We asked savvy design pros for the most inventive ways they use Sherwin-Williams color samples in their design process — here are some of the best ideas.

By Molly Burke

When it comes to color samples, there’s not a one-size-fits-all solution for design projects — that’s why Sherwin-Williams offers color samples in three sizes: 4”x4”, 5”x8” and oversized 8”x11” — all free for designers to order. With so many size options, there are also countless ways to use them. We reached out to designers on Facebook, asking for their most inventive ways to use samples in their design process. Here are some of our favorite ideas:

“It’s always the final finishing touch to a new home palette! Excited to see this new home come to life with a navy accent color.” – Cathi Hobbins

“I take my Sherwin-Williams ‘bible’ with me on all paint consultations!” – Lois Brant

“I use double stick tape on the wall so I can sit at my desk and ponder which will be the perfect gray.” – Amelia Laster

“I take four oversized color samples and combine them with painters’ tape to form a ‘mini wall’ — this makes it easy to move large swatches of color around a room and observe how it looks in different light without having to paint on wet samples.” – Laurie Clark, Sherwin-Williams Senior Designer Account Executive, Phoenix, AZ

“When I work with a client, I often punch a hole in the top of samples — although the new Sherwin-Williams samples have a pre-punched hole! — and link them with a burlap string or o-ring. That way, the samples can be used with my design boards, but can also easily match with tiles and fabrics.” – Sue Wadden, Sherwin-Williams Director of Color Marketing

Love to create designs digitally? With ColorSnap^® Visualizer, you can explore color and virtually paint any room with the swipe of a finger. Match colors from photos, save colors and “paint” your own walls.

“I always use ColorSnap Visualizer…it is such a fantastic tool and I love it!” – Debbie Whitby Benedict

Feeling inspired to revive your design process using color samples? Order them now at myS-W.com. Within your dashboard, you can order fan decks, catalogs, oversized color samples and more.