But there is one trick DIYers and designers use to decide on the right shade more quickly.

They simply figure out whether they need a “warm” or a “cool” color.

“Cool colors are more calming, since they are the colors that you would find in nature.”

blush and gold and brown bedroom

What Are Warm Colors?

Marcum suggests using these colors particularly in common areas of a home.

“I like to keep the kitchen and the family room warm,” she says.

room with rust and mustard accents

She also recommends a matte finish for its family-friendly use.

“If it’s really wipeable, that’s my favorite,” she adds.

“I love to do the same tone on the trim in a semi-gloss.”

living room with brown and mustard accents

Marcum points to the floors, while Henderson focuses on cabinets.

Marcum is into terracotta walls with an olive green sofa, or golden ochre mixed with plum.

What Are Cool Colors?

painted blue bar with marble gray and white backsplash

Like warm tones, both designers agree that any room can take on cool shades with the right balance.

“This comes down to personal preference,” Goerzen says.

Here’s how to balance out the color temperature in any space.

living room with light purple and gray accents

“I love the idea of mixing warm and cool colors together via accent hues,” Goerzen says.

“Mixing cool and warm colors so successfully feels much more three-dimensional and elevated!

“Curating a color palette can feel daunting,” Goerzen says.

Warm and cool color scheme

“There are warm and cool tones to every color,” Marcum says.

Some might have a yellow or pink tone, and those are ‘warm’ grays.

Pepper the colors around the room for a cohesive look.”