A grand gesture like a look-at-me paint shade works best when you’ve done a serious think-around ahead of time. Bold hues in particular are full of pigments that will change character as they pick up the textures in different surfaces, catch the light at various times of day, borrow a bit of personality from the objects you place on and beside them — you get the picture. The surefire way to know that you’re making the most effective power move is to buy a handful of sample pots, brush them with gusto across poster boards and take those trial patches on a thorough tour of your space. For even more prep pointers, look to our expert tips below, and be sure to show us your gorgeous grand-finale “After” pics.

Who says entering the home needs to feel like going indoors? A verdant entryway hue like this one beckons visitors into a leafy, shade-dappled glade, and that serene first impression will set the tone for every space that follows. (It should go without saying that an emerald tone of this sort plays beautifully with house plants and wood furniture.)

Try This Shade: Deep Pine, Dunn-Edwards

Even with nary a window in sight, this sunny space evokes a Mediterranean afternoon. Invite the light in with a cheerful-yet-sophisticated shade that pairs beautifully with exotic art. This tone feels worldly rather than childish: It’s inspired by the bright leather footwear Moroccan men favor.

Try This Shade: Babouche, Farrow & Ball

If luxurious metal finishes and intricate, warm wood strike your fancy, indulge in the richness of a velvety purple; there’s no better hue to frame brass. Tones like this one are also ideal for drawing gently sensual attention to molding and other architectural flourishes. The shadowed corner behind this bar area looks touchably soft, no?

Try This Shade: Epoch, Graham & Brown