COLOR COMBOS THAT ODDLY PLEASE THE BRAIN
You’re not alone—digital previews just don’t cut it for me either. I’ve had clients pick a “perfect” shade on screen, only for it to look totally off once it’s on the wall. Ever notice how north-facing rooms can make even warm tones look icy? It’s wild. I still trust my paint chips and fabric swatches more than any app.
COLOR COMBOS THAT ODDLY PLEASE THE BRAIN
Funny you mention north-facing rooms—had a project last year where we picked this gorgeous sage green, looked perfect in the studio. But once it was up in the client’s living room, it turned this weird, almost bluish gray. The client thought I’d swapped the paint! I’ve learned to carry around a stack of swatches and just tape them up everywhere, even if it looks a bit chaotic. Digital previews just never seem to get the light right, do they?
Digital previews just never seem to get the light right, do they?
You nailed it—digital previews are just never going to capture what happens with real light bouncing around a room. I’m a big believer in the swatch chaos method, even if it looks a little wild. If it helps, I’ve found that even “eco” paints can shift a lot depending on what’s in the base. Sometimes, a color with a touch more yellow or earth pigment will hold up better in those cold north-facing spaces. It’s all trial and error, honestly.
I’m a big believer in the swatch chaos method, even if it looks a little wild.
Honestly, same here. I’ve had entire walls covered in random paint squares before finally landing on something that just felt right. Digital previews always make things look so flat—real light does wild things, especially with those earthy tones. North-facing rooms are tricky... sometimes I swear the color changes hour by hour.
Digital previews always make things look so flat—real light does wild things, especially with those earthy tones.
I get what you mean about paint looking different in real light, but honestly, I think the swatch chaos method can backfire. Too many colors on the wall just confuses the eye and makes it tougher to see how a space will actually feel once it’s done. I usually stick to two or three large samples in different spots. Especially in those north-facing rooms—like you said, the color shifts constantly, and too many swatches just muddy things up. Sometimes less really is more.
