Good news: I just finished painting my master bathroom.

Bad news: I forgot to check the best paint colors of 2019.

Good news: The green I selected is pretty close to PPG’s “Night Watch” which made the list of “best of.”

Whew

I’m always fascinated with the breadth of paint colors and even more so, the voluptuous names and accompanying descriptions that paint companies concoct to explain the hues. In case you missed it, the best paint colors of 2019 have come out and here are a few of the spotlighted tinctures.

Behr: Blueprint S470-5

“An honest, approachable color that conjures up the blueprints builders rely on to bring architectural designs to life, Blueprint creates a space where you can build your own reimagined life—where awareness of what we want to build for ourselves can transform into action.” — Behr website

Source: Behr.com

PPG Diamond: Night Watch PPG1145-7

“Night Watch is a rich, luxurious and classic shade of green, and its versatility allows the paint color to be used in a variety of rooms and design segments – from healthcare to commercial and residential design.” — PPG website

Source: Home Depot

Benjamin Moore: Metropolitan AF-690

“Metropolitan AF-690 emanates nuance, harmony and extravagant ease. Always adaptable, it softens to matte or shimmers with sheen. It’s neutral. It’s understated. It just is. This is color, off-duty.” — Ellen O’Neill, Benjamin Moore & Co.

Source: Benjamin Moore

Pantone: Living Coral 16-1546

“Vibrant, yet mellow Living Coral embraces us with warmth and nourishment to provide comfort and buoyancy in our continually shifting environment.” — Pantone website

Source: Pantone

Sherwin-Williams: Cavern Clay SW7701

“A warm terra cotta color with ancient, elemental roots, Cavern Clay SW 7701, is a nod to mid-century modern style, but with the soul of the American Southwest, which together creates a desert modern aesthetic.” — Sherwin Williams website

Source: Sherwin Williams

My take on these colors is two-fold:

• Paint companies want homeowners to step outside of their comfort zone and get bold with their walls. No more beige and white surroundings. Whether it’s an unconventional color on an accent wall or a entire room that is ignited with a deep hue, creating a new feel for your home is as easy as a trip to the local paint store.

• Unconventional colors on an accent wall can make a room come alive. Homeowners might not be so bold to use a mustard yellow in their entire dining room but on one wall, it might be dynamite.

Painting the interior of your home is probably the easiest home improvement you can make. It’s an easy DIY project as long as you plan carefully and don’t rush the job. Although a new paint job is unlikely to add to the value of your home, it will make your home more livable and  enjoyable, and you’ll feel happier about entertaining friends and family under your roof.

A couple of years ago, I finally splurged, hired some painters and opted for vibrant colors in the living room and master bedroom, and more muted earth tones for my kids’ rooms, hallways and kitchen. What a difference! It’s truly remarkable how rooms can be transformed with a fresh coat of paint.

Furthermore, it might be time to update your bedding and pillows or living room furniture or rugs to highlight the new paint. There is nothing like contrasting fabrics and patterns in a room to make it “pop” and accentuate the colors you’ve selected.

Not quite convinced? Try the online paint tools that help homeowners visualize what the room will look like with a new color. You can either use template rooms that are provided or download actual pictures of the rooms you wish to paint. I used this tool before painting my bathroom and discovered the original color I had selected was just too bland, and created a sea of swirling muted gray tones. By bringing out the flecks of green in the counter top, I was able to create a warm and bold ambiance that provided a much need contrast.

Keep in mind, when it comes to painting, experimenting with different colors should happen while you’re living in and enjoying your home. New shades and hues will help you and your family feel more at home in your surroundings. Your home might be old but a fresh coat of paint is bound to make it feel like new.

When it comes time to sell your home, you’ll want to revert back to neutral colors for the walls. For most people, it’s too difficult to envision owning a home that is sporting Living Coral or Blueprint in the family room. Like appliances, cabinets or countertops, paint can become dated. By “depersonalizing” each room, potential buyers have an easier time determining new color schemes and how they could make your home, “their” home.