Trilogy’s guide to picking the perfect paint for your home

Remember those “paint-by-numbers” kits? They promise a work of art if you follow their guide, and match each paint color to a number. If only choosing paint colors for a home were this easy! We understand there’s a lot of guesswork in picking paint, which is why we’ve come up with this handy guide to tackling some of the most common paint queries. 

What’s the most important thing to consider when choosing paint types for a new home?

The most important thing is to pick a color that you a) like and b) will fit your lifestyle. For example, while you may love pristine white walls, if you have a family with large dogs you might want to consider slightly darker hues in high-traffic areas. 

How do you know what type of paint to put in each room? 

Has the variety of different paint finishes left you dazed and confused? Before you abandon hope, let’s break down the four main kinds. 

Flat/matte and eggshell/satin are best for interior walls, while semi-gloss and gloss are good for bathrooms and laundry rooms. We recommend using a high gloss dura epoxy enamel on closets, baseboards, and windowsills. It has a hard enamel base that comes clean really easily and is very durable and washable. Flat is a fit for ceilings and garages. 

Here’s an easy rule to remember: Shine = durability. 

The more shine, the more durable (and easy to clean!) the paint will be. When you clean matte paint, it can often leave discoloration or even remove some of the paint. The shinier the paint, the easier it is to wipe clean.

For example, in a high-traffic area prone to mold, mildew, and dirt like the bathroom, laundry, and kitchen, pick a semi-gloss paint. All other rooms will benefit from eggshell or satin as they are easier to clean. 

What paint do you use for ceilings or garages? 

Selecting paint for ceilings and the garage is a whole different ball game. Choose a flat paint that won’t reflect light and will be long-lasting. 

How about closets, baseboards, and windowsills?

Because these are high-touch areas prone to fingerprints (and/or pawprints), opt for a high gloss dura epoxy enamel for a smooth, easy-to-clean finish. 

What if our household has kids AND dogs/cats?

If you’re blessed with children and four-legged friends, seek out satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss finishes for your interior walls. These can be wiped down while still holding their color and shine. This is a great life hack adding value to your home, too! 

Which type of paint should I choose for the house’s exterior?

Since the exterior of your home will be exposed to all kinds of weather, select a durable latex paint in a semi-gloss finish. If you have trim, the answer depends on its condition. High gloss paint will highlight imperfections in the wood, so a semi-gloss is a better choice. 

What is the most popular paint color this year?

Let’s hear it straight from one of our trusted local paint experts: “The most popular paint color is Swiss coffee. We use it for all of our trim, mostly on ceilings, cabinetry, doors, trim, and even exterior trim. For interior colors, there is a range but they’re typically lighter colors. Some grays are still popular right now, too.” 

What other colors are trending?

This year, paint colors have been all about warmth. The top paint picks for 2023 focus on earth tones like terra cottas and sunny neutrals like whites with yellow undertones. But if you’re a fan of dark hues, you’re in luck. Jade, chocolate brown, and brick red are also in the spotlight. 

All of these are ideas to get you started as you dive into the paint world, but at the end of the day, it’s all about what you want and the style you love to live in. If there’s a finish or a sheen you want, Trilogy can do it. Even if it's not what everybody else is doing, we’ll make sure you have all the information you need to make a decision about the best fit for your unique home!

At Trilogy, we’re always happy to share our knowledge and expertise with our clients. It’s why we offer tools like our True Quote and useful how-to blogs. If you’re thinking of building your dream home, contact us today and see how Trilogy can help!