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People often tell me that they have a hard time selecting colors for their home. The reasons vary from having lived with the same colors for so many years the homeowner just can’t “see” the home any other way to simply fearing they won’t like color selected and they will have to redo the job.

There are some fantastic websites that can alleviate your fears and you select new finishes. Besides being free, these programs are web-based so you don’t have to install anything on your computer.

For selecting paints, manufacturers such as Sherwin-Williams and Pratt and Lambert offer a Color Visualizer. These programs are easy to use. They allow you to tint surfaces other than the walls to help you match your home’s existing finishes on floors and cabinets.

Flooring companies such as Shaw, Mannington and Mirage Dreamer have similar programs on their websites. The Shaw visualization tool allows you to upload a picture of your home so you can try new finishes in the very room you want to remake. I haven’t tried using my own photo but I’m sure it is a very helpful option.

If you are working on a complete remodel then DesignMyRoom.com may be the best place you for to start. This site is a collaboration between many manufacturers such as Benjamin Moore, Kohler, Armstrong and Corian just to name a few. This site keeps track of the items used in the virtual decorator program providing all the information you will need to create a shopping list.

If you are feeling stumped and are in need of inspiration you can browse through rooms created by other people and guest designers.

So, what are you waiting for? Get Designing!