If you have ever painted a room, you know just how difficult it is to find the perfect color scheme. Inspiration comes from many different places. Create your own color pattern or use a standard color combination. Understanding the effects of light and space on color is also important. Once you know what to keep in mind, choosing the scheme will be easier.
Instructions
1. Choose a color combination based on an inspiration piece. While standard color schemes are the easiest to find and use, they do not suit every situation or personality. Pay attention to the colors all around you, and note how you like them and how they make you feel. Nature contains limitless color harmonies. Inspiration can be found in a favorite painting or piece of fabric. Magazines are also a great source of ideas. Cut out pictures of colors you like and refer to them when making a decision.
2. You should be aware of a few guidelines before you paint. A color scheme with three colors looks best. Choose a dominant color, and cover about two-thirds of the area. Use the other two colors as a subordinate and an accent. Subordinates are not as lively as the dominant color and blend objects into the background. Used in small amounts, accent colors highlight focal points and add drama to the scheme.
Consider the physical properties of the room when choosing a color combination. The amount of natural light will affect how the colors are perceived. Natural light constantly changes throughout the day. Midday light intensifies cool colors like blue and violet and is considered cool while evening light is warm and brings out red, yellow and orange. Artificial light softens color. Fluorescent light gives off different colors depending on what type of bulb is used. Incandescent lights cast a warm, yellow glow. Colors that look good in natural light may not look good in artificial light. The paint chip in the store will not look the same once you get it home.
3. Test drive the colors once you have a color scheme in mind. Most paint stores sell small sample cans for $3-$5. Invest in a few, and it will prevent headaches later. Paint a 3x5 foot space of each color on a wall that you will see often and that is exposed to all available light sources in the room. Paint an entire wall if possible. Look at the sample wall often and at different times of the day and night. Make sure the combination is one you can live with. Changes are easier to make now than after the entire room has been painted.
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