Some people have a natural eye for color. With seemingly little effort, they can whip up a perfect color scheme. How do they do it? Designers and artists work with color every day and are similarly adept. If you're not one of these lucky naturals, nor a professional, where do you begin? You want to redecorate a room, but although you know your daughter loves pink, and you've painted the walls of her bedroom, where do you go from there? An entirely pink color scheme will lack interest. Monochromatic schemes rarely work to set a mood that satisfies you for long. Here are some suggestions on choosing colors that provide visual satisfaction for years to come.
One excellent strategy for the novice designer involves the use of a Pantone(TM) color sampler. You can buy one at your local art supply. While you're at it, buy a color wheel. The sampler has a rivet at one end which allows you to pull out individual cards of colors that form a fan of color that can be viewed side by side. The color wheel shows you which colors are complementary, or opposite, as well as the primary colors and variations of hues.
Let's take the example of a basically pink color scheme. You can go with a pastel scheme to create a soothing, feminine and relaxing color scheme. Pale yellows, variations on the pink of the wall color, peach and touches of baby blue can be used in pillows, bedspread, curtains and furniture to provide a variety of color that sets the soft mood you want while still adding interest and diversity.
If you want a more vibrant look, choose accent colors in deeper shades for your furnishings. In this case, a bedspread with a pale pink background, patterned with roses and adorned with leaves adds a more lively look. You might enhance this mood with a pale rose colored skirting or shams. A darker green dressing table and chair with a slightly lighter or darker shade of green adds life to this color scheme. In this case, you might balance the darker shades with ivory lace curtains for a perfect color scheme.
The trick to color is balance. Colors like periwinkle blue go well with their complements, in this case a rusty orange. The primary colors, red, blue and yellow make an exciting statement. The more the colors excite the eye, the more likely it is that the combination will wear thin over time.
When choosing color schemes, first decide the mood you want to create. Exciting the eye can be satisfying in the short term. Subtler combinations tend to stand the test of time. Earthy tones are classic, a good choice for a bedroom or living room.
Play with that Pantone sampler before you start shopping or painting. When you've found a combination of shades you love, then proceed to the details. Your room will be beautiful!
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