Dear Jane,

My name is Jessica and I'm about to get an apartment with my boyfriend and I don't really know how to decorate it. I've been trying to think of a paint that would be perfect for both of us as well as my family when they come see me. Since it's my first apartment I would really like it to look real pretty but not too girlish. If you could just give me some pointers we would really appreciated it.

Thanks,

Jessica A.

Dear Jessica A.,

Dear Jessica,

Thank you for your Ask Jane question and welcome to the Be Jane community!

We received your question on choosing the "right" paint color. First thing you should realize is that there are hundreds, if not thousands of "right" paint colors. We know choosing paint colors when two people are involved can make it more difficult.

Our best suggestion is pick up a few decorating magazines that fit both of your styles and see what you both like. Tear out pages and write on them what each of you likes about them. Then you'll have a better idea what each of your expectations are for this room.

If your boyfriend says it's up to you because he thinks the apartment is fine just as it is, then we think it's still a good idea you go through the process of finding out what you like and show him what you plan on doing. This step isn't just for him; it's for you to learn what you like as well.

As for what color to choose, if you are looking for something classic that can have both a masculine and feminine feel to it, we suggest you look into neutral colors. You will find that there are hundreds of beautiful caramels, taupes, and beiges that can look very elegant as well as casual. One way to make your room look a more "decorated" is to paint the walls a color with a satin sheen to it and then paint all of the trim (baseboard, crown molding, around the closets and windows) and the doors a semi-gloss white. You will probably want to leave the ceiling white as it will make them seem taller than if you painted them the same color as the wall. Though for this we suggest an eggshell sheen so that it doesn't look as chalky as it does with flat paint and satin may be too shiny. These are common things decorators use to highlight the room more just than the color of the paint on the walls.

Here are a few tips before you get started:

1. Colors tend to look darker when you put them up on the walls.
2. Give yourself a few days with your new color before making your final decision on it. Going from white walls to painted walls can be a shock at first, but you may be surprised how a color grows on you.
3. Paint the ceiling first so that should any drips occur, they won't fall on your newly painted walls.
4. Paint the walls second and then the molding.
5. Cover the molding with blue painter's tape while painting the walls so as not to get the wall color on them.
6. Make sure you paint a second coat so that if you ever need to clean a spot on the wall the old color won't show through.
7. Use an angled brush to do the molding; it will allow more control when doing the edges.
8. If you feel you might need to use the blue tape when you are painting around the molding, make sure the surface under the tape has had plenty of time to dry, possibly even 24 hours, before applying it and make sure you gently remove it as soon as possible. Leaving it on may cause your new paint to stick to the tape and not the wall.

For more information on preparing your room before painting and the differences between the paint sheens, click here to see those articles.

Good luck and listen your gut when choosing a color. Just remember, if it doesn't look right when you're finished, just re-paint it!

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us at any time. We're here for you!

Best of luck with all your Jane projects!

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us at any time. We're here for you!

We hope this helps!

Hugs 'n hammers,

Jane