We talk about paint A LOT as many of you probably know. But in all fairness how can we not when it’s a lifechanging product that only makes our lives happier (and prettier and usually at a decent price)? Wellllll ok, it only makes your life happier (and prettier) once you’ve finally chosen a color and slapped it up on your walls. Until then, it feels like the hardest decision likely of your life. I’m pretty sure I had multiple waking nightmares deciding between five different shades of the “the right white”(see here for proof of that process). But the best thing about THIS post is it has ALL of the paint posts we’ve ever done in one easy to find place (maybe this is a good time to bookmark?). So in here, you will find all our favorite tips, tricks, and colors which will hopefully help to make your decision making much easier.
Per the title, you might be wondering why we are so confident that now is the perfect time to paint. Well, we believe in the transformative power of color and visual physical change. Despite the temporary agony, changing my sad “apartment beige” to a “happy white” made my life feel different because every day I woke up, saw my freshly painted walls and it made me instantly happier (and a year later still does). And we think that right now, to break up the monotony of our days and giving ourselves a new visual lease on life (after a little manual labor) will likely do a world of difference for your overall state of mind.

Heck, even our very own Caitlin did a little research and found that Clare (a paint company) will send you wall sticker swatches to test out before you can also order the paint to your door (no in-store shopping needed). You just might be seeing a personal project post very soon:) But actually there are a few companies (both big and small) that we looked up, to help you get the paint and supplies you want safely. Here is what we found…
- Backdrop – Wall sticker samples, paint supplies and paint shipped to your home.
- Benjamin Moore – Online shop will ship samples, supplies, and color deck, order online for in-store pickup same day.
- Clare – Wall sticker samples, paint supplies and paint shipped to your home.
- Farrow & Ball – Samples and gallons shipped to your home.
- Home Depot – Free home delivery with orders over $45
- Sherwin-Williams – Order online for in-store pickup same day.
- Target – Samples and gallons shipped to your home.
Of course, if your local hardware store carries paint, be sure to call and see if they offer online or over the phone pickup orders. It’s always important to support our small businesses if we can.
Now before we get into all of Emily and the team’s favorite colors we want to reiterate our Painting PSA: Please test before taking the color plunge by painting a sample on either a large piece of paper and taping to the wall or painting a decent-sized swatch directly onto your wall. Then observe the shades during different times of day to see how they interact with your sunlight. Depending on the room’s natural light, the color could look very different depending on the time of day and the room. Save time by taking a little extra time. The more you know:) The End.
Ok as promised let’s get INTO these paint posts…
My 10 Go-To Paint Colors

This post is the ORIGINAL paint post. It may be a little vintage but the colors are just as beautiful. We stand by them.
THE NEUTRALS
My Go-To Neutral Paint Colors

The original neutrals post. Again just as relevant!
15 of Our Absolute Favorite Go-To White & Gray Paint Colors

Here is the new and improved neutrals post with all of our current favorites.
Are We Done With Gray? We Explore + A “How Do You Pick The ‘Right’ Gray Paint” Tutorial

Gray was HUGE in the early ’00s. Then somewhere along the line the design world seemed to not care as much about this once color celebrity, thus begging the question…Are we done with gray? HINT: Only certain tones:)
THE NON-NEUTRALS
My Favorite Non-Neutral Paint Colors

Not into white, gray or beige??? Well then here is our first non-neutrals post. May the color be with you!
12 Bold Blue and Green Paint Colors We’ve Tested (& Approved) So You Don’t Have To

If you look at our portfolio, it’s no surprise we are suckers for blue and green. So we thought we might as round them up all in one post.
Shop Our Favorite Pastel Paint Colors (For Grown-Ups)

There is NO SHAME in the pastel loving game people. Speaking of Caitlin, she said this post spoke to her pale color-loving soul long before she worked at EHD.
Our All-Time Favorite #Adulting Bedroom Paint Colors That Aren’t White

Want a colorful room that feels adult but also relaxing? Look no further.
2019 Paint Color Trends

Why not see what the rest of the design world is painting their walls, right? Also, if ever I needed proof that a bright yellow dining room could be chic, message recieved.
PAINTING TIPS AND TRICKS
Painting Soon? Here’s a Crash Course on Paint Finishes So You Get It Right the First Time

Not only can finding the right color be daunting BUT THEN you need to make sure to find the right finish. We wanted to make that process as painless as possible with this post.
Finally A DIY Anyone With A Paint Brush Can Do: A Series Of The Best Paint Ideas On The Internet

Are you wanting to do something a bit more “out of the box” with your paintbrush? Well, this post is FULL of easy ideas to give your space that special edge.
The Painted Trim – High Impact, Low Cost (One Girl’s Journey + All The Tips & Tricks)

Wait, trim is an awesome opportunity to make your home feel a little more custom. When designing her house, Sara did a deep dive into all things painted trim and laid out everything she learned for your viewing (and doing) pleasure.
Trend Alert (?) Is The Accent Ceiling The New Accent Wall? + 5 Easy (and Budget-Friendly) Ways To Take Your Room To The Next Level

Don’t forget about the most forgotten wall in your home. Guys, just look up! It’s your ceiling. Talke about an opportunity for an incredible design statement that won’t take over your room (you know since it’s not in your immediate eye line).
Well, there you have it! All of your painting posts in one very convenient spot. We will keep adding as we will likely do many more paint posts in the future. It’s the gift that just keeps on giving. So if you’re itching for a project that doesn’t require any training, or just need to feel like a fresh start is on the horizon, seriously consider painting a room in your house.
Let us know if you have any painting plans and what colors you are thinking about. We honestly love talking about paint…if you couldn’t already tell.
Love you, meant it.
Opening Photo Credits: Design by Ginny Macdonald for EHD | Photo by Zeke Ruelas
Does anyone have any experience with Benjamin Moore’s Dove Wing? I’m not sure about it, but I was gifted 2 gallons!
Hi,
I want to paint my kitchen cabinets. Would love for you to recommend the best paint and technique for that particular project.
So I absolutely agree, you must get samples of the paint color you’re considering and YES, paint a swatch on the wall and look at it for at least a couple of days – So important! And, can we take a moment to talk about the ceiling color, oh my gosh, don’t forget the ceiling. What an impact it makes when you add color up there, just look at the pink rafters and the charcoal ceiling pictures above. #stunning.
I’d love to see a post on exterior paint color combinations. We made a mistake with our exterior color and are kind of stuck with it but also just scared to redo it and mess up again. 🙁
I second that
I third that
Painting the office with farrow and ball blackened and contemplating a change in the master bedroom from f&b stiffkey blue to their de nimes.
Shelter in place certainly leads to rethinking the place you shelter
We were able to call Sherwin Williams for friendly paint advice, pay for a small test can over the phone (can do online as well), and did a curbside drive by where they tossed paint in back of truck (car trunk, maybe if needed?) Can’t get any safer than that. Well, we did sanitize can just to be safe and washed our hands after tossing the receipt.
Looking for a great blue to repaint my front door
Love this magnolia homes color- under the stars but it’s $50 a gallon can u recommend something close?
Helping my parents spruce up their house and they want to do a sand color for the living and dining area…now to make sure it’s not too grey, not too peach or pink and not too sad beige!