When you go to the paint store or fabric shop it is tempting to start choosing a bunch of different colors and patterns for your new design project… but we all know that a finished room looks more cohesive and put-together if there’s a single color scheme going on. When interior designers start a new room, they like to stick to three main colors that compliment each other and can be worked in seamlessly throughout the project.
If you don’t know where to start to choose a color scheme, it’s always a good idea to think of something you own that you really love (like a piece of artwork or a large area rug) and draw color inspiration from that. You can also think about places in nature that speak to you, whether it’s your favorite beach or you prefer mountains or desert landscapes. You can even think about colors you see in a sunrise or a spring storm! If you think about places you love, incorporating those same colors into your home is a great place to start!
Next, you want to settle on three main colors for your room. While you don’t have to decide your three colors in this order, it’s important to know which ones will be used the most in the room. The largest color option is for the walls. Often people choose a neutral tone like gray, white, or beige that will help you room feel bright and open. You can also create a dramatic ambiance by choosing a darker color for the walls, or even using a dark color for an accent wall.
Your next color will be used for furniture and larger accessories like rugs and curtains, so it should stand out against your walls without being overwhelming. Greens are very popular for large accent colors right now, and blues, browns, reds, and purples are also good choices. And finally, you can choose a complimentary accent color to be used in smaller accessories like throw pillows and lamp shades. Designers like to use colors that stand out against each other, so if you choose blue for one of your colors, yellow or orange will compliment it very well. If you choose green and beige, pink or red will make good accent colors for that scheme. You can also choose a monochromatic color scheme which uses different shades of the same color; this can be a very calming color scheme when done well!
If you’re still looking for inspiration, check out these complete bedroom sets or living room furniture! It can help to know what wood finishes and upholstery colors you like best so you can build on from there. And once you’ve chosen three main colors for a room, don’t be afraid to add your own style with your children’s artwork or family photos! After all, it’s your home and it should be all about you and your family!