One Room Challenge Week 5: Pantry Paradise - – A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Color and Painting Your Space

Welcome back to Week 5 of the One Room Challenge. This week, we're diving into one of the most exciting parts of any renovation: choosing the right color and painting your space. Picking the right paint color might seem simple, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. From understanding the impact of color on mood to picking the right paint finish, I’ll walk you through my color-picking process to make sure your space ends up just as you imagined!

Why Color Choice Matters

Color does more than just fill the walls; it sets the tone for the entire room. The right color can make a small room feel bigger, a bright room feel warmer, and can even influence how we feel. Here’s a quick look at how different colors affect the mood:

• Cool Colors (Blues, Greens, Purples): These colors tend to feel calm and serene, making them perfect for bedrooms, bathrooms, and spaces where you want to relax.
• Warm Colors (Reds, Oranges, Yellows): Warm tones create energy and coziness. They’re fantastic for spaces where you socialize or want a vibrant, welcoming feel.
• Neutral Colors (Beiges, Grays, Whites): Neutrals are versatile, creating a balanced background that complements any decor style. They’re a great choice for high-traffic areas or if you love to change decor often.

When choosing colors, think about how you want to feel in each room. Want a calm oasis? Go for cool tones. Want a cozy, social vibe? Try warm colors.

Step 1: Finding Your Color Inspiration

Color inspiration can come from anywhere: nature, a favorite piece of art, or even an accessory in the room. Since this is Week 5 of the One Room Challenge, I started by looking around my pantry to find colors that would make the space both functional and inviting. You can do the same in your space!

Here’s how to gather inspiration:

• Browse Color Palettes Online: Websites like Pinterest and Instagram are full of color schemes. Create a mood board with images and colors that stand out to you.
• Look to Your Decor: If you have any rugs, curtains, or furniture in the room already, consider choosing colors that complement them.
• Get Sample Swatches: Collect paint swatches or sample jars from your local paint store. Seeing colors in person and under different lighting makes a huge difference.

Step 2: Testing Colors – Why Lighting Matters

Here’s a tip from my design playbook: always test your colors! The way a color looks on a swatch isn’t always how it will look on your wall, thanks to natural and artificial lighting. The same paint can look different at various times of day, depending on the room’s lighting.

How to Test Paint Colors:

1. Get Samples: Grab small paint samples and paint swatches directly on your wall. This allows you to see how the color looks on a larger scale.
2. Check Colors at Different Times: Observe the color in morning, afternoon, and evening light to see how it changes.
3. Use Different Walls: If possible, test the color on different walls in the room, especially if the room has varied light sources.

This step helps you avoid surprises and ensures you love the color at any time of day!

Step 3: Choosing the Right Paint Finish

Picking the color is one thing, but choosing the paint finish can make all the difference in achieving your desired look. Different finishes have different levels of durability and shine, so here’s a quick breakdown of the most common types:

• Flat or Matte Finish: Great for hiding imperfections on walls but less durable. Perfect for low-traffic areas.
• Eggshell Finish: Slightly more durable than matte, with a soft sheen. Works well in living rooms and bedrooms.
• Satin Finish: Durable and easy to clean, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and kids' rooms.
• Semi-Gloss and Gloss Finish: Very durable with a shiny finish. These are best for doors, trim, and areas prone to moisture.

For my pantry project, I’m leaning towards a satin finish since it’s easy to clean and will hold up well over time. Think about the level of traffic and potential wear in your space when choosing the finish.

Step 4: Planning Your Painting Day

Once you’ve settled on a color and finish, it’s time to get ready for painting day! Here are some simple steps to help you prepare for a smooth painting process:

1. Gather Supplies: Make sure you have all the essentials: paint, rollers, brushes, painter’s tape, drop cloths, and a ladder if needed.
2. Prep Your Walls: Clean your walls to remove any dust or grime, fill in any holes with spackle, and sand down rough areas for a smooth finish.
3. Tape and Cover: Use painter’s tape to protect edges, trim, and baseboards, and lay down drop cloths to catch any drips.
4. Start with a Primer: If you’re painting over a dark color or a new surface, use a primer to help the paint adhere evenly.

Painting can be a messy job, but a little prep work goes a long way to ensuring a professional-looking finish.

Step 5: Applying the Paint – The Fun Part!

Now, it’s time to bring that color to life! Here’s my simple approach to getting an even, beautiful finish:

1. Start with the Edges: Use a brush to paint around the edges and corners first. This technique, called “cutting in,” helps you get a clean line where the wall meets the trim.
2. Roll in Small Sections: Use a roller to paint the larger areas of the wall in small sections, applying even pressure and overlapping each stroke to avoid streaks.
3. Apply Multiple Coats: Depending on the color and finish, you may need two or three coats for full coverage. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next one.
4. Final Touches: Once everything is dry, remove the painter’s tape carefully and make any small touch-ups with a brush.

Seeing the color transform your room is one of the most rewarding parts of any project. Plus, the freshly painted walls bring everything together beautifully!

Conclusion

Choosing the right paint color and finish can elevate a room in ways you wouldn’t believe. From finding color inspiration to testing shades under different lighting, every step brings you closer to a space that feels just right. If you’re taking on your own painting project, remember that it’s all about balancing the aesthetic with practical considerations like lighting and durability.

Thanks for following along with my One Room Challenge journey! I hope this guide helps you create the perfect color scheme in your own space. And, as always, if you need personalized design advice, feel free to reach out for a discovery call – I’d love to help you bring your vision to life!

‍