Choose Paint Colors Like a Pro

Wood and Brick

Choosing wall and trim colors to complement the wood tones in your home, as well as any exposed brick (think fireplaces), adds another step to the selection process.

Look at the wood in your house -- from furniture to trim to exposed beams -- and determine the patina of and tones within it.

Is it orange or red? Same goes for brick: Is it whitewashed, giving it a cool tone? Is it a warm red or rust? If you've purchased sample paints and want to test a wall, make sure to paint alongside brick or wood to see how the color will relate to, or clash with, those elements.

-- By Todd Keith