Constance Ramos, host of HGTV’s Color Correction, says finding the right color is a lot easier than many people think. Simply go with your gut. If you’re drawn to green shades, then that’s a color to think about. Or, suggests Shannon Kaye, host of the DIY network’s Fresh Coat, look for a room or corner in your home that feels especially inviting — that’s where you’ll find the colors and tones that are right for you. You can also try to match the hues from a favorite piece of art or a pillow that you can

Paint Before You Paint!

Once you’ve got a few possibilities, buy samples. It’s important to paint a large swatch somewhere so you can decide whether you can live with the look — this lets you see how the paint takes to your wall and changes with your room’s natural light. The color you pick first is likely to be more intense than you expect once it’s actually on a surface, says Kaye, so a good bet is to go for one that’s a few shades lighter than your favorite.

Satin, Glossy, Eggshell — Oh, My!

Got your color? Then you’re ready to pick your finish. Typically, you’ll want a latex paint with a satin or flat finish for walls, says Ramos. For more dramatic elements, and for moldings or door casings, the pros will suggest gloss. Gloss paint tends to stand up to wear and tear better, but on a wall it will be very shiny and defects or bumps will show up more. Also avoid gloss in rooms with a lot of light, where it could become overwhelming

Prep, Prep, Prep

Don’t skimp here. Wash down every surface you’re painting (ceilings, too!) with a soapy sponge and hot water, and sand down any bumps. Put on a coat of primer first to provide a solid foundation for a smooth and uniform coat. Add some of the color you picked to a white primer, tinting it 30 to 40 percent, so your bottom coat becomes a real base for your main color, suggests Kaye.

Color Phobe?

Start small. If you’re used to neutral tones, paint just one wall of a room a different color, or try this fun project: Kaye paints just an accent square or rectangle on a wall in a fun, bold color. To do it, create a 4 by 4-foot square or a 2 by 4-foot rectangle using a pencil and painter’s tape, then fill it in with a color you’ve always wanted to try. It becomes a decorative element in the room — you can hang photos or artwork inside. Even a little color can go a long way!

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