1. Know the fundamentals of color.
Your first stop when contemplating color schemes is the trusty color wheel. Think about high school art class, says The Color Palette Primer author Joann Eckstut, who explains that there are three basic color schemes:
2. Look for inspiration around you
Think of places where you enjoy spending time or that are full of things you love. It could be your garden, a favorite store, a book about the Grand Canyon, or even your shoe cabinet. "This is what I call your 'happy place,' and it should be the first place you go before you step foot in the paint store," says color consultant Jane Lockhart, who drew up the room's color scheme. being from a restaurant menu. "Look at the colors and see which ones stimulate you, draw you and how they work with each other."
3. Follow the example of nature.
Colors that are found together in the environment are almost always a safe bet within your home. The shades of the beach, such as the cream color of the sand, the deep aquamarine of the sea, the blue of the sky and the gray of the cliffs look beautiful together.
4. Consider color in context
Think about the settings in which the color combinations need to work, that is, in your home and in your environment. Take note of the color and style of your furniture, the quality of light coming through the windows, and the function of the room.
Blue and green is a serene combo for a bedroom, for example, but it can be cold and dreary if the windows face north or natural light is lacking. On the other hand, bright red and yellow are cheerful in the kitchen, but can be overwhelming in the living room. Similarly, monochrome schemes work well in contemporary homes, but can be a bit boring with classic architecture. Think about color combos that you enjoy wearing. "If you look and feel good in those colors, you'll like them," says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.
5. Don't go overboard
Even if you adore a particular couple, be judicious about it (unless, of course, you have an unlimited budget to redecorate with each year). Use a neutral base for upholstered furniture and wall-to-wall carpeting, then "use small doses of color as an accent," says Color Association color consultant Barbara Schirmeister. "Just a few strategic pieces - pillows, window coverings, lamps - are often all you need to upgrade your room." And that way, once you fall in love with the next warm color duo, working it will simply be a matter of swapping accessories and other inexpensive items.
