Designer Shares Genius Paint Trick for Nailing Home Palette

Painting on drywall samples helps clients visualize colors better than paper swatches.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Interior designer Brad Thornton discovered that using painted drywall samples instead of traditional paint swatches helps his clients better visualize and select colors for their homes. The drywall samples provide a more realistic representation of how the paint will look with depth and finish, allowing clients to make more informed decisions. Thornton says this technique removes stress from the paint selection process and builds trust with his clients.

Why it matters

Choosing the right paint colors can be an emotionally charged and stressful process for homeowners. Thornton's drywall sample technique provides a more effective way for clients to see how colors will look in their actual spaces, leading to greater confidence in their selections and better design outcomes.

The details

Thornton began using drywall samples early in his career after noticing clients struggled to visualize the full palette he had in mind, even after seeing paint swatches on their walls. The drywall samples allow clients to see the true depth, finish, and how colors interact with lighting and other design elements. Thornton purchases drywall online, scores and cuts it into samples, primes them, and then applies the paint colors. He notes that the drywall samples feel more casual and less committal than paint on the walls, allowing clients to explore options freely.

  • Thornton began using the drywall sample technique early in his interior design career.

The players

Brad Thornton

An interior designer and the principal of Thornton Projects, as well as the voice behind the Substack newsletter "Can I Move That?".

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What they’re saying

“Drywall gives you a true read of color, depth, and finish. My goal is always to remove as much friction as possible for my clients so they can feel confident in our design. Tools like the drywall squares build trust.”

— Brad Thornton, Interior Designer (Substack)

The takeaway

Thornton's drywall sample technique provides a more effective way for homeowners to visualize paint colors in their spaces, reducing stress and building trust in the design process. This innovative approach helps clients make more informed and confident color selections for their homes.