Every color has a unique personality, which changes not only the appearance of a room but also its mood. You need to find colors that cooperate and agree with one another, serving to complement or contrast each other in attractive or exciting ways. In doing so, you’ll create the perfect scheme for your space.
Planning that scheme is among the most enjoyable parts of the interior design process. In this article, we’ll walk you through some suggestions for color coordination that are easy to follow and relevant to both beginners and experienced decorators alike. Before you begin your renovations, review the advice below.
The color wheel should remain one of your primary tools throughout the design process. It indicates the color families and shows how they relate to each other, simplifying your task of finding the right paints for your project. If you need to validate ideas and schemes, the color wheel is the first place you should turn.
Complementary colors are on opposite sides of the color wheel, and each tone emphasizes the richness of the other. When you’re pairing these tones, your best option is to match a subtle color with a more dominant color, such as a lighter orange with a stronger blue. This combination is liable to change with your design, of course.
Related colors are adjacent to each other on the color wheel, and they give a nuanced alternative to those who are hesitant to embrace the contrast of complementary colors. The combination of similar tones isn’t necessarily striking or memorable, but it brings cohesion and harmony to a space.
The arrangement of your colors is integral to your design, and you should determine your placement based on the value scale. Walls and floors are often a lighter value, with floors slightly darker than walls, and window coverings and furniture are usually a medium value. Your darkest values are your accent colors.
The flooring in your space is crucial to consider when you’re deciding on a color scheme. If it’s properly leveraged, it’ll highlight the attractive qualities of your design. When you’re developing strategies to coordinate your walls and flooring, ensure that the colors lend themselves to a sense of continuity, not contrast.
As you develop your design for the room you intend to change, you should factor in the adjacent rooms as well. Depending on how much of each room is visible from the next, it’s essential to plan your scheme so that it won’t conflict with the flow of your home. Remember, each room exists within a much larger space.
Color coordination is simple as long as you follow time-tested techniques and general rules for managing different elements of your space. With that in mind, have a great time decorating!