Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing a Paint Color

Choosing a paint color can sometimes feel like a high-stakes game, especially when the holidays are coming, and you want your home to look festive, fresh, and stylish. After all, you’re probably picturing the perfect holiday setting with friends and family gathered around, and you don’t want to be stuck with a color that feels more Bah, Humbug than Deck the Halls. If you’re in Des Moines, IA, working with interior painting contractors can help take the stress out of this process. Let’s walk through some fun and practical questions to consider as you pick the perfect shade to brighten up your space—without losing your cool (or your sense of humor).

How Do You Want the Room to Feel?

First things first: what’s the mood you want to create in the room? Is this the cozy, family-friendly living room where you’ll be snuggled up with a hot cocoa and holiday movies, or is it your dining room, ready to host the annual holiday dinner? The purpose of the room should guide your color choice.

For spaces like living rooms or dining areas, where you’ll be hosting guests and spending time with family, warm, inviting colors like soft taupes, light greys, or even a rich burgundy can help set the scene. These colors give off a welcoming, comfortable vibe, perfect for cozying up during the cold Minnesota winters. If you’re choosing a color for your bedroom or another private space, cooler tones like soft blues or muted greens can help create a calming retreat after all that holiday hustle. Interior painting contractors in Des Moines, IA, can help you pick colors that match the function and feel of each room, making sure it’s perfect for your holiday celebrations—and beyond.

Is Your Favorite Color a Full-Wall Commitment?

It’s hard not to fall in love with that one bold color that keeps catching your eye. Maybe it’s a punchy orange, a deep navy, or even a bright teal. But before you take the plunge and cover all four walls in it, ask yourself: can you live with that color on every wall? Bold colors are amazing, but sometimes they’re best used in small doses, like on an accent wall or through decor.

If you’re unsure about going all-in on a bold shade, consider using it sparingly. One accent wall in a dramatic hue, balanced with neutral tones on the other walls, can give the room personality without feeling overwhelming. In Des Moines, IA, homes often feature a blend of traditional and modern styles, and interior painting contractors can guide you on how to integrate that favorite bold shade in a way that feels fresh but not overpowering.

How Will the Lighting Play a Role?

Lighting can have a major impact on how a paint color looks once it’s on your walls. What might look like the perfect soft grey in the store can turn into a completely different color under your home’s lighting. Natural light, artificial light, and even the direction your windows face will all affect how the paint appears at different times of the day.

In Des Moines, IA, where winter days are often short and the sun isn’t always shining, it’s important to test out your chosen paint color in your home’s lighting before making a decision. Paint a few swatches on your walls and see how they change throughout the day—what looks perfect in the morning might seem completely different by evening. Interior painting contractors can help you understand how lighting will impact your paint choice, so you won’t have any surprises after the job is done.

Does It Work With Your Furniture?

Your new paint color isn’t going to live in a vacuum—it needs to complement the furniture and decor that’s already in the room. Before you commit to a paint color, take a step back and assess your furniture, rugs, and artwork. Is your furniture bold and colorful? If so, you might want to go with a more neutral wall color to keep things balanced. On the other hand, if your furniture is more understated, you can afford to go bolder on the walls to give the room some personality.

Homes in Des Moines, IA, often feature cozy, functional designs with a focus on comfort, so finding a paint color that works with your existing decor is key. Interior painting contractors can offer expert advice on choosing a shade that complements your furniture and creates a harmonious look throughout the room.

How Will It Look With Your Holiday Decor?

With the holidays right around the corner, you want your home to feel festive—but you also want a paint color that will look just as good when the holiday lights and decorations come down. When choosing a paint color, think about how it will look when paired with holiday decor like garlands, lights, and stockings, but also how it will transition into the rest of the year.

For a color that’s versatile and works well for the holidays, consider warm neutrals like soft ivory, taupe, or even a deep forest green. These shades provide a beautiful backdrop for festive decorations but still feel stylish long after the season ends. Interior painting contractors in Des Moines, IA, can help you select a color that brings out the holiday spirit while staying fresh and timeless throughout the year.

Are You Feeling Trendy or Classic?

Trendy paint colors can be fun, but are you ready to live with them for a few years? If you love keeping up with the latest trends, 2024 is all about earthy tones like terracotta, sage green, and deep browns. These shades are warm, inviting, and bring a sense of natural comfort to your home—perfect for the holidays and beyond.

In Des Moines, IA, where homes often mix traditional charm with modern style, incorporating an on-trend color can give your home a fresh update without feeling out of place. Not sure if you’re ready to commit to a trendy shade? Interior painting contractors can help you strike a balance between trendiness and timelessness, ensuring your home feels stylish but not overly trendy.

Ready to Get Your Home Holiday-Ready?

Choosing the right paint color can feel like a big decision, but with a little thought—and help from interior painting contractors—you can pick the perfect shade to brighten up your home just in time for the holidays. Whether you’re going bold or keeping it classic, a fresh coat of paint can bring new life to any space, making it feel festive, cozy, and ready to welcome guests. If you’re in Des Moines, IA, and looking to update your home before the holidays, now’s the perfect time to start. Call in the professionals at Golden Touch Painters to help you choose the ideal color, and soon your home will be looking fresh, fabulous, and full of holiday cheer!