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Lawlor says that you should pick a color based on the space itself. You may love the color in the store, but later see that it just doesn’t work in the room you’ve wasted hours painting. She says this is because lighting affects the color as well as other features in the room, like cabinets, countertops or even flooring. To pick the best color for your space, Lawlor says to place colors on the wall and near the features of the room so you can see what color fits best.

When considering colors, Lawlor says another thing to take into account is what mood you want to convey. Do you want your room to have an urban feel, or maybe an eclectic feel? No matter what, if you have a distinct mood in mind you should pick colors for that mood. There are also certain moods for each room that you may want to follow: bedrooms are restful; the family room is lively; bathrooms and laundry rooms can be more fun and exciting; and kitchens should stimulate appetite. Lawlor suggests using neutrals in bedrooms while trying colors like red in the kitchen. She says that bathrooms and laundry rooms are the best place to go crazy with your color.

No matter what, Lawlor says to not be afraid to use a color you love. If you love lime green, try it out. “People are afraid to use paints other than neutrals,” she says. Lawlor suggests combinations like beige grays with accents like purple, teal or orange.

If you’re still not sure about what you want in your home, Lawlor says to look for ideas on Pinterest.

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