How to Select Colors That Reflect Your Style—No Rules, Just Personal Touches

When it comes to giving your home a facelift with paint, one of the most exciting (and often overwhelming) decisions you'll make is choosing the right colors. It’s easy to get bogged down in "rules" that say certain colors belong in certain rooms—think neutrals for living rooms, soft pastels for bedrooms, and bold colors for accent walls. But here's the truth: there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to painting your space. Your home should reflect your style, and that means you have the freedom to choose whatever colors speak to you, no matter where they go.

Embrace the Freedom of Color

The beauty of paint is its ability to transform a room, and that transformation is entirely in your hands. If you’ve always loved rich, moody tones but are told that they’re "too dark" for a bedroom, why not ignore the so-called rule and go for it? A deep navy, forest green, or even charcoal gray can create a cozy, inviting atmosphere perfect for winding down at the end of the day.

Personal style knows no boundaries, and when you take an intuitive approach to choosing colors, the end result will always feel more authentic and personal.

Consider Mood Over "Function"

While color psychology is an interesting concept (blue can promote calmness, yellow can inspire creativity, etc.), it’s not the only thing to consider. Think about how you feel in a space. Do you love the idea of a playful, energetic space? Perhaps a splash of bright coral or an eye-catching teal is the right choice. If you're drawn to calm, minimalistic interiors, a cool-toned palette with soft blues, whites, and grays might be just what your home needs.

It's also important to think about how you want your home to feel, not just how it's "supposed" to feel. Don’t be afraid to introduce colors that surprise you, challenge conventions, or evoke a special memory.

Test, Test, Test

Still unsure about a color? The key is testing. Buy small sample sizes and paint swatches directly on your walls to get a true feel for the hue. There are even companies that sell peel and stick samples now (check out Samplize and Sherwin Williams for these). Lighting changes how colors appear, so make sure you assess them at different times of the day. What may look like a pale lavender in the store can shift into something much more intense in your home’s light.

Once you have your perfect shades, remember—there are no rules. Whether it’s a bold accent wall or an unconventional pairing of colors in unexpected places, your home is yours to transform with the shades that reflect your personality and your style. In the end, it’s not about following trends or rules but about creating a space that truly feels like home.