How To Choose Paint Colors According To Decor Theme

Whether you're painting a new home or redecorating an existing one, choose colors that reflect your personal decor style and room themes. Giving a room a specific theme will help you create a cohesive look throughout the space, and the paint color you pick for the walls with tie it all together. 

If you're not sure what theme or style, such as modern or shabby chic, to go with, start by identifying your favorite furniture or decor pieces and go from there. For instance, if your couch has a classic navy-and-white color scheme, consider a nautical theme. If vintage patterns and antiques are more your thing, a country cottage–inspired look may be up your alley. 

After deciding on a theme, take a trip to your local paint store and pick up a few colors swatches you're interested in. Bring them home and hold them next to your furniture, decor, and textiles to pick the perfect hue. If you're undecided on the color, stick with a neutral tone and create an accent wall or two later. 

Here are some more theme-inspired paint ideas to get you started:

1. Beach Theme

Whether you live in a beach house or just wish you did, you can create a serene, seaside feel in your home using the right paint colors. As one idea, paint the walls a deep turquoise hue to reflect the water, and complement it with all-white or sand-toned furniture pieces. Tie it all together with turquoise-colored textiles, such as throw pillows, blankets, and rugs. 

You can also go the opposite route by picking water-colored furniture and sand-inspired wall paint if you don't want such a bold look. In a bedroom or bathroom, use seashell, sand dollar, and seahorse stencils, which you can also purchase at a paint store, to add details to the walls. 

2. Garden Theme 

Transform any room of your home into a charming, flower-filled escape with a garden theme. Start with shabby chic furniture, such as a couch featuring large cabbage rose designs or a kitchen table made of reclaimed barn wood. 

Next, choose wall paint colors, including rose pink, butter yellow, and mint green, that reflect the airy, laid-back vibe. Other garden-inspired paint colors are light turquoise, pale lavender, pastel blue, and grass green. 

Again, if you desire a more neutral look, paint the walls a creamy ecru hue and update vintage wood furniture with the candy-colored paint. Decorate with milk glass vases filled with wildflowers, floral-patterned lampshades, and antique picture frames as a finishing touch.