You spent FOREVER picking out the right hue but now that it's going up on the wall, you're panicking that you made the wrong choice.
"Oh no, what did I do?!"
No one ever said change was easy. Even the changes we ask for can be challenging to adapt to: changing jobs, getting a new car, ...updating wall paint colors in your home.
Expect to have a little "paint shock" anytime you make a major change like this in your home.
If you're freaking out over the new color going up on your walls, take a deep breath and reserve judgement until you've tried these tips:
1. Trust the process.
You chose this color to coordinate with your existing items, or with the new items you'll be installing. Have faith in your decision-making process and that you already determined that this was the best choice.
2. Do not judge the new color while you're still painting over the old color.
Don't quit yet.
Even with the primer, the overlap of colors makes both look terrible. Fresh paint needs time to dry and the color may look different once it does.
Finish the job and paint the whole area so you get a real sense of the finished look.
3. Set up the room.
Once your new color is up on the walls, put the room back together so you can see how all the colors and textures look together.
Color is impacted by the items around it. You won't be staring at a bare wall every day; You'll be living/working/playing/eating/interacting in this space with all of the items, including the wall color.
4. Change your light bulbs.
The color temperature of your light bulbs has a major impact on how you view the color on your walls. If your bulbs are cool white, swap them out for warm white (or vice versa) to see if you like that better. (There is a lot that goes into lighting, but you get the gist.)
It's also important to remember that natural light and the time of day can all affect how a color appears.
Try to view the room at different times of the day and in different lighting conditions to get a better sense of how the color will look in the long run.
5. Give yourself time to adjust.
Don't panic buy 6 other color options and start painting swatches all over the place to "try them out." Just like getting used to the way your new car drives, you need to give it some time.
Wait a week or two to get used to the new color and adjust to the change. (We bet you're going to love it!)
Paint shock happens and it is going to be okay.
Bottom line: Don't panic and don't quit. Wait until the room is complete and then decide how you feel.
Happy Designing!
Want help getting your paint colors right the first time and feeling confident with your choices? Our Certified Color Expert uses a trusted, proven process to help you select your perfect color palette. Check out our Color Consultation services or get started by contacting us today!