Paint colors vary due to the light in in your home (natural & artificial) and other factors. Here is a link on the correct way to choose a wall paint. Many people think this is the best method: http://www.lindaholtinteriors.com/2011/07/testing-wall-color-101/

@Arizona ... I feel your pain! lol I like to say "I'm not color blind... I'm color stupid" ... so you can IMAGINE the troubles I have too! Hope you love your new choices! gl

I've used the method described by @tancalgal several times now, and have not had a fail yet. Before using that method, I'd go through 3 or 4 colors in a room before getting it right.

Sometimes you have to go with your gut. People paint and repaint at all different stages of the design process. I have clients who set out to redecorate an entire space, and the paint color is chosen in tandem with the new fabrics and furnishings. Other clients just want to refresh their rooms with a new paint color while leaving everything else the same. And not every client can make a decision based on the method of painting sample swatches.

Looking at pictures online is a great way to get inspired by colors, but obviously you can't go by what you see on the screen. Take a look at the comments on this photo: https://www.houzz.com/photos/farmhouse-reinterpreted-farmhouse-kitchen-burlington-phvw-vp~107140 If you flip through the Ben Moore fan deck to look up the colors, you'll see that they differ greatly from how they appear in the photo. That being said, the photo could inspire a paint color selection all the same.

I agree, Kate. Choosing paint colors is a challenge for many, that's why color consultants, color experts, and college classes on color theory exist in the first place. Houzz and professional designers are great for inspiration and ideas, but ultimately, it is our choice, whether we follow a trend blindly or we go by gut, or if we use any other method.

I"ve just lived with gray for a few years. Walked into the local Farrow and Ball dealer. Was immediately and excitedly informed that "gray is the new neutral*. Maybe I'll go with blues too. Ceiling and floors are white, so a light color will get washed out. I'd love to hear some thoughts on some mid-tone neutrals that won't look dated. Or read as gray. Any thoughts?

courtinghome-

how about starting your own post with this question? What color walls will enhance your rug? your furniture? IDK about F&B, I thought gray was about due to be on the way out...

Good point, I will with a few photos.

courtinghome: put the link to the new post here & then we will all be sure to see it. :)

I love the Sea spray color and wish I could use that in my remodeled master bath...But our bath and home for that matter has more of the warm tones and so it always seems like it ends up looking best with one of the tan colors for paint....which does get boring sometimes! So like your refreshing choices...

[Thanks, TanCalGal, please advise, all! :)[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/open-plan-without-scandi-white-or-gray-what-do-you-think-dsvw-vd~3172170) [https://www.houzz.com/discussions/open-plan-without-scandi-white-or-gray-what-do-you-think-dsvw-vd~3172170[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/open-plan-without-scandi-white-or-gray-what-do-you-think-dsvw-vd~3172170)

I had the exact same thing happen to me. I thought I was matching the gray in the fabric of our duvet cover, but the painter called me after he had one wall done and told me I had better come and look at it. It was definitely purple. He told me that it " looked like the inside of a french whorehouse". He was right. Feeling less confident, I showed him what I was trying to get and let HIM pick the paint. He was very good. He gave me exactly what I was looking for. Sometimes, I think it pays to take advantage of someone with a trained eye. I have been happy with almost all of my other paint selections since then, but I learned from that that what you THINK you see is not always what you get.