Tips for using color in your decorating project

The Color Wheel shown here was printed in theU.S.A. by The Color Wheel
Co.

What is typically the most important consideration when
consumers are choosing products for their latest decorating project? If you
answered “color,” you are absolutely correct. Color is a transformative presence
in a room. It can be subtle or drama…soothing or exciting…whimsical or
sophisticated. It all depends on how you use it! Here are some basic
considerations for using color.
Use colors suited to the space. As a general
rule, light colors recede and dark colors advance. So, take that into
consideration when decorating a room. If the room is small, you should go with
light colors that make the room seem larger. If the room is large with high
ceilings, you might want to use somewhat darker colors that cozy up the space.
Also, consider the room’s lighting. If the room has plenty of natural light, you
might make a different color choice than if it has no natural light at
all.
The color wheel is your friend. The color wheel is more than just a way to teach schoolchildren
their primary, secondary and tertiary colors. It’s a wonderful tool for
decorating. The color wheel, which is organized in a progression of warm to cool
colors, will enable you to identify potential color schemes for your room. One
of the most common is a complementary color scheme uses the colors directly
across from each other on the color wheel, i.e., red and green. A split
complementary scheme uses a color and the two colors on either side of its
complement, i.e., red paired with blue-green and yellow-green. A triad color
scheme involves the use of three colors equidistant from one another on the
color wheel, i.e., red, yellow and blue. Analogous color schemes involve the use
of adjacent colors on the wheel, i.e., red, red-orange and
red-violet.
Consider the color’s value and saturation. Be aware there is more
to the use of color than selecting a specific hue (i.e., red, blue or yellow).
There is also the color’s value, which describes its lightness and darkness, and
the saturation, which describes a color’s purity and brightness. If you add gray
to a color, it will be less saturated and thus less bright. If you use one color
(such as blue) in various values and saturation levels, it’s said to be a
monochromatic color scheme. While you don’t have to worry about the colors
clashing, the downside to a monochromatic room is that it can be a bit boring.
Contrast adds interest. So even if you love the idea of a monochromatic room,
consider adding accent pieces (i.e., table art, throw pillows, lamp shades,
etc.) in a complementary color. This will give some pop and drama to the overall
look of the room.
Still a little nervous about choosing a color scheme? Check
out this article for sources of advice, inspiration and
encouragement when picking out the color scheme for your next decorating
project.

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