Add Color To Space
There are many ways to combine colors to create a balanced and pleasing design. In general, it is best not to use more than three colors in a space. Plan to use one color primarily in the space, one color for more than half the remaining balance, and use the third just as an accent.
Wall color is an easy and inexpensive way to redecorate a room. Just changing the wall shade can dramatically alter the look of the space. Your choice of hue can make the room appear larger or smaller. For example, a small room can look larger if you use a white on the walls. Likewise, using a dark color such as chocolate brown on your walls can make a room seem smaller and cozier.
Before you jump in with a bold shade on your walls, try it out in smaller doses, such as with pillows or accent pieces, to make sure you like it, before you commit to it on the wall. Are you looking to try a deep color in a space, but are afraid it might be too strong? Try using it on the ceiling instead and keep the walls white. The hue will pop against the white of the walls giving a cozy feeling to the space.
Color has a role in how a room feels. When choosing a shade for a room consider what type of feel you are looking for in the space. Are you looking to have a soothing space, or a playful one? Sleek and modern or old world and rustic? Neutral tones convey a more soothing feel while pops of color are more energetic and playful. Stark white can be very modern while warm reds, yellow and brown will feel more Tuscan and rustic. Light green is a color that brings about a feeling of calm. This tranquil shade can also encourage silence and concentration. That is why you will often see light green used in classrooms and libraries.
The simplest way to go about choosing colors for your space is to look at a color wheel. The wheel will help you mix hues to get palettes with varying degrees of contrast. Common types of color schemes are monochromatic, complementary, analogous, neutral, single color and black and white.
The most basic color scheme is to use one single shade with white. It is relatively easy to accomplish as this combination is straight forward. A one color design shows off the hue and provides a crisp clean look.
Colors that are monochromatic, which means they have the same tone, are perfect to use to accent each other. An example of this is to use different shades of blue in a room. Monochromatic color schemes create a soothing effect in a space.
Choosing colors that are complementary, or opposite each other on the wheel, create a dynamic color scheme. These colors appear brighter when they are used together. Examples of this are purple and yellow, or red and green. Be careful when using complementary colors in decorating. They are tricky to use in large doses, but work well when you want something to stand out.
A neutral color theme uses shades of brown, black or white. This type of design creates a calm, and subtle environment.
Analogous color schemes use hues that are next to each other on the color wheel. These colors usually match well and are pleasing to the eye. Examples of this are yellow, orange and green. They have a colorful but relaxing look together. Choose one shade to dominate, and a second to support it. The third color is used as an accent.
A final color scheme is the classic combination of black and white. The two shades go together perfectly and are always in style. Decorating with white walls and black trim is an easy way to provide a crisp neutral backdrop in a space. This neutral base goes well with many decorating styles and also makes it easy to add fun pops of color or patterns to the room.
Using color is a wonderful way to enhance or change a space. Overall, understanding how to best use colors will give anyone the tools they need to decorate like a designer.