Guest Blog by Sue O’Connell, Architectural Color Consulting
I often hear from clients that they fell in love with a color after seeing it in a friend’s home, at a favorite restaurant, or in another public space – only to be completely baffled when that same color looks entirely different on their own walls.
While there are many factors to consider when selecting paint colors for an interior project, one of the most critical is lighting. Light is the essence of color – without it, we wouldn’t see any color at all. It makes sense, then, that a color will vary depending on the amount and type of light in a room. Simply put, lighting plays a major role in how any color appears on your walls.
Daylight provides the most balanced illumination, yet it shifts continually throughout the day. Morning light can feel cool, while afternoon light often adds warmth to a space. In the evening, artificial lighting takes over – usually softer and more diffused, which can make colors appear more muted. The function and orientation of a room should always influence your color choice. For example, a warm paint color is generally recommended for a north-facing room, while cooler tones help balance a south-facing one.
Given these variables, it’s essential to test your paint colors before committing to a full project. A professional painting contractor like Catchlight, Inc, can help you evaluate colors under different lighting conditions. I suggest applying two coats of paint (on a primed white surface or trim-colored backdrop) in a 2′ x 2′ sample area. Observe how the color “behaves” in morning, afternoon, and evening light. Then, test that same color on multiple walls in the room – windows, shadows, and overhead fixtures will all influence how the color reads. This simple process can save both time and money by confirming your color choice before painting the entire space.
Any home improvement project is an investment, and if it involves paint, you’ll want to choose colors you’ll love for years to come. Partnering with a color consultant in Boston who can guide your selections, along with the painting professionals at Catchlight Inc., ensures your home’s new look is both cohesive and enduring.
Sue O’Connell
Architectural Color Consulting
