How to Create a Color Scheme
1. Determine the Mood - Vibrant/Lively, Dark/Cozy, Bright/Airy
2. Choose Color that Appeals to You: what are your favorite colors?
3. Build a Color Palette
- 3 Primary Colors - 1 Secondary Color - 1 Accent Color
4. 60 - 30 - 10 RULE
- 60% Primary - 30% Secondary - 10% Accent
5. Create a Balance - Remaining colors should be used as a visual interest
6. Allocate the Colors in Your Plan
- Start with largest wall, then move to smaller - Larger is the primary - Medium-sized objects, secondary color - Smallest object, accent color
Notes: Pay attention to the room sunlight, carpet is soft & comforting, timber is warm & inviting granite is cool & elegant, terracotta tiles are warm & rustic
TONE - BALANCE - HARMONY
1. Sit in the middle of the room and look around to familiarize yourself with existing surroundings and how they are used.
2. Write down all the things that work and don't work.
3. Highlight any architectural features and note the eyesores that need to be camouflaged.
4. Review natural and artificial lighting.
5. Create a list like this:
Item/Area Color
Entrance Cornice Pendant Light
Existing Substrate
Plasterboard
Plaster
Brass/Glass
Existing Finish
Enamel Paint
Paint
Existing
White
White
Yellow
6. Use an inspirational piece as a starting point
7. Select paint, carpet, wall, fabric, trims, artwork and lay them all out together. Begin a process of elimination.
8. Remember the wall appears darker than the paint chip
9. Consider how to group, gather and hang draperies at a window. Pattern fabric is usually more intense.
10. Tiny patterned fabric looks lost on upholstery.
11. Dark flooring grounds the color scheme, lighter tends to float.
12. If monochromic color scheme is used, make sure to use texture to given room body.
13. Provide balance in room never group patterns in one area, distribute throughout the home.
VOCABULARY / TERMOLOGY
- Color with white added is called TINT - Color with black added is called SHADE - Color with gray added is called TONE
