Many people approach home decorating projects by individual rooms, and the effect of this can mean that your household interior has a disjointed feel and appearance. Abrupt color changes between rooms can be visually jarring, yet at the same, time, every room in your home should contain a few unique elements. Here’s how to create and maintain a polished color scheme that moves effortlessly from room to room.
Make a List of Your Fixed Elements
Fixed elements are those items in your home that can’t be changed without major remodeling, including floors, countertops, cabinetry and appliances. Most fixed elements will be in basic neutral tones, so the next step is to discern the specific undertones of each element. Cool undertones include purple, blue and green, while warm undertones are yellow, rose and orange. If the home was properly designed, the undertones in your fixed elements will lean strongly in one direction.
Choose a Color Scheme
Professional decorators almost always choose to choose colors that provide contrast to the undertones of the fixed elements. This helps create a sense of balance, keeping the appearance of the home interior from being lopsided. For instance, if you discover that the undertone palette of your fixed elements trends toward cool tones, using decorative throw pillows in warm shades create harmony.
Some homeowners choose color schemes that complement the undertones of their fixed elements. While the effect can be stunning, it can also be overwhelming unless you’ve got a skilled hand when it comes to color and design.
Decide How You Want Your Home to Feel
Deciding on what overall feeling that you want your home to convey will help guide you to the best color choices. If you want a rustic look, for instance, stick with warm earth tones, and use cool blues if you’re striving for an elegant-yet-casual ambiance.
Decide on a Dominant Neutral Color
Choosing a neutral color with the same undertones as your fixed elements that will be present in every room of your home in some form is an excellent way to create visual flow. This color can used in trim, on doorways and in connecting areas of the home such as hallways and foyers.
Decide on a Primary Accent Color
Accent pieces such as wall tapestries that have a primary color in common will give your home pulled-together appearance. It isn’t necessary for the colors to match exactly. For instance, if you’ve got a wall hanging in one room in which deep blue is the dominant color, a collection of ceramics in varying shades of blue displayed on a shelf in the next room will provide visual flow.
Choose Secondary Colors
The next step is to decide on secondary colors. This can be done in two different ways depending on whether you want to contrast o complement your primary accent color. You can use a color wheel to help you make your selection. If you want a contrast to medium blue, for instance, choose the color opposite of it on the color wheel. To complement the color, select either of its neighbors on the wheel.
The above suggestions may cause your friends asking who your interior designer is!
+Jodi Call grew up all over the world, giving her a deep appreciation for different custom and cultures; this has translated into her home decorating skills. Read about her home décor tips and advice at bedbathstore.com
