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Color Your Home with Confidence: Tips for Choosing the Perfect Color Palette for Your Design Project

Writer's picture: Christina DanielsChristina Daniels

Updated: Mar 18, 2023

Christina Daniels | Daniels Design & Decor January 23, 2023

When it comes to designing a home, one of the most important decisions to make is the color palette. The colors you choose will set the tone and mood for the entire space and can make a big impact on the overall look and feel of the room.

If you don't plan to consult an interior designer, here are a few tips to help you pick the perfect color palette for your home design project:

  1. If you are new to interior design, start with a neutral base. Neutral colors like white, beige, and gray can provide a great foundation for the rest of your color scheme and all blend well together. They can also help to create a sense of balance and calm in a space.

  2. Consider the mood you want to create. Different colors can evoke different emotions, so think about the mood you want to create in the room. For example, blues and greens can create a sense of tranquility and relaxation, while yellows and oranges can create a sense of energy and excitement.

  3. Look at the existing elements in the room. If you're working with an existing room, you'll want to consider the colors of the existing elements such as flooring, cabinetry, and furniture. You'll want to choose colors that complement these elements and make them feel cohesive. Although each room can have a different color palette, be sure colors from room to room are harmonious with each other.

  4. Use a color wheel. A color wheel can be a great tool to help you choose a color palette. You can use it to find colors that complement each other and create a sense of harmony in the space.

  5. Pick up to three colors for any room and leverage the 60-30-10 rule of interior design. This rule states that 60% of a room should be the dominant color, 30% should be a secondary color, and 10% should be an accent color. If you are following the recommendation above, your selected neutral will be your dominant color.

  6. Take inspiration from nature. Nature is a great source of inspiration for color palettes. Think about the colors found in nature such as the different shades of blue in the ocean or the different greens found in plants.

  7. Use lighter colors for small spaces. Sticking to lighter colors will create the illusion of space.

  8. Don’t be afraid of using bold and bright colors. You can use them as an accent or in small doses to add a pop of energy in a room even in small spaces. If you want to paint one wall a brighter or darker color, opt for the largest wall in the room.

  9. Test your colors. Before committing to a color palette, it's important to test the colors in the room. Lighting and wall texture play a big role in how a color looks so be sure to paint a small sample in the room you intend to paint to see how the colors look in the space.

Choosing a color palette for a home design project can seem overwhelming, but by following these tips you'll be able to paint with confidence. If you are still stuck, Pinterest has a wealth of color palette inspiration. Remember to have fun with it and don't be afraid to experiment with different colors and combinations!



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