Selecting the right paint does not have to be a daunting task if you choose colors that work best for your spaces rather than focusing on trends, says Karen Luria, owner of Interior Identity Inc. in Alexandria. Simply because the “it” color for 2010 is turquoise does not mean it should be the focal point of your room.

“I believe in timeless design,” Luria says. “People need to think first and foremost about what they want to live with and how long they want to live with it.”