How to Choose a Color Scheme
Most people find the task of choosing colors for the home a daunting one … and rightfully so. There are innumerable paint stores, color options and ways to go wrong with interior painting. Fortunately, there are several tips and tricks on how to choose a color scheme that can help.
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Look through your closet.
When we buy clothes, we select items in colors that complement us – the interior of our homes should do the same. Walls, floors and ceilings should be comforting and attractive colors that you feel relaxed and happy living in, not unlike your favorite article of clothing.
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Establish a focal point.
If you have a large rug, patterned sofa or attention-grabbing piece of art in the room, allow it to guide your color scheme.
Pull colors from accessories and accents that are not dominant within their color palettes, and repeat that color on the walls to truly accents your furnishings, allowing them to draw the most attention in the room.
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Think about the size of your space.
One common error people make when interior painting is shrinking the size of the room. Keeping darker colors toward the lower portions of a room and brighter colors toward the top, the ceiling, will give your area an open feel.
Conversely, smaller spaces can be painted in rich, warm color schemes to give them a cozy, intimate sense.
The feel you’re trying to achieve within a room, as well as its size and layout, can be great indicators for choosing a color scheme.
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Think consistency.
Many people, especially those drawn to bright colors, go too bold or too diverse with their color schemes, giving the home a disjointed, often jarring feel as you pass from room to room.
While shying away from color isn’t recommended either, it is important to keep consistency in mind. While each room can have its own personality, you want to ensure that you keep the entire home connected and comfortable.
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Utilize the color wheel to help.
Pick colors in similar shades, hues and values. Select complementary colors, and when combining multiple colors within one space, think of it in three parts: 60 percent should be a dominant color, 30 percent a color that complements that and the last 10 percent an accent color to add pop and interest.
Lastly, never be afraid to ask for help and advice. From in-store assistance at the paint counter to consulting a professional designer for recommendations on color schemes that will work particularly well in your home, there are resources and outlets available to ensure you select the right shades for your space.
