There are so many colors to choose from when designing a color scheme that the project can seem overwhelming.
The task of designing a color scheme for a room can seem overwhelming. Picking two or three colors you like at random could have disastrous results. The colors must match, and be appropriate for the walls of the room you're painting. How do you know what will look right? Luckily, there are general rules you can follow that will help you narrow down your choices.
Dominant Color and Accent Colors
Your color scheme should be primarily one color, coupled with accent colors that match. The dominant color will be what you see the most on the walls, while the accent colors will make up the trim. You will also possibly paint the accent color on an accent wall or in a recessed part of the wall, such as in the case where shelves have been built into the wall.
Color Relationships
Colors that are found across from each other on the color wheel are called complementary colors. Complementary color pairs are high-contrast and dramatic. Colors found side-by-side on the color wheel are low-contrast and calmer than complementary colors. Colors that have a relationship on the color wheel often look good together when used in interior design. In addition, colors that are found together in nature also are seen to have a relationship to each other. For a natural color scheme, choose your colors from an object found in nature, or a natural setting.
Colors to Set the Right Mood
Different colors have different effects on the emotional state of the people looking at them. Warm colors (red, yellow and orange) excite emotions and energize. These colors are associated with passion, heat, love and aggression. Cool colors (blue, purple and green) are generally calming and soothing. These colors are associated with peace, calm, cool temperatures and even depression. Neutral colors (grays and browns) are more conservative and formal, and associated with sophistication and utilitarianism. Choose colors that set the right mood for you and the room that you're decorating. For example, soothing colors are appropriate for a bedroom -- colors like light blue and soft green. These colors will create an environment where you'll feel safe falling asleep at night.
Colors and Room Size
Larger rooms with tall ceilings benefit more from darker color schemes that seem to reduce the size of the room and make it feel more cozy. Smaller rooms with low ceilings benefit more from cooler, lighter color schemes that seem to push back the walls and open up the space.
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