5 Tips to Choosing a Color Scheme

5 Tips to Choosing a Color Scheme

A big part of my job (and one of my favorite parts) is communicating with you, the potential client. Our communication and collaboration is important because during those initial consultations, I get a sense of who you are, what you love and what design elements will work best for you.

Interior designers use a mix or your personality and style, color theory, and color psychology to find the perfect color scheme for your home.

Here are some rules to follow when choosing a color scheme.

Plan Ahead

Not only do you have to keep in mind general color rules (like choosing dominant, secondary and accent colors), but you need to keep your home in mind. You may want to go all-out and choose a separate bold, dynamic color scheme for each room in your home, but it’s important to create a nice flow throughout. Consider which rooms are visible from others, and the tone you’d like to set for your space. 

Pick your Favorite Color

This may seem overly obvious, but draw inspiration from a shade you already adore! Not sure what your favorite color is? Open your closet, take a look at home accessories you already own, and create an inspiration board with your favorite images. You may notice a pattern. 

Draw from Existing Inspiration

Maybe you have a beautiful piece of furniture you already love, or a rug that you’ve always had your heart set on. Create a color swatch to match. My tip – do not choose the paint color first. Figure out your décor, and have the paint choice be the final decision. 

Think Outside of the Box

NO color is off limits. If you can dream it, you can design it. It just takes a little bit of creativity. Once you have an idea of the atmosphere you’d like, and a few key elements you’d like to include, choosing a unique color scheme is the fun part.  Explore a few options. 

Always Test

Stepping out of your color palette comfort zone is fun; just make sure you test the waters before diving in.  Collect fabric and paint samples and place them around your space. If you’re an artist, sketch out the room like an interior designer would. Make sure it lives up to your design expectations before spending money to make it happen! 

Stay tuned for weekly interior design tips on the Kelly Tivey Interior Design Blog. Interested in a design consultation? Email me at ktivey@comcast.net.

Stay Colorful.

Kelly Tivey