A home’s colour scheme should flow seamlessly from one room to the next in order to create a sense of unity. Does this mean that each room should have the same colour? No. However, the colours that you choose should be harmonious to create a comfortable environment for people as they move from one room to another.
You don’t need to be an expert in design or have a deep understanding of colour theory to choose the right scheme. You can use your personal preferences to guide you in making the right choice. These are some suggestions to help you get started when choosing the colours for your home.
A Color Wheel Can Help You Make Your Choice
A colour wheel is a circular illustration which allows you to see all possible colours, both primary and secondary, at a glance. Primary colours include yellow, red, and blue. Tertiary colours, such as orange, green, or purple, are created by mixing two primary colours together. A colour wheel can be found at most home improvement stores or art supply centres for free.
Choose colours that appeal to your taste buds
Which of the main colours appeals to you most when you look at a colour wheel? You might choose a monochromatic (or one-coloured) colour scheme for your home if only one colour stands out to you. You can decorate your home with a variety of tones of your favourite colours by using this colour scheme.
An analogous colour scheme is a good choice if you love two colours that are right next to one another on the colour wheel. A similar colour scheme, such as purple and blue or green with blue, can create a relaxing, peaceful atmosphere in your home.
You can achieve bold colours in your home if the colours you like are opposite each other on the colour wheel. For example, blue and orange are complementary colours that can create a lively feeling in your home. You may want to reduce the excitement of a complementary colour scheme by using two complementary colours as an accent and then using a neutral grey or cream as the base colour.
After you have chosen your colour scheme, it is time to select the wall coverings and flooring as well as furniture and accent pieces. You will achieve a harmonious design throughout your home if you choose them to match your overall scheme.
However, many people prefer to work in the opposite direction when searching for a colour. They may choose to pick the main colours of a piece of furniture that they love, such as a painting or a quilt. One piece of furniture can be the inspiration for the entire decor of a home.
Use lighting to accent your colour scheme
The lighting can have a significant impact on your home’s colour scheme. The sun’s natural light from a skylight or window will bring in warm yellows and oranges in the morning, and late afternoon and evening. Cool, blue-toned light is produced by regular fluorescent lighting. However, you can purchase fluorescent lights with warmer tones. You will see the word “warm” on the package. Incandescent light bulbs produce warmer tones of light that are slightly redder than natural light.
Be sure to carefully read all information when you are looking through the light bulbs in the store. There are many options available today for incandescent, LED and fluorescent lights. Make sure you choose the right bulb for your room. Consider your home’s colour scheme and choose lighting that best reflects them.
Colour can also be affected by the surfaces that reflect light. For example, light reflecting off a blueish-white ceiling will reflect less light than that reflecting off a creamy ceiling with its warm yellow undertones. Your colour scheme will look harmonious and well-balanced if you choose lighting that matches your chosen colours.
David Gray Design Studio, Jacksonville FL, can help you design a unique look for your home by using colour. David Gray Design Studio can help you update your home to reflect your personal taste. Call today for a consultation.
