The Power of a Color Scheme

Tips on Creating a Color Scheme and a Misconception Debunked

​Whether you are moving into a new home or looking to update your current space, having a well thought-out color scheme will help you make cohesive and exciting design decisions.
 
Keep in mind that a color scheme applies to more than just the colors on your walls. It takes into consideration furnishings, art, accessories, doorknobs, hinges, pulls, knobs, plumbing and light fixtures, flooring, and tiles.
 
Does the thought of creating a color scheme make you anxious? Read on for tips on how to create a color scheme that works for you. 

Look in Your Closet

Here you can see how the photos on the wall mirror the colors found in the clothing.

Start off by looking in your closet. Chances are you wear about the same colors and these colors may already be found in your home. These are colors that appeal to you. They may be cool colors: blues, greens, purples - colors of the ocean, which offer relaxation; or warm colors: reds, oranges, yellows - colors of a sunset, which provide energy and excitement. Your wardrobe will reveal what colors speak to you and can be inspiration for your color choices. 

Use Colors Found in Home Accessories

​My preferred way to decide on colors for a color scheme is by pulling the colors out of a favorite rug, a piece of art or from furniture. I get inspired by a piece I love and design around it. 

For example: I LOVE this Izzy Petite Accent chair from Anthropologie for a client I am working with. She is petite, has an office/library that needs designing and adores nature. This chair instantly gives me a million design ideas.  

​Use Color Combinations Found in Nature​

​A general rule is if it works in nature - it works! Look at the colors surrounding you the next time you go for a walk, watch a sunset, or stop to admire flowers. Play with the color combinations of fruit or look at the colors found in a peach when you cut it up. Nature is constantly giving us inspiration.

Use a Color Wheel

​Do you remember learning all about colors and the color wheel in art class? This applies here too. I’m not going to to go into all the details, but chances are, you already know a bit about color theory. There are many different combinations to play with, but also keep in mind that a color wheel will provide you with color combinations that work. 

Look Online

I encourage you to play with different color combinations before hitting the internet. While looking online or on Pinterest is extremely convenient and has endless resources available, I believe it also removes some of our own creativity as individuals. Your home should reflect who you are, not who so-and-so is. However, it is definitely a helpful tool in inspiration and is a tool not to be ignored. 

​A Misconception: A Color Scheme is Boring 

​Most people expect a color scheme for an individual room to be cohesive. However, I believe there is a population that believes a whole house color scheme = boring and too “matchy-matchy”.  This doesn’t have to be the case. With a carefully chosen color scheme and a few tricks you can avoid boredom.
 
Trick #1: Utilize patterns, textures and different materials to add interest that involves senses other than sight.
 
Trick #2: Use different shades of the colors in your color scheme (be careful to stay with the same undertones)
 
Trick #3: Use neutrals to break up colors
 
Trick #4: Hold onto your hats, this may be a bit controversial, but if your home become too “matchy-matchy” - go ahead and throw in a carefully considered new color or an exciting piece of furniture or art. Life is too short to live in a home that doesn’t excite you.

For those of you who feel overwhelmed with the task of creating a color scheme - feel free to give me a call and we’ll come up with a scheme that works for you and your space!