Seeing Red

It would be great if computers could provide exact replicas of real-life color and texture, but they can’t.

Once color and texture make a debut in your home, hues may appear darker, patterns might be more intense, and that antiqued-leather effect could look pretty cheesy after all.

There are reasons for this...

• Your computer may not be calibrated to see a full range of colors. Therefore, some designs can look muted or more pronounced.
• Subtle differences exist among individual computers, programs, monitors, and internet service providers (FireFox and Internet Explorer are configured and designed differently)—hardware or software could be inferior.

Combat disparity (and reduce aggravation)

• Don’t run out and buy a paint color by name: Collect paint chips from hardware stores before making a commitment. 
• Select both darker and lighter versions of your favorite pick and make sure the color works with your décor, furniture, and accessories (place the paper sample right on your sofa or in between your framed artwork, just like they did at Wise Craft). 
• Don’t feel guilty if you find yourself grabbing a ton: Save chips and organize them by color family, in a binder or photo album, for future reference. (Or tape them into a ruled notebook and use sticky notes as markers. Remember to tape only the top portions so they’re easily flipped over to reveal brand, name, and sheen.) Compare each swatch by taping one next to another, directly onto the area you’re painting.

Look for real-life examples of colors, finishes, and textures—they all exist in nature. Collect samples of beautiful things for inspiration.


If that red Japanese-maple leaf turns brown before reaching the store, replicate colors by using a standardized matching system, such as a Pantone fan deck. Find a good match? Bring the deck to the store: Its paint counter should have color-matching technology capable of creating a near-exact replica. (And once you have any fan deck, you can pretty much eliminate future chip runs.)

More on samples and decks

• For $3, Glidden offers 18” x 18” removable peel-and stick samples. Just attach them to the area that you’re painting, move them around, and check on them at different times, as light changes throughout the day. 
• A small, two or three-ounce jar of paint (such as those from Benjamin Moore's Pottery Barn line) covers a 2’ x 2’ area with two coats. 
• The eco-friendly site GreenLiving.com offers a full refund for the American Pride (a no-VOC paint) fan deck if you return it when you’re done!

Now, get started choosing shades. ♥A.