Happy May, friends! Wishing you the most gentle, Spring-fresh, lifegiving days of a fresh new month stretched out before us. May it be a MAY that strengthens your faith in all that is dear to you. And may blessings you never saw coming arrive at your doorstep. How to Choose Best Paint Colors & Finishes: 5 Tips from Segreto offers a beautiful opportunity to revisit a special guest post from Leslie Sinclair of Segreto Finishes. I remain completely awed and enchanted by the work she and her team lovingly execute. You may remember we explored the wonder within Segreto’s stunning book HERE. Today, expert tips from a seasoned professional we have come to admire and trust are sure to get your wheels turning and empower you to bring freshness to your interiors at home.
![Beautiful patina on tall grey glass fronted cabinets with Old World style - Segreto Finishes. #oldworldstyle #graycabinets #frenchcountry](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/001-cat-with-Segreto-Gallery-Horizontal-Wood-20-2.jpg)
![Leslie Sinclair](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/leslie-sinclair-150x150.png)
Tickled pink to welcome Leslie Sinclair of Segreto Finishes to the blog today. If you are an admirer of European-inspired design or beautiful decorative wall finishes, you may be acquainted with Leslie’s lovely work, books, or her award-winning blog. We have been online pals for years, and she is one of my favorite Texans on the planet! Just the kindest and most gracious class act Let’s get to know Segreto, be inspired, and snag expert advice for choosing paint colors!
How to Choose Best Paint Colors and Finishes
![From SEGRETO impressions (2019) by Leslie Sinclair. French antiques, plaster finishes and Old World style in a showstopping modern functioning kitchen. #kitchendesign #frenchkitchen #antiques #oldworld #plasterwalls](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Segreto-Finishes-impressions-book-kitchen-plaster-old-world-style-French-3.jpg)
Welcome, Segreto!
Hi Hello Lovely friends. I am so excited today to share a bit of what I do with you today! My name is Leslie Sinclair and I own a decorative painting and plastering company in Houston. With a staff of over 40, we are so blessed to be a part of so many beautiful homes and collaborate with top designers, architects and builders. Although we provide many finishes on walls, floors ceilings, beams and cabinetry, finding the right color palette is where most finish designs begin.
![Elegant dining room in pale French country tones with painted mural by Segreto Finishes. #diningroommural #paintedmural #traditionalstyle](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/001-dining-room-Segreto-Gallery-Mural13.jpg)
Choosing the right paint colors and finishes can be an overwhelming decision. There are thousands of colors available, each with different tones and intensities, and the perfect combination of paints is so critical to the overall success of the design.
Here are five helpful tips on selecting colors for your own home.
Step 1
Look through magazines and books to determine your own personal design style. As you flip through the pages, pay attention to different color combinations of floors, walls, trims and also ceilings.
![From SEGRETO impressions (2019) by Leslie Sinclair. An 18th-century altar from Touraine in the entry of a newly constructed home with antique and reclaimed design features. #frenchantique #religiousantiques #plasterwalls #oldworldstyle](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Segreto-Finishes-impressions-book-antique-Swedish-settee-plaster-walls-sunburst.jpg)
Notice whether the pictures you like have bold contrast or a lack thereof. In my Segreto coffee table design books, clients have shared that the images are a wealth of inspiration in picking finishes in their own homes.
![Vibrant orange walls in a space with Segreto Finishes (beautiful wall colors and plaster) in a lovely designed room in Leslie Sinclair's book. #plasterwalls #segretofinishes #orangewalls](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/00001-segreto3-1.jpg)
Notice contrasts
Some rooms may have distinct colors that set apart the walls, trim and ceiling……….
![Beautifully elegant plaster flowers on a decroative ceiling with chandelier - Segreto Finishes. #plasterceiling #plasterflowers #ceilingtreatment](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/001-ceiling-floral-plaster-Segreto-Gallery-Horizontal-Decorative-20-1.jpg)
…while others may have similar tones and each surface blends effortlessly into the next.
![From SEGRETO impressions (2019) by Leslie Sinclair. An 18th-century altar from Touraine in the entry of a newly constructed home with antique and reclaimed design features. #frenchantique #religiousantiques #plasterwalls #oldworldstyle](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Segreto-Finishes-impressions-book-alcove-plaster-old-world-style-French-country-religious.jpg)
Which look do you prefer?
![Rustic and elegant French country kitchen with plaster finishes and impeccable design - Segreto Finishes. #frenchkitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/001-french-kitchen-plaster-walls-Segreto-Gallery-Furniture2-1440x984.jpg)
Do your favorite rooms have strong colors on the walls or in the fabrics, art and accessories instead?
![From SEGRETO impressions (2019) by Leslie Sinclair. Magnificent plaster walls and ceilings in the entry of a charming newly constructed Country French home. #staircase oldworld #frenchcountry #plasterwalls #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Segreto-Finishes-impressions-book-staircase-plaster-walls-stone-floor-old-world-French-country.jpg)
Step 2
Think about which elements in your home are permanent. Your counters, backsplash, flooring, rugs or fabrics can serve as great starting points to dictate your palette.
![From SEGRETO impressions (2019) by Leslie Sinclair. French antiques, plaster finishes and Old World style in a showstopping modern functioning kitchen. #kitchendesign #frenchkitchen #antiques #oldworld #plasterwalls](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Segreto-Finishes-impressions-book-kitchen-plaster-old-world-style-French-1.jpg)
In an existing home, the perfect paint color can highlight tones you love in a countertop or rug and downplay less desirable hues in these elements so that they will work in the new design scheme.
![Elegant and moody slate blue powder room bath with impeccable finishes - Segreto Finishes. #slateblue #powderrooms #oldworldstyle #sophisticateddecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/001-moody-slate-blue-bath-Segreto-Gallery-Horizontal-Stone-20-5.jpg)
Step 3
Make a list of your home’s best and worst architectural features. The proper paint combinations and finishes will not only enhance the aspects in your home that you love but also disguise your least favorite attributes.
![From SEGRETO impressions (2019) by Leslie Sinclair. This great room incorporates beams from the homeowner's South Texas ranch as well as 18th-century doors from Avignon. #interiordesign #frenchcountry #plasterwalls #greatroom](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Segreto-Finishes-impressions-book-living-room-plaster-walls-french-country-design-1.jpg)
For instance, by using the same color as the walls on elements like smaller trim pieces, spaces with too many angles, and doors, you can make these unwanted details disappear.
![Segreto Finishes (beautiful wall colors and plaster) in a lovely designed room in Leslie Sinclair's book. #plasterwalls #segretofinishes #frenchcountry](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/00001-segreto7-1.jpg)
Emphasize the Positive
To emphasize the elements that enhance the room’s design such as furniture-like built-ins, interesting ceiling details, elaborate crown moldings or paneling, choose a contrasting color, sheen or specialty finish.
![Dramatic Old World bathroom with Segreto Finishes (beautiful wall colors and plaster) in a lovely designed room in Leslie Sinclair's book. #plasterwalls #segretofinishes #frenchcountry](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/00001-segreto8-1.jpg)
Rather than painting smaller rooms a light color, give them a warm and cozy feel with rich, deep tones and……..
![Pale tones in a French kitchen with impeccable plaster finishes, antiques and reclaimed materials - Segreto Finishes. #frenchkitchens #chateaudomingue #stonehood](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/001-old-world-french-kitchen-diana-bust-stone-mantel-Segreto-Gallery-Horizontal-Stone-20-2-1440x984.jpg)
……….. let your big rooms expand with lighter hues.
![From SEGRETO impressions (2019) by Leslie Sinclair. A quiet-toned newly constructed kitchen incorporating antiques from France. #frenchkitchen #frenchcountry #frenchantiques #bespokekitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Segreto-Finishes-impressions-book-kitchen-plaster-old-world-16th-century-French-3.jpg)
Step 4
Look through your closet! One of the best ways to determine which colors and styles make you feel the most comfortable is to study your own wardrobe.
![Segreto Finishes (beautiful wall colors and plaster) in a lovely designed room in Leslie Sinclair's book. #plasterwalls #segretofinishes #frenchcountry](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/00001-segreto10-1.jpg)
In what colors do you think you look the best? What are you wearing when you feel the most beautiful? Do you tend to incorporate pop colors in jewelry and accessories or do you layer different textures in the same color?
![From SEGRETO impressions (2019) by Leslie Sinclair. This great room incorporates beams from the homeowner's South Texas ranch as well as 18th-century doors from Avignon. #interiordesign #frenchcountry #plasterwalls #greatroom](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Segreto-Finishes-impressions-book-living-room-plaster-walls-french-country-design-2.jpg)
Are strong colors worn on a daily basis or just occasionally? You can apply these same principles to your paint selections.
![Kitchen with Segreto Finishes (beautiful wall colors and plaster) in a lovely designed room in Leslie Sinclair's book. #plasterwalls #segretofinishes #frenchcountry](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/00001-segreto11-1.jpg)
Step 5
Pick up a color wheel from two of your favorite paint stores.
![From SEGRETO impressions (2019) by Leslie Sinclair. Mohair chaise lounges in the dramatic 'vintage glam' living room of designer Sarah West. #livingroom #plasterwalls #interiordesign #vintageglam](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Segreto-Finishes-impressions-book-living-room-plaster-modern-chaise.jpg)
Lighting has a powerful effect on color so it is important to always choose the final paints in the space. Armed with your answers and insights from the steps above, you are now ready to select!
![Entry with Segreto Finishes (beautiful wall colors and plaster) in a lovely designed room in Leslie Sinclair's book. #plasterwalls #segretofinishes #frenchcountry](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/00001-segreto12-1.jpg)
Starting with the main parts of the home, pick a color that blends in and uses the tones of all the surfaces. The background color of fabrics, tiles or counters is generally a safe color direction.
![From SEGRETO impressions (2019) by Leslie Sinclair. Plastered walls and ceilings as well as reclaimed wood flooring sing in a newly constructed, timeless European country inspired home. #interiordesign #plasterwalls #oldworld #staircase](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Segreto-Finishes-impressions-book-staircase-plaster-walls-old-world-French-country.jpg)
Choosing Ceiling & Trim Colors
Depending on how much contrast you like, the trim and ceiling hues can come from the same color strip, just lighter or darker than the wall color. Special cabinetry, interesting ceilings and adjoining rooms are ideal for coordinating or pop colors.
![Magnificent dining room with rustic ceiling beams and wall finish by Segreto](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/00001-segreto13.jpg)
By establishing a particular mood, well-chosen paint colors and finishes form a beautiful backdrop for fabrics, art, furniture and accessories.
![From SEGRETO impressions (2019) by Leslie Sinclair. A waterfall island and SegretoStone hood distinguish this warm Spanish revival style kitchen and keeping room. #spanishrevival #segretostone #kitchen #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Segreto-Finishes-impressions-book-kitchen-plaster-modern-rustic-mediterranean-fireplace-3.jpg)
Through these five steps, you can develop a palette that showcases your home’s architecture, flatters your own color tones and gives your surroundings an ambiance that makes a house feel like your home.
![How to Choose Best Paint Colors - Expert Help from Segreto Finishes on Hello Lovely!](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/how-to-choose-best-paint-color-expert-help-from-segreto-finishes-on-hello-lovely-studio-banner.jpg)
![Beautiful classic traditional dining room with pale blue color palette in SEGRETO impressions (2019) by Leslie Sinclair. #interiordesign #diningroom #classic #traditionalstyle](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Segreto-Finishes-impressions-book-dining-room-plaster-traditional-classic.jpg)
Thank you Michele and all you lovely readers!
![Old World style and rustic elegance converge in a lovely bath with plaster finishes and sophisticated fixtures - Segreto Finishes. #oldworldstyle #plasterwalls #frenchcountrybathroom](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/001-plaster-bathroom-Segreto-Gallery-26.jpg)
I hope you will come visit me at Segreto Secrets where you can follow me weekly as I create finishes for warm clients and their beautiful homes!!
![From SEGRETO impressions (2019) by Leslie Sinclair. The unique flooring in this Spanish-style home's master bath is actually antique Parefeuille ceiling tile. #oldworld #interiordesign #spanishstyle #bathroom #plasterwalls](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Segreto-Finishes-impressions-book-bathroom-arches-tub-plaster-walls.jpg)
Thank YOU, Leslie for sharing your expert advice and decorating this blog with your lovely work!
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
p.s. Easiest way to see if a color is right? Order samples to be delivered to your door with Samplize (a peel and stick sheet of “paint” to stick on your wall and easily move around to other walls!).
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
Shop for items you already intended to buy on Amazon RIGHT HERE, and also find home decor here to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!
Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Good morning, I enjoy your site and today was to be an interesting topic. I love Lesley’s work. Sadly not one of the pictures are up on your site (there’s a little box with a ? mark). I hope to see the pictures soon. Cathy
Author
Hi Cathy! Sorry about the technical snafu which seems inevitable with guest posts since blogging formats vary so much! I believe we’re all set this morning and I hope you’ll tune in to see the images of Leslie’s gorgeous work! xox
I was able to view all the photos on my monitor without any technical glitches. Sometimes, on other posts on the internet (not any bloggers), this little box including a question mark has occurred, but not here. Thank you, Leslie, for your tutorial. Through the years, I’ve become quite adept as choosing wall colors and finishes, so your comments confirmed what I’ve learned in the past.
Author
Thanks for taking the time to let me know, Jo. 🙂
I am so honored to be on your incredible blog!! It is beautiful just like you sweet friend!! I hope the readers will enjoy!
Author
You and your team do such inspiring transformations, Leslie! Thank you for sharing your talents and advice with us today, friend. xox
If you want advice on paint color and it’s undertones, follow Maria Killam’s blog.
Leslie’s home is spectacular. A new build that looks old. I love every inch of it. I’m sure she is one of the best in her trade. A true artist!
Author
Thanks, Joanna! xox
She is a fabulous designer, love her works.
I am catching up on all past blog postings I’ve missed.
See you and all the beauty you inspire soon.
Xx
Dore
Author
There’s always more inspiration to catch up on since I’m a busy blogger! 🙂
I love the finishes in Leslie’s pictures. I have a question. I am currently living in a home with true Venetian plaster walls, the color is a medium oatmeal. I would love to lighten some of the walls. Is there a way to paint Venetian plaster without losing the texture or movement. I want something more chalky, no sheen. Any suggestions?
Author
Great question for Leslie! Thanks for reading, Susan.
Resourceful article. We are from Romania, who are giving services for a long time. We especially worked for household contraction, painting, repair services in Romania. If anybody wants to take any service or advice from us we will be happy to share our knowledge.
Author
Thank you for visiting. Best to you and your business.