Dear Jean and Richard, We can’t decide which shade of green to use in our den. Do you have any advice on how to go about choosing a good paint color? --Lorri, Lake Toxaway

Jean: Well, you might work for around 25 years as an interior designer, but even then you could choose the wrong one. Because color lies! The swatch whispers, “Florida Fern,” but when you get it on the wall, it screams, “Kansas Corn!”

Richard: And sometimes if the color doesn’t scare you, the change will. Any strong color can be a challenge to get right on a large surface. One tool we use is the larger 8 x 11 sheets of color a good paint store can provide, rather than use dinky swatches. But choosing well is more than selecting the right hue, because so many other things affect it. For one thing, the color you put beside it can alter the tone. Red and blue, for example, will seem to vibrate when you put them side by side- like a cheap motel.

Jean: That may be true, but I’ll bet Lorri will not choose red and blue for the same room. Look at what happens with color under both natural and artificial light. One time a client suggested to the painter that she believed he had slightly changed colors on each wall. But it was only about the difference in how the light hit the walls.

Richard: The reflection of light is what it’s all about. Adjacent colors, artificial light sources, contrasting trim, fabrics and carpet—all dramatically affect the perceived color. For someone who doesn’t pick paint colors that often, a good thing to remember is the color will always be bolder than how it appears on a swatch, so you may want to “gray it” or “brown it” somewhat to tone it down. Something I wish I could do to children in nice restaurants.

Jean: Paint companies usually assume the consumer wants clear, crisp colors to create a fresh, newly-painted look, and they formulate them accordingly. But if you are restoring an historic home or creating an elegant, understated setting you may have to get the paint professionals to mix you a color that falls between swatch selections. Yet no doubt, nothing gives you more change and impact for your money than paint.

Richard: Another consideration for paint is sheen. We use different sheens for different applications. In one Asheville restaurant, for example, we used flat for the upper walls and satin for the lower walls, but they were the same color. The difference is dramatic. Flat finish will move surfaces away and semi-gloss will bring them closer due to the reflection. A little sheen goes a long way for durability and adding excitement, but will show all the surface imperfections.

Jean: Different textures can also affect the color. And as far as which color to choose, surround yourself with colors that you love. Discern the effect you want to achieve. Sophisticated? Whimsical? Institutional? Color speaks all of these languages.

Richard: I just wish I could find a cute Italian.