I recently dug through some old copies of BHG and rediscovered a tiny favorite: a February piece full of sharp, bite-sized advice on choosing, using, and loving color. Paint is basically my best friend, so I’d dog-eared that page and circled more than a few quotables. When I found it again, I wanted to share the best bits—short, smart reminders that sum up a lot of what we try to explain elsewhere, only faster. Who doesn’t appreciate a good shortcut?
Below are BHG’s color tips, refreshed into a clear, practical list with a few quick sidenotes to clarify how we use these ideas at home:
1. “When you’ve found the right color on a paint card, go a step lighter. Colors look darker on the wall. The lightest two colors on a card deliver more punch than you expect. Unless you’re after drama, stick with them.”
Note: This is especially true for vibrant hues like blues, greens, reds, and yellows. Neutrals—grays, browns, and warm beiges—can sometimes hold up when chosen deeper, but for bold colors try a lighter swatch than you think you need.
2. “Using different shades of a color—various blues, for example—is an easy way to pull a room together. To prevent monotony, vary textures and add a pop of a different color in a pillow, throw, or vase.”
Note: A colorful rug or an off-white lampshade can also wake up a space and add interest without overwhelming it.
3. “Follow the rule of three. When you pick a color, use it at least three times in a room.”
Note: This is a solid beginner tip for creating balance, though rules can be broken—one striking accent in an otherwise neutral room can be stunning when it’s done with intention.
4. “Think of hallways as palate cleansers—the sorbet served before the next course. Keeping them neutral lets you introduce any color in adjoining rooms.”
Note: Neutral hallways harmonize different room palettes. If you prefer drama, though, a bold hallway or entryway can make a memorable statement.
5. “Look in your closet. You are your own best inspiration for color.”
Note: If your wardrobe leans monochrome, check accessories like shoes and jewelry for clues to the tones you naturally like—those often translate well into home decor.
6. “Don’t sweat slight color variations between fabrics and walls. The best rooms are slightly off—stronger, lighter, softer—but not a perfect match to a swatch.”
Note: Perfect matching often feels flat. Subtle differences create texture, depth, and a more sophisticated layered look.
7. “When you spread color around a room, think about proportion. For three colors, try a 70/20/10 distribution. For two colors, go 70/30.”
Note: Use the largest portion for dominant elements (walls, sofa, rug), a secondary color for larger accent pieces, and a small pop for accessories. Three or more colors layered thoughtfully usually feel livelier than strict two-color schemes.
8. “The back of a fabric, curtain, comforter, or rug is sometimes more interesting—and toned down—than the front. If hems or seams won’t show, flip it.”
Note: Designers do this often. The reversed side can be subtler and surprisingly elegant for pillows or drapery.
9. “Get out the digital camera. A photo can reveal problem spots. Add colorful accessories, take a photo, and compare.”
Note: Photos make it easier to judge balance, scale, and whether a corner needs another element to feel complete.
10. “In a small room, keep the walls the same color as the primary upholstered furniture. The room will seem twice the size.”
Note: Exact matches aren’t necessary—a tone or two difference achieves the same spacious effect while keeping things interesting.
11. “The era of the bright white ceiling is over. Paint the ceiling a shade lighter than the walls to visually raise it; go a shade darker to bring it down and add coziness.”
Note: Treat the ceiling as the room’s fifth wall. Carrying or coordinating wall color onto the ceiling creates cohesion and mood.
12. “Paint is the least expensive mistake you can make. Be brave. The worst-case scenario is that you’ll have to repaint.”
Note: If you’re hesitating, remember that repainting is simple and relatively inexpensive—so experiment and learn what you love.
13. “To tell if a color has a pinkish, grayish, or greenish cast, compare similar swatches side by side. It’s all about comparison.”
Note: Always check swatches at different times of day. Light changes how undertones read.
14. “Think of neutrals as peacemakers. They help colors get along.”
Note: Neutrals include a wide range: tans, creams, grays, muddy blues, khaki-greens, and soft whites—any shade that calms and supports stronger hues.
15. “Wallpaper or paint the inside of a bookcase to set off what’s displayed. Use the same paper around lampshades for continuity.”
Note: Painting or papering interiors—bookcases, cabinet backs, closet interiors—creates a focused backdrop that highlights objects and adds a curated feel.
There you have a compact collection of paint and color tips to help upgrade your home. Which of these resonate with you? Do you have your own color rules or tricks to share? Spill the beans.