How to Choose the Right Interior Paint Color: A Colorado Homeowner’s Guide
Choosing the perfect paint color is one of the most exciting parts of a home project—but it can also be one of the most overwhelming. In a state like Colorado, where our homes are flooded with bright sunshine, dramatic seasonal changes, and breathtaking natural scenery, picking the right color goes beyond simply liking a shade on a paint swatch.
Understanding how undertones, lighting, and even the time of year can affect your color choices is key to creating a home that feels balanced, welcoming, and perfectly "you." Let’s walk through some expert tips to help you choose paint colors with confidence!
The Secret Language of Color: Understanding Undertones
Not all neutrals are created equal.
When you see a "beige," "gray," or "white" paint sample, there's often a subtle undertone hiding beneath the surface—warm yellows, cool blues, earthy greens, or even soft pinks.
These undertones are what give neutrals their unique personalities. For example:
A gray with a blue undertone will feel crisp and cool.
A beige with a yellow undertone will feel sunny and cozy.
A white with a pink undertone might feel unexpectedly soft or even "peachy" under certain lighting.
Choosing a neutral without paying attention to its undertone can result in a room that feels "off," even if you can't immediately put your finger on why.
Pro Tip: Always compare potential paint colors side-by-side with pure white to help reveal their true undertones.
How Colorado Light Changes Everything
Light dramatically affects how we perceive color—and Colorado’s intense natural light is no exception!
Depending on the direction a room faces, the same color can look totally different:
North-facing rooms tend to have cooler, bluish light, which can make colors appear grayer and crisper.
South-facing rooms are drenched in warm, golden light, making colors appear warmer and sometimes even washed out.
East-facing rooms enjoy bright, gentle morning light but become shadowed and cooler in the afternoon.
West-facing rooms feel cooler in the morning and very warm in the afternoon and evening.
And don’t forget about seasonal shifts:
In winter, sunlight is lower and softer, often casting longer, cooler shadows.
In summer, the sun is higher and brighter, making colors appear lighter and more intense.
All of this means a paint color that looks soft and inviting in winter may feel glaring and too bright by midsummer—and vice versa.
How to Choose Paint Colors That Work Year-Round
Here’s how to outsmart the shifting seasons and unpredictable lighting:
✅ Always test large swatches—not tiny samples! Paint at least 2'x2' sections on multiple walls.
✅ Observe your samples at different times of the day—morning, noon, and night.
✅ Factor in your fixed elements—like flooring, cabinetry, countertops, and trim. Your paint color should coordinate beautifully with these permanent features.
✅ Trust your gut—but also trust natural light. If a color seems "off" at certain times of day, it probably isn’t the right one.
Why a Professional Color Consultation Makes All the Difference
Choosing the right paint color sounds simple, but with so many variables at play, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—or worse, end up with a color that doesn’t live up to your expectations.
At Mavis Design, we specialize in helping Colorado homeowners navigate the complex world of color.
A professional color consultation ensures:
You select shades that complement your home’s natural light.
Undertones are expertly identified and matched.
Your entire space feels cohesive, warm, and timeless.
Whether you're painting a single room or your entire home, working with an experienced designer can save you time, stress, and costly repainting mistakes.
Ready to find your perfect color palette?
Book your Color Consultation with Mavis Design today—and let's create a home you’ll love in every light.
📲 Schedule Your Consultation Here!