Choosing paint colors is one of the most exciting — and most stressful — parts of any painting project. With thousands of options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. After 30+ years of painting homes throughout Northbrook, Glenview, Highland Park, and the Chicago North Shore, our team at Sunpainting has helped thousands of homeowners find colors they love. Here’s what we’ve learned.
Start With What You’re Keeping
Before you even look at paint chips, take stock of the elements in the room that aren’t changing — flooring, furniture, cabinets, countertops, and any fixed architectural features. Your paint color should complement these, not compete with them. Pull the undertones from your floors or upholstery and look for paint colors that share those undertones.
Understand Undertones
Every paint color — even white — has an undertone. That soft gray you love on the paint chip might look purple or blue on your walls depending on your lighting. Common undertone surprises include:
- White paints can read pink, yellow, blue, or green depending on the light in your room
- Gray paints often have strong purple, blue, or green undertones
- Beige paints can shift orange or pink in certain lighting
Always test a sample on your actual wall — not just the chip — and observe it at different times of day and under artificial light at night.
Use the 60-30-10 Rule
Professional designers often use a simple formula: 60% dominant color (walls), 30% secondary color (furniture, rugs), and 10% accent color (pillows, artwork, accessories). This creates a balanced, cohesive look without feeling monotonous. Your wall color is the foundation — choose it to work with the other 40%, not the other way around.
Consider the Flow Between Rooms
If your home has an open floor plan or rooms that connect visually, think about how your colors will flow from one space to the next. You don’t need every room to be the same color, but they should feel harmonious. A good approach is to choose one neutral that runs throughout and layer in bolder accent colors room by room.
Don’t Forget the Ceiling
The ceiling is often called the “fifth wall” — yet most homeowners default to flat white without a second thought. A ceiling painted in a slightly lighter shade of your wall color can make a room feel taller and more intentional. Conversely, a bold ceiling color can add drama and personality to an otherwise neutral room.
Test Before You Commit
Never skip the sample step. Paint a large swatch — at least 12 x 12 inches — directly on the wall you’re painting. Live with it for a few days. Look at it in morning light, afternoon light, and evening light. What looks perfect at noon might look completely different at 7pm under your lamps.
At Sunpainting, we’re happy to provide color consultation as part of our free estimate process. Our team has seen how colors behave in homes throughout the Chicago suburbs, and we can help you avoid costly mistakes before you commit to a color.
Popular Color Trends for Chicago Suburb Homes in 2026
While timeless neutrals never go out of style, here are some directions we’re seeing homeowners move toward in 2026:
- Warm whites and creamy tones — replacing the cool grays that dominated the previous decade
- Earthy greens — sage, olive, and forest green are showing up on accent walls, cabinets, and exteriors
- Deep navy and slate blues — especially popular for front doors, shutters, and home offices
- Terracotta and rust tones — warm, earthy colors that add richness without feeling heavy
- Classic black accents — on trim, doors, and window frames for a crisp, modern contrast
Exterior Color Considerations for Chicago Homes
Exterior color choices come with additional considerations. In many Chicago suburbs, including Northbrook, Glenview, and Highland Park, HOA guidelines or village codes may restrict certain color choices. Always check before you paint.
Beyond restrictions, exterior colors need to hold up to Illinois weather — intense sun in summer, freezing temperatures in winter, and everything in between. Lighter colors tend to show dirt more easily, while very dark colors can fade faster in direct sunlight. Mid-tone neutrals — taupes, grays, greiges, and soft blues — tend to be the most durable and broadly appealing choices for Chicago-area exteriors.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re planning an interior or exterior painting project in the Northbrook area, Sunpainting is here to help — from color selection all the way through the final walkthrough. We serve homeowners throughout Northbrook, Glenview, Deerfield, Highland Park, Glencoe, Winnetka, Wilmette, Arlington Heights, and the surrounding Chicago suburbs.
Contact us today for a free, detailed estimate. No pressure, no surprises — just honest advice and professional results.
What Colors Are You Considering?
Are you in the middle of choosing paint colors for your home? We’d love to hear what direction you’re leaning — or if you’ve recently painted, what color did you end up choosing and do you love it? Leave a comment below and let us know!