This one I came up with some time ago- maybe college? Actually, definitely college. Four friends and I went in on this insane turn-of-the-century mansion on campus, which we decided needed a serious interior overhaul in the form of a paint job. Somehow, we managed to select the most horrifying combination of colors, patterns, and finishes (high gloss peacock blue diamonds over flat sky blue walls, for one) imaginable. As a side note: there is a paint color floating around out there called "Skinned Knee," and yes, our living room was dressed in it.
Now I don't know about you, but I have the hardest time gauging what a color will look like when spread onto a large surface. Human minds automatically lighten colors in this type of situation, which is why house paint companies suggest selecting a shade or two lighter that what you think you want. So, when we were in the process of making these (bad) color choices, I invented a little mind trick to tell what a color would look like on the wall by simply looking at the swatch: imagine tiny furniture and people standing in front of it. Seriously, it is magical. Hasn't failed me yet.
I'm sure this same logic can be applied in other situations. If you think of anything good, don't keep it to yourself.
PS- if you are considering your own paint job, I suggest thinking on Genevieve Gordner's wonderous advice: Mother Nature is the best designer there is; what she designs never clashes. Mind explode.
