.png)
.png)
A color scheme is what brings your home's decor together, aside from the furniture and accent pieces in the rooms. However, selecting the right color scheme can be a challenge due to the multitude of hues and textures available. If you coordinate your colors too closely, you may end up with an overly uniform and uninteresting look. On the other hand, if your colors are not well-coordinated, it can detract from the overall interior design. Read on for six helpful tips on how to choose the perfect color palette for your home.
1. Start With Three Colors
Start by using a color wheel as your initial reference point, which you can find online or at a local store. Select a neutral color and complement it with two additional tones. Working with a palette of three colors creates a well-balanced look that provides visual interest without becoming overly distracting. While crafting your color scheme, remember that the neutral color you choose should be present in every room to create a cohesive feel throughout your entire house. A true "cookbook" strategy for making any place look great is to use darker color values for the floor, medium color values for the walls, and lighter color values for the ceiling.
2. Use the 60-30-10 Rule
When decorating a space, it's often recommended to divide the colors into components with a distribution of 60% for the main color, 30% for the secondary color, and 10% for accent colors. The dominant color typically comes from the walls or tiles, the upholstery represents the secondary color, and the remaining colors are introduced through accessories like flower arrangements, throw pillows, artwork, and lamps. This balanced approach ensures a harmonious color scheme, with a 10% allowance for pops of color or the inclusion of metallic finishes like gold or brass to add visual interest.
3. Incorporate a Mix of Warm and Cool Colors
It's essential to consider the mood you want to create when selecting colors for your home's interior. Decide whether you want it to feel fresh and airy or comfortable and cozy. When working with warm and cool colors, keep in mind that no area should be dominated by a single color temperature. If you desire a warm ambiance, use warm colors like red, yellow, and orange as the dominant palette, and complement them with a few cool-colored elements such as blue, green, or purple. Conversely, for a cooler atmosphere, start with cool colors as the main theme and introduce warm accents. Incorporating a blend of warm and cool colors in your home will provide balance and create a more pronounced contrast between the various color hues. Warm shades can evoke energy and are suitable for high-traffic areas, while cool tones promote a sense of tranquility and relaxation, making them well-suited for bedrooms and bathrooms.
4. Do Not Overmix Patterns
Bold colors and patterns can be wonderful to use in interior design, but it's important to do so in moderation. When you overuse patterns, they can start to compete with each other and create visual chaos. To maintain a balanced and visually pleasing look, it's advisable to offset bold colors with neutral hues to prevent eye strain. For instance, if you have vibrant, multi-colored cushions, consider pairing them with a more understated geometric rug in black and white or neutral beige tones.
5. Take into account the lighting in Your Space
When choosing colors for your interior, it's essential to consider how they will look under your current lighting conditions. Lighting can significantly affect the appearance and ambiance of colors. For instance, if you prefer warm lighting, your wall paint color may take on a yellowish and cozy tone. Conversely, if you opt for bright, white lighting, your colors will appear more vibrant and pronounced. To make informed choices, it's a good practice to have paint and fabric swatches on hand to observe how colors interact with your lighting. Additionally, in rooms with limited natural light, it's advisable to opt for lighter wall colors while using dark accent colors sparingly to avoid making the space feel too dim.
6. Get Inspired
If you're still unsure about choosing a color palette for your home, consider seeking inspiration from sources like Pinterest, your closet, or the view from your window. You might discover a particular mood you want to create in your home, whether it's a cheerful, bright, dramatic, or cozy atmosphere—whatever resonates with you. Take note of the dominant colors you see when looking out your window. For example, if you have a beautiful ocean view, you may be drawn to sea blues, whites, and sandy taupes. If your window overlooks a park or a lake, you might notice greens, browns, and dark blues. Incorporating these colors into your interior design can help you create the perfect color scheme for your home.
Require assistance with your design?
Initiate an online design consultation with us today and receive interactive digital room designs delivered straight to your inbox. Click here to discover more!