One of the most difficult things for clients to do is visualize what a change in decor will look like. This is especially true with color. Especially when I come up with something outside the norm - which is fairly often. I love color and like to use it in unusual ways. I’m proud to say that I haven’t a had single client reject the end result. In fact, it’s typically quite the opposite.

This is largely due to two reasons. First, I’m a design genius (at least in my imagination, so please don’t burst my bubble or it’s the paddy wagon for me). Second, I know how difficult it is for many people to imagine what something will look like without some visual help. A little paint chip often isn’t enough.

I’m not the only one to understand this. Paint companies figured it out long before I did. And most have come up with paint visualizers to help you out. They all work the same way. You choose a room from one of their samples and paint the walls, trim and ceiling using their colors. You can save the result and print it out.

It’s a nice tool to help you get started. Here is a list of links to several sites that offer this service.

Benjamin Moore

Pratt and Lambert

Sherwin Williams

Behr

Valspar

Be aware that the color on a computer screen will not look the same in real life. You may need to tweak your selection. And I’m a big fan of testing a color first. Regarding the visualizers, I wish they offered a larger choice of rooms to paint. Really, how difficult can that be? Also, don’t waste your ten dollars on Bennie Moore’s program that allows you to upload your own photos. It’s a pain to use and they should be giving it away. But they make a good paint.

Have any of you had experience with these? What’s your opinion of them? I’m also wondering how many of us have weekend DIY projects planned for this weekend. I’m making over the gravel pit.