Do you have that one space in your home that you just can't seem to love no matter how many times you make it over? Have you created Pinterest board after Pinterest board of design ideas that you absolutely adore but just can't seem to bring to life in your own home? Well, it sounds to me like you're in a bit of an interior design rut!
The most challenging part of beginning a new interior design project is knowing where to start. Well, I'm going to let you in on a little secret; you have got to start with your color palette!
The Importance of a Color Palette in Interior Design
Your color palette will be the foundation of your entire design project. It's what will guide you in making all of your future decisions regarding paint colors, furniture, fabrics, artwork, and accessories. Choose a palette that you love and that reflects the feeling you hope to create in your space.
You can either choose an existing color scheme or create your own using a color wheel. I've already written a blog about the basics of choosing your color palette, and today I'm going to build on those principles even further for you!
Color Palette Guidelines
Analogous and Complementary Colors
When choosing your color palette, it's helpful to understand the difference between analogous and complementary colors. Analogous colors are next to each other on the color wheel, while complementary colors are those directly across from each other.
Both color schemes can be used to create beautiful and cohesive designs, but they each have their own unique benefits. Analogous color schemes are typically more calming and relaxing, while complementary color schemes tend to make more of a statement.
The 60-30-10 Rule
The 60-30-10 rule is an excellent guideline to follow and really simplifies the process of choosing your color palette. This rule is simple:
60% of your design will be the dominant color of your room. This means you might use it for your walls, area rugs, or large pieces of furniture.
30% of your design will be the accent color of your room. This color will be used for accent furniture, window treatments, larger decor elements, or even an accent wall. This accent color will support your dominant color while still adding some visual interest and contrast.
10% of your design will be that final pop of color. Use this color to make a statement with accent pillows, lamps, candles, artwork, and any other decorative accessories. This color should really stand out and help tie the whole design together.
Warm Tones and Cool Tones
One final element to consider when choosing your color palette is whether you want to use warm or cool tones. Warm tones are those with a yellow, orange, or red base, while cool tones are those with a green, blue, or purple base.
Still unsure? Consider the overall feeling you want your space to have. The ambiance you'd like to create in your guest bathroom compared to the feeling you want to create in your home office will likely be very different! Warm tones tend to make a space more energetic and inviting, while cool tones give off a sense of calm with a more modern and sleek vibe.
Need Help?
If you're thinking, "Brandi, this is a lot to take in!" - I totally get it. Designing your space can be daunting, but that's what I'm here for!
As an interior designer, it's my job to help you navigate the design process and make your vision come to life. I would love to help you with your next design project, big or small. If you're interested in working together, please reach out to me here!
Visit my interior design blog for more design tips and inspiration!
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