-Dave Lenhardt, April 2024

Picking paint colors can be one of the most challenging parts of a renovation. Not only are there seemingly infinite paint swatches to bring home, but which grade of paint or finish do you choose? Do you hire out or do it yourself?

Let’s narrow down the options.

After going through the process of deciding on paint colors in at least 8 different homes and apartments (& one condo building), I’ve come to realize that it’s often best to save your brain cells for more important decisions and use what has worked in the past. Here are some basic rules I’ve come up with over the years:

  • Use latex paint for anything other than metal. Use rustoleum on metal baseboard heaters, etc.
  • Change out any light fixtures or bulbs BEFORE you consider any paint colors. (I’ve see the same color look brown in one light and completely grey in another.)
  • Decide whether you’re painting for you, or to appeal to potential future home buyers.
  • If you’re painting for you, I like to get a few pieces of super thin plywood a couple feet by a couple feet in size (I think you can also buy purpose-made cardstock pieces too) and prime them white, then any color you think might work in your space. Move the painted board around your home every couple days and get a feel for how the paint looks on different walls at different times of day. Take. Your. Time. You can also do that with pieces of trim if you’re considering painting the trim something other than white.
  • If you’re painting to appeal to the majority of future buyers, it gets a little easier.
    • Paint all the moulding semi-gloss pure white.
    • Pick one of the colors below for the walls. Use eggshell finish if they’re smooth drywall, or *flat* paint if the walls are bumpy horsehair plaster. I use flat in rentals, kid’s rooms, etc. if the walls are bumpy plaster, and have never had a problem keeping them clean. (The paint store will often try to talk you out of flat like it’s some sort of poison, but trust me, it’s amazing.)
    • Spend a little more for the grade that’s an all-in-one primer / paint and supposedly works with only one coat, as well as whatever thickness of roller that’s recommended to get that result. Who has time to paint more than 1.5 times over a wall?!?
My Go-To Colors:

Sherwin Williams Olympus White (SW-6253): Same color “family” as Serious Gray. Used on interior walls of most living spaces, especially those visible from my Serious Gray dining room.

Sherwin Williams Serious Gray (SW-6256): Same color “family” as Olympus White; constantly getting compliments on this darker color used in my dining room.

Benjamin Moore Gray Owl (OC-52): Interior walls on rental properties. Recommended by my painter, and goes well with everything so far!

Sherwin Williams Egret White (SW-7570): A “greish” I use on walls next to wooden cabinetry or trim.

Reach out anytime and we’ll discuss your what colors might work in YOUR home!