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Emily A. Clark

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The Absolute Easiest Way to Choose Paint Colors

April 30, 2018

When I was designing for both local and online clients, by far the most frequent question homeowners had was about how to choose paint colors. Often, it feels like you have one shot to get it right and then possibly live with it for a very long time. If that’s your situation, I have the neatest little tool to tell you about. ColorReader by Datacolor may be the very easiest way to choose paint colors that I’ve ever come across.

ColorReader by Datacolor tool

It may be small but it’s pretty awesome for actually reading colors on anything–a pillow, an existing painted wall, a fabric, artwork, you name it. You simply download the ColorReader app on your phone, calibrate it to this little device and hit “read” to see a list of the closest paint colors available (from any paint deck, in case you have a brand preference). It’s really perfect for professional designers, dabbling decorators and homeowners who just need some extra help.

Easiest-way-to-choose-paint-colors-ColorReader

And, it’s really easy to set up and start using. (I was taking readings within a few minutes of opening the packaging.)

 

Here are a few ways I envision using ColorReader by Datacolor:

color-matching-fabrics-with ColorReader

-You or your client finds the perfect fabric/pillow/rug/etc. and you want to build the entire color palette around it. Take a quick scan of the fabric and save the recommended colors to your phone within the app. If you choose the color palette option, ColorReader by Datacolor will then suggest four different color schemes that could work for your project.

ColorReader-Paint-Color-Reading

Notice I was able to take a reading from even a very small section of color. . .

 

ColorReader color palettes

 

-You need to reference your fabrics or paint selections when shopping for the room but don’t want to drag it all around with you from store to store. ColorReader by Datacolor makes it easy to scan all of your fabrics/paints/upholstery/etc. and compose a custom color palette list. You can then save it to your phone within the app, screenshot it or even text it to a client. I scanned almost every different color in my pillow to come up with this custom color guide:

A color chart is a convenient reference tool when you’re pulling accessories or even composing an idea board for your space:

 

-Another idea: ColorReader by Datacolor could come in really handy when moving into a new home where you’re working with existing paint colors or wallpaper. Just do a quick reading to find a color match for doing touch ups or to find color palette ideas for walls you’re not planning to repaint anytime soon. If you’re feeling creative, you could even take the ColorReader color palette suggestions and make some art or paint a piece of furniture for your room.

ColorReader-matching-wallpaper-color

 


If you think this would make your life–or job–a little easier, ColorReader by Datacolor is extending a 15% discount with the code emilyclark through May 31, 2018. It’s available here.

 

 

This post was sponsored by ColorReader by Datacolor. 

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Filed Under: Idea board, paint colors Tagged With: decorating, paint, painting

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sharon says

    April 30, 2018 at 10:30 am

    This is brilliant! I wish I’d invented it! I think the pulling a color palette together is the best part of it!

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      April 30, 2018 at 10:32 am

      Me, too. If you’re a designer, I think you could put a really professional looking presentation together using this.

      Reply
  2. Courtney Wager says

    April 30, 2018 at 10:34 am

    First: this is amazing and I am obsessed, I think I need this in my life!!! Second: where is that beautiful navy couch from?!!!! Please share!!!

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      April 30, 2018 at 10:50 am

      Definitely amazing!

      All of the design board products are linked–just click on the product image. :)

      Reply
  3. Karen L. says

    April 30, 2018 at 11:44 am

    Wow I could have used this years ago……we’re on our 12th house now after lots of corporate moves along the East Coast area. That’s a terrific tool that I did not know about. Thanks!

    Reply
  4. Emily says

    April 30, 2018 at 8:50 pm

    Is this the basic version that you are using in this post or the pro version? And yes, my name is also Emily A Clark…in fact, I came across your blog one day when I googled my name. Weird coincidence!

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      May 1, 2018 at 8:00 am

      Well, hello Emily A. Clark! :)

      This is the basic version. I also saw your comment on IG and I think the only difference in the two versions is that the Pro also has a built-in screen so that you don’t always have to use it with the app on your phone, if you don’t want to.

      Reply
  5. Sean Mahan says

    April 30, 2018 at 11:56 pm

    What an amazing idea! I love this, thanks so much for sharing it!

    Reply
  6. Make it Simple says

    February 22, 2019 at 1:25 pm

    Can I order my desired paint color right from this device or app?

    Reply

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