Picking Paint Colors

What do you need?

Help navigating the thousands of paint chips out there.

Paint paralysis comes in many forms. Maybe you're afraid of choosing the wrong shade. Maybe you painted patches of blues all over your walls, just like the pros advised, and now can't tell them apart. Maybe you're a serial painter on an endless quest for that perfect cream. Or you've moved to a condo that's a plain white box and needs a color jump-start. Color may be the cheapest decorating tool, but not if you spend time and money being indecisive.

Who can help?

Accredited members of the International Association of Color Consultants North America (IACC-NA) take seminars for up to three years on how color interacts with lighting, architecture and the environment. The organization began in Europe 50 years ago. There are about 80 members in the North American chapter, including a few in the Washington area. "Some want us to do a whole house, which I can do in three hours. Others just need some fine tuning, for one special room or a new addition," says Rebecca Bushner of Tucson, president of the IACC-NA.

There also are many local color consultants, often from art and design backgrounds, not affiliated with the group. Some specialize in exterior colors or hues for historic, Victorian or bungalow houses.

What will they do?

Color consultants visit a client's house to develop a color plan for one room or the whole house, usually on the spot, using fan decks of national paint companies. Some work with software that can scan in a client's room to display before-and-after looks. Consultants also can provide paint maps for contractors, specifying wall and trim colors, and master palettes that clients can use while shopping for furniture, carpets, etc.

What won't they do?

Most consultants are not house painters, although they may recommend people who are.

How much will it cost?

IACC-NA members generally charge $60 to $200 per hour. Independent consultants may charge by the hour or by the project.

How to find one?

Check IACC-NA members at http://www.iaccna.org. For other consultants, ask a decorator or paint store.

Jura Koncius