How To Choose A Colour Scheme
September 20, 2024
When you love all the colours, how on earth are you supposed to narrow it down to just a few for a cohesive and sophisticated look for your home?
With so many colours to choose from, how can you even figure out where to start? Whether you want a technicolour dreamcoat or a monochrome look, read on to discover how to keep things simple, or embrace a love of colour you daren’t reveal before. Either way, you can choose a colour scheme that simply suits you, or indulges the rainbow of your soul.
How to choose a colour scheme when you really don’t know where to start
If you have too many favourite colours to choose from for your colour scheme, you may need to ask yourself what you like about each colour. Assuming they don’t all have a special meaning for you, this should help you eliminate some of them.
What kind of environment do you favour? If you love the woods, the beach or the city, take your inspiration from the surroundings you crave. Greens and browns, sea blue and citrus yellow, or sophisticated or smokey greys can become the primary colour when you choose a colour scheme.
Perhaps a beloved object, an heirloom, or a piece of art can inspire you. I came pretty close to basing my decor on my cat. A bicolour Ragdoll, Callie is the perfect palette for a neutral scheme as calming as her temperament. But in the absence of cute cats, a favourite item, a rug, a picture or a favourite blind can inspire you.
What do you mean you don’t have a favourite blind? Don’t you know that’s the in thing? Your classically patterned and cosy Roman blind, or your neat and modern roller blind may influence the colour choice and style for the room.
Failing all that, download some decorating shows. There are only seven hundred million to choose from. You’re bound to find something that gets the creative juices flowing that will help you choose a colour scheme.
How to choose a colour scheme when you don’t know what colour goes with which
It can be daunting, daring to make hot pink the primary colour for your entire house. Some may call you intense. Damn right you’re intense, intense for your love of hot pink! And you want the whole world to know.
But how will you break up all that pink? Easy. Consult a colour wheel. Available from all paint suppliers, or more immediately from the internet, just see what colours sit alongside pink, or opposite, depending on whether you want an analogous design or a complimentary one. Either way, you’ll be choosing a colour scheme that’s harmonious.
How to choose a colour scheme when tastes differ
My sister said she hated yellow and it gave her a headache. She said this several years after I painted the kitchen yellow. Nowadays, she says she wants yellow in our living room. The kitchen was a somewhat vibrant shade. We’re looking at more mellow yellows for the living room. So when your cohabiter says they hate a colour, which tone or shade are they talking about? A happy compromise just might be reached and you both get to choose a colour scheme for your home.
How to choose a colour scheme for specific spaces
How do you want to feel in a particular space? Let blues and greens help you off to the land of nod in your bedroom. Elegant neutrals, with accents of something vibrant, will make you feel stylish and your guests jealous, and at home, in your entertainment areas. Bright citrus colours will keep you alert and stimulated in your home office. There are colours for every occasion. Choose a colour scheme that will help you concentrate or rest, depending on your needs.
How To Choose A Colour Scheme when one space must be many things to many people
Have you had to squeeze your home office into your children’s play area? Does your own bedroom floor double up as the children’s play area? Move! And if that’s not practical for you, then look to those different tones and shades to help you get the right balance in your clearly complicated living arrangements. You can zone away as you choose a colour scheme to help bring a little sanity into your life.
You can at least include faux wood Venetian blinds to go with your chosen colour scheme. Stylish and durable, you’ll be able to control light, and privacy, with a tilt of the slats. Faux wood Venetians will go with just about any colour scheme of your choice.