By Randall’s Paint & Décor Experts | July 2, 2025
Picking the right paint colour isn’t just about personal taste—it’s about lighting, undertones, finishes, and how everything ties together. At Randall’s, we’ve helped thousands of Ottawa homeowners find shades that feel just right. This FAQ-based guide answers your top questions and gets you closer to colour confidence.
1. Where should I begin when picking a colour?
Q: I have no idea where to start. Help?
A: Think about how you want the room to feel—relaxing, energizing, cozy? Then look at lighting, existing furniture, and architectural features. Warm colours bring comfort, cool ones add calm, and neutrals offer flexibility.
➤ Get personalized colour advice with a Randall’s consultation
2. How does light affect paint colour?
Q: Why does my wall look different in the morning vs. evening?
A: Natural and artificial light dramatically change how colours appear. North-facing rooms skew cooler, south-facing rooms look warmer. Test swatches at different times of day to make sure you're happy with the colour in every light.
3. Should I test paint samples before deciding?
Q: Isn’t the swatch card enough?
A: It’s just the starting point. Always paint a test patch on your actual wall. Colours often look darker or lighter than expected once dry and in your space.
➤ Request samples or order products easily with our Painter Order Form
4. What are undertones and how do I spot them?
Q: All greys are the same, right?
A: Not at all. One grey may have a blue undertone, another may lean green or purple. Compare paint samples against a sheet of pure white paper to see the subtle difference.
5. Which colours work in small or dark rooms?
Q: Can colour really change how a space feels?
A: Yes! Light tones expand and brighten a room, while dark colours can create intimacy and drama. Try off-whites, soft greys, or pale blues for tight spaces—or go bold with navy or charcoal as an accent.
6. How do I coordinate colour with my furniture?
Q: I don’t want the walls to clash with my couch.
A: Consider undertones in your flooring, fabric, or cabinetry. A warm beige works with honey oak floors, while a cool greige complements grey sofas. Bring fabric swatches to the store or consult a Randall’s expert.
➤ Browse our collections for inspiration and paint pairings
7. Can I use bold colours without overwhelming the room?
Q: I want colour but I’m scared of going too far.
A: You can! Use deep tones on one wall or in small rooms like powder rooms or offices. Pair bold shades with soft neutrals to create balance.
8. Are colour trends worth following?
Q: Should I stick to what's trending?
A: Trends can guide you, but timeless colours ensure long-term satisfaction. Earthy tones, soft greens, and natural hues are in now—but always choose what feels right for you.
➤ Need help narrowing it down? Book a colour consultation
9. What kind of help does Randall’s offer?
Q: Can someone walk me through this process?
A: Definitely. Our in-store colour experts help you:
Understand undertones
Choose finishes
Match existing elements
Order exactly what you need
➤ Book a consultation today
➤ Shop paint tools and accessories
10. What should I do after finalizing my colour?
Q: I chose the colour—now what?
A:
✔ Choose your finish (e.g. satin, matte, gloss)
✔ Calculate paint quantity
✔ Gather supplies: brushes, rollers, tape
✔ Prime if needed
✔ Tape off trim and you're ready to go!
Bonus: Let Randall’s Help You Colour with Confidence
Everything you need for a great paint experience—under one roof:
✔ Paint sample testers
✔ Designer tools and swatches
✔ Colour-matching services
✔ Cleaners, primers, and brushes
✔ Friendly, expert advice
➤ Explore our paint collections
➤ Still have questions? Contact us anytime