Everyone has that friend whose house seems to have just the right mix of color and décor. This friend just seems to know how to combine colorful discount area rugs with great wall-hangings and just the right shade of paint on her walls. So, what do you do when your own home feels like nothing but blank walls and blah furniture? For some of us, getting color into our décor can seem like a daunting task. How do you know when you’ve done too much? What if you pick a shade or a color scheme that just doesn’t fit your personality?
Well, never fear. There are ways to get color into any room’s look without fear or regret. You just need to embrace a few simple rules. From blue area rugs to orange throw pillows to every color of paint in between, here are some ways to start looking like a color pro.
Imitate nature
All design takes its cue from the outside world. After all, that’s where the best color balancing is found. If you can imagine your room as an outdoor scene, it’s easy to balance colors from there. The floor is the ground, so start with darker colors like brown area rugs or a soft green carpet. The walls are a place for medium color (think of trees and mountains). The ceiling, usually white, is your sky. If you balance your room with this vertical scheme in mind, it will always look professionally done.
Use the 60-30-10 rule
Many designers use what’s called the 60-30-10 rule to choose colors and décor. What this means is that 60% of your space should be dominated by a solid color, 30% taken up by a secondary color, and 10% taken up by an accent color. In other words, 60 percent of the color in your room is wall color, thirty percent is your furnishings, and ten percent is taken up by artwork, wall hangings, and other accessories like plants. Much like a man’s suit, 60 percent of his outfit is the slacks and jacket, 30 percent is the shirt, and 10 percent is the tie.
Let it flow
If you have an open floor plan, it can be tricky to know where and how to place color. The simplest approach in this situation is to include colors from one room into another. For example, if you have a dining set with tan upholstery, you can fuse that theme into your living room by including bamboo area rugs. A deep blue accent wall in the TV room can flow into an eat-in kitchen’s breakfast bar with a few blue and white striped pillows. Avoid a monotonous effect by sticking to pops of well-placed color instead of going overboard.
Set a mood
It’s no secret that color can affect how we think and feel. We associate red with fire and blue with the sea and sky. Consequently, color can inspire our mood when used properly within our homes. Use blues and browns in a bedroom to bring out a sense of rest and relaxation. Red is perfect for a kitchen because it feels lively and passionate, maybe even spicy (depending on how you like your food!).
Think local
What better place to take inspiration than from you own home town? Choose colors that reflect the spirit of the place where you live or want to live. Picture the drama of the Southwest’s desert landscape or the bright, beachy feel of a New England coastal cottage. Start with room area rugs in your favorite local colors and build your room from there.
Think seasonal
Everyone has a favorite time of year, whether it’s the joy of the holidays or the warmth and excitement of summertime. Strip away the “holiday” feel – whether it’s Easter eggs or Jack-o-lanterns – and you’re left with a palette of colors that speaks volumes about your personality and can provide lots of inspiration for your décor. Love the welcoming oranges and deep chocolate browns of fall? Use touches of those colors in your décor or base your entire look around one favorite seasonal color.