A fresh coat of paint is one of the most impactful yet cost-effective ways to transform a room. However, selecting the right color involves thoughtful consideration. Questions to consider include the room’s purpose, how colors change with different lighting conditions, and the finish that best suits the space. To help you choose wisely, Real Simple Home 2025 designers share their insights.
Los Angeles-based interior designer Mandy Cheng suggests auditioning colors by painting test squares on walls with varying light exposure to see which hue complements both natural and dim light. Placing the sample at floor level helps evaluate its interaction with flooring.
Mallory Fletchall, a DIY expert from Reserve Home in Brooklyn, aligns paint finish with room function—opting for an eggshell or satin finish in living areas, and semi-gloss for trim. High gloss is reserved for moisture-prone spaces like bathrooms.
Fletchall also praises the impact of painted ceilings, which can alter a room’s atmosphere. A uniform color across all walls, including the ceiling, creates a cozy, enveloping ambiance, while a darker ceiling introduces drama.
Mandy concurs, stating her preference for either statement ceilings or a uniform color sweep across both walls and ceilings.
Diverse rooms require distinct colors. For serene vibes in bedrooms, soft shades like muted greens or blues, earthy beiges, or even a gentle pink may work well. Personal preference and natural light affect perception—colors change dramatically with light fluctuations throughout the day, emphasizing the need for thorough testing.
By swatching, you can observe how sunlight influences color reflections over time, making it easier to finalize the right shade.
