like.