How To Match Paint Colors to Your Home’s Decor

Have you ever stood in the paint aisle, staring at hundreds of tiny color swatches, feeling utterly lost? Maybe you’ve just purchased a new home, or perhaps you’re updating a space that’s long overdue for a refresh. Either way, the number of paint color options can be overwhelming. 

And if you’re trying to match these colors to your existing decor—furniture, rugs, curtains, or artwork—the stakes feel even higher. What if you get it wrong? What if the walls clash with your favorite sofa or make your living room feel smaller?

We get it. Choosing paint colors is a big decision, and it’s easy to feel stuck. But don’t worry; you’re not alone.

At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve helped countless Omaha homeowners navigate the tricky process of choosing interior paint colors that complement their decor. With years of experience in residential painting, we’ve seen firsthand how the right (or wrong) color can transform a space. 

We’ve worked on everything from modern kitchen cabinets to vintage furniture, so we understand how to match paint to a variety of styles. And we’re not just painters—we’re partners in helping you create a home you’ll love.

By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to match interior paint colors to your existing decor. We’ll cover practical tips for evaluating your space, choosing a color scheme, and testing paint samples. We’ll also talk about when to bring in a professional color consultant and where to find extra help. 

5 Steps For Matching Paint Colors to Decor

Step 1: Start With Your Decor, Not the Paint

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is choosing a paint color before considering their decor. The truth is, it’s much easier to match paint to decor than the other way around. Here’s how to start:

1. Identify Your Key Pieces Take a good look at your floors, furniture, rugs, curtains, and artwork. Which pieces are staying in the room? Are there standout colors, patterns, or materials that you want to highlight? For example:
   • If you have a navy blue sofa, consider shades of gray, white, or soft blue for the walls.
   • A rug with earthy tones like terracotta and sage green pairs beautifully with neutral or warm-toned paint.
2. Find Your Style Think about the overall vibe you’re going for. Some common styles include:
   • Rustic: Warm, earthy colors like browns, greens, and muted reds.
   • Modern Farmhouse: Soft whites, grays, and pale blues.
   • Mid-Century Modern: Bold colors like mustard yellow, teal, and burnt orange.
3. Take Photos Snap photos of your decor in natural light. This will help you see how the colors interact and make it easier to compare options when you’re in the paint store.

Step 2: Build a Color Scheme

Now that you’ve identified the key elements of your decor, it’s time to create a cohesive color scheme. A good rule of thumb is the 60-30-10 rule:

• 60% Dominant Color: This is the main wall color. Can be included in furniture and most of the decor.
• 30% Secondary Color: Use this for trim, cabinetry, or accent walls. Some furniture and decor.
• 10% Accent Color: Add pops of color with accessories like throw pillows or artwork.

Here’s an example:

• Dominant: Soft gray walls.
• Secondary: White trim and cabinets.
• Accent: Mustard yellow decor pieces.

Step 3: Test Paint Samples

Even the most carefully chosen paint swatch can look completely different once it’s on your walls. Lighting, surrounding colors, and room size all affect how a color appears. Follow these steps:

1. Get Samples: Purchase small sample pots of the colors you’re considering. Many brands, like Sherwin-Williams, offer affordable sample sizes. Some paint stores also offer stick-on samples, so you can move the sample around without getting your hands dirty. If you are having your cabinets refinished, you can request to get a sample door or drawer in a finish that you are leaning towards choosing.
2. Paint Test Areas: Paint large swatches (at least 12x12 inches) on multiple walls in the room. Observe how the colors look in natural light, artificial light, and at different times of the day.
3. Consider Finish: Remember that the paint finish can also affect the final look. Flat or matte finishes are great for hiding imperfections, while satin or semi-gloss works well for trim and cabinets.

Step 4: Get Help Picking Color(s)

Sometimes, matching paint colors to decor can still feel overwhelming. This is where a professional color consultant can make all the difference. Here are a few options:

• Your Painter: Many painting companies, including us at Brush & Roll Painting, offer color consultations as part of their services. We’ve seen countless homes and can recommend colors that work well for your space and style.
• Interior Designers: If you’re doing a major renovation, an interior designer can help you create a cohesive look from top to bottom.
• Sherwin-Williams Virtual Color Consultation: Sherwin-Williams offers an affordable virtual color consultation where you can get advice tailored to your space. This is a great option for homeowners who want professional input without breaking the bank.

Step 5: Avoid Common Mistakes When Selecting Paint Colors

Here are a few things to watch out for:

• Ignoring Undertones: A gray paint with blue undertones will clash with warm-toned decor. Always compare swatches to your decor in the actual space.
• Overlooking Lighting: A color that looks perfect in a sunny showroom might feel too dark in a room with limited natural light.
• Choosing Too Many Colors: Stick to three or four colors to keep your space cohesive.

Matching Paint Colors to Specific Styles

Rustic: For a rustic style, think warm, earthy tones like sage green, beige, and rich browns. These colors pair beautifully with natural wood furniture and stone accents. Consider colors like Sherwin-Williams’ “Clary Sage” or “Accessible Beige.”

Modern Farmhouse: This style is all about light and airy spaces. Stick with whites and soft neutrals like Sherwin-Williams’ “Alabaster” or “Repose Gray.” Add subtle contrast with darker accents.

Mid-Century Modern: Bold, retro colors are key here. Think mustard yellow, teal, and muted orange. Sherwin-Williams’ “Brittany Blue” or “Goldenrod” would work beautifully.

Matching Interior Paint Colors to Your Existing Decor

Choosing the right paint colors for your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By getting guidance, building a color scheme, and testing samples, you can create a cohesive and welcoming space. 

If you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance—whether that’s a painter, designer, or color consultant. At Brush & Roll Painting, we’re here to help Omaha homeowners make confident, informed decisions about their painting projects. We know just how important the right color is. Because of this, we offer a color consultation with our team or a local designer, to help you find the right color for your project.

Click the button below to get a quote and start transforming your home today!

If you are not ready to get a quote for your project, take this time to dive deeper into finding the right color for your home. By clicking the button below and downloading the Paint Color & Design Guide, you can get even more tips on choosing the right paint shade.