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Do these colors speak to you?
Photo by Paweł Czerwiński on UnsplashWhat about these?
Photo by Andrey Bond on UnsplashOr these?
Photo by Larisa Birta on Unsplash
Selecting a color palette for your decorating project is very personal, but it's not hard to do. Try one of these methods to select colors that are right for you!
Find inspiration around you
Think about mood
Check the Color Wheel
Follow the 60/30/10 rule
Find Inspiration Around You
Clothes
This outfit might inspire a palette that includes a gray background with pops of red and black.
Textiles
Do you already have pillows, curtains, or fabric that you love? Use those for color inspiration.
This pillow has personality, texture, and a vibrant color palette!
Try a white background along with pinks and blues in bold hues.
Nature
What better way to get inspired than to take a stroll through nature?
Photo by Jeremy Thomas on UnsplashAnimals
You'll find marvelous color combinations in the animal kingdom!
Photo by David Everett Strickler on UnsplashDid you know?
Guess The Palette
Tia's Decor
Tia has a classic style and tends to wear clothes in soft shades of pink and blue. Which of these palettes might be best for her decor?
Quiz
Which palette should Tia select?
Taking a cue from her personal style, Tia might want to consider colors inspired by the flowers. She should probably steer away from the others because they don't seem to match her preferences.
Mood
Decide what mood you want to create:
Photo by Jay Castor on UnsplashCool and lighter tones like green, blue and pastels, are soothing.
Photo by bady abbas on UnsplashWarm and bright colors like red, orange, and jewel tones, are energizing.
Quiz
What mood do you think a black and white color palette creates?
Black and white are total opposites and together they create a bold palette. This combination can also be considered sleek and sophisticated, but cold. If you want a happy and welcoming color palette, use some yellow.
Did you know?
Check The Color Wheel
Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel. Using them together provides a lot of drama and contrast.
TONE IT!
You can tone the purecolors of the color wheel by going lighter or darker.
Examples:
Pure red and pure green might not result in a pleasing color scheme, but pink (light red) and light green look great together!
Pure purple along with pure yellow might be overwhelming, but eggplant (dark purple) and gold (dark yellow) go well.
Follow The 60/30/10 Rule
Using colors in the following amounts will always result in a harmonious and professional look!
60% of your main color
30% of a secondary color
10% of an accent color
Choose the Palette
Quiz
Rico paints the walls red and buys blue chairs. What accent color should he choose?
Rico has a main color red (the walls) and a secondary color of blue (furniture). Therefore, he should use another color in a small amount, about 10%. It doesn't matter which color he selects as long as he is happy with his palette choices.
Take Action
Jump into your next decorating project!
This Byte has been authored by
Mary Ellen D'Intino
Learning Designer | Licensed Social Worker
M.Ed., LSW