Choose Paint Colors Like a Pro

Learning About Light

After you familiarize yourself with the basics of color theory and learn about your own color preferences, make a careful study of the play of light in your home. Take several days, and document how both natural and artificial light look in the room or rooms you want to paint. Take digital photos as a record.

Which direction do the rooms face? Are they flooded with pale morning or bright afternoon light? Do they receive much natural light at all? And how do lamps and overhead lights affect the room throughout the day?

Tip: Select two similar hues of a favorite shade, one lighter than the other. Paint the lighter one on the sunniest wall to enhance the effect of light in the room.