Deciding on a New Color Scheme

Most individuals find choosing the right color scheme for their homes as the most overwhelming part of the decoration process. After all, you have to consider furniture, doors, drapes, and other items before you pick any color. But it doesn't have to be all that difficult. A few simple rules can see you working through it with ease.

Start with a neutral color as your backdrop and then build on by adding other contrasting colors with art and accessories. You will need to work with a color wheel and determine what color scheme of the color wheel you want to use. The monochromatic scheme involves using different shades of a single color of the color wheel. The analogous color scheme consists of using colors that appear next to each other on the color wheel to create a colorful arrangement. You may also decide to do a contrast scheme that involves using a triad of contrasting colors. For a bolder look, use the complementary scheme. Contrast has to do with two opposing colors used for the interior. 

You should also consider how the lighting will change the appearance of colors within your home at different times of the day. You may have to use sample swatch cards in the color you are thinking of using, or paint onto a card in that color and carry them around the house, testing them in different lighting conditions. Before you commit, you may even decide to paint small areas of each room to see how the colors will complement each other around the house. Having decided on the colors you want to use, you should look at how it will flow into the general design of the room. Bear in mind the kind of furniture and upholstery you either already have present in the house or you intend to purchase. Your colors have to fit in with these generally so deciding on the exact shade of color you want should come last in what you are doing. 

The entire process should not be a stressful one if you put enough planning into it. Visit with paint professionals in the paint store and ask how each hue complement each other. You can bring home as many test samples as you can until you find your perfect mix. However, at the end of the day, remember that the final decision lies with you—your color scheme should reflect you, seeing as it is your home.