6 Ways Interior Designer’s Expertise Can Help with Color Choices

Sabrina Phillips • March 19, 2025

Interior designers can help you choose the best color for your home!


Choosing the right colors for your home is more than just picking your favorite shade—it’s about creating a space that feels cohesive, balanced, and reflective of your personal style. While it may seem simple at first, selecting colors can quickly become overwhelming when considering undertones, lighting, and how different shades interact. That’s where an interior designer’s expertise can make all the difference.  



1. Understanding Color Psychology  

Colors have a profound impact on mood and energy. An interior designer understands color psychology and can guide you in choosing hues that align with the atmosphere you want to create. 

For example:  
-Cool tones like blues and greens promote relaxation and are ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms.  
-Warm shades like reds and oranges bring energy and vibrancy, making them perfect for social spaces like living rooms and kitchens.  
-Neutral palettes create a timeless and versatile foundation that works in any room.  

A designer ensures that your color choices enhance the mood of each space while complementing your lifestyle.  


2. Expertise in Color Coordination  

One of the biggest challenges in selecting colors is making sure they work well together. Interior designers have a trained eye for color harmony, helping you avoid clashing tones and unbalanced palettes. They consider:  
-Undertones – A color may look neutral at first, but hidden undertones can make it clash with existing decor.  
-Cohesion– Designers ensure that colors flow seamlessly from room to room for a unified look.  
-Accent Colors– They help you incorporate pops of color in a way that enhances rather than overwhelms a space.  

With their expertise, you’ll achieve a professionally curated aesthetic rather than a mix of random shades.  



3. Considering Light and Space  

Lighting dramatically affects how colors appear. A designer takes into account:  
-Natural Light–How colors shift throughout the day in different rooms.  
-Artificial Lighting–The impact of warm vs. cool lighting on paint and decor.  
-Room Size–Lighter colors can make small spaces feel bigger, while darker hues create cozy atmospheres.  

Without this knowledge, a color you loved in the store could look completely different once applied to your walls. A designer prevents this by selecting hues that work harmoniously with your space’s lighting conditions.  


4. Avoiding Costly Mistakes  

Repainting a room is time-consuming and expensive, especially if you choose the wrong shade. Designers help you avoid costly mistakes by:  
- Selecting the right colors the first time.  
- Providing professional color samples and swatches.  
- Ensuring the colors enhance your home’s architecture and furnishings.  

Rather than second-guessing your choices, you’ll have confidence that your color selection is the right one.  


5. Access to Exclusive and High-Quality Finishes  

Interior designers have access to premium paint brands, custom color mixes, and exclusive shades that aren’t always available in retail stores. They also guide you on selecting the right paint finishes, such as:  
-Matte vs. Satin vs. Gloss– Choosing the right level of sheen based on durability and aesthetic.  
-Washable Paints– Ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways.  
-Textured or Specialty Finishes– Adding depth and character to walls with unique applications.  

With their industry knowledge, designers help you select the highest quality options for long-lasting, beautiful results.  


6. Enhancing Resale Value  

If you plan to sell your home in the future, a designer can help you choose colors that appeal to a broad range of buyers. They balance personal style with market-friendly hues, ensuring your home remains stylish and valuable over time.  


  
Color plays a crucial role in home design, but selecting the right shades requires more than just guesswork. An interior designer brings expertise in color psychology, coordination, lighting, and finishes—ensuring your space feels intentional and beautifully put together. By working with a professional, you can create a home that not only looks amazing but also feels just right.  



Thinking about a color update? Let an interior designer help you make the perfect choice! Call Designing Women of Orange County today to find YOUR perfect color.


Designing Women of Orange County
949.371.9075