Master the art of color. Choosing the perfect color scheme for interiors

Choosing colors for interiors is most often an emotional very persona and subjective. Why is this such an emotional subject? There are scientific, biological explanations about the psychology of color. In my design practice, this is one of the tormenting issues for most of the clients from very different walks of life. It's a chance to express who they really are to the outside world. It often becomes a stumbling block, and guess what? As designers, we like to encourage clients to explore those emotions as they become the potential key to selecting of the right color pallet. See which one is you:

The seeming simplicity of white - the best solution, for those with a need for neutrality and calm. If this is your preference, play up the sophistication by incorporating a variety in shades of off-white, keeping in mind a complementing palette and varieties of color depth. Different shades of white can be so beautiful together but surprisingly easy to mismatch.

The love affair with neutral tones - those who yearn for classical understated elegance often will resort to earthy colors . Instead of ordering everything in the shades of beige couches, carpets, window treatments, walls, like the 90’s are here to stay. You can modernize and still play it safe, by exploring and combining other earthy tones and incorporating them into your interiors. Textures are a must have in the monochrome pallet as well. It looks best if you layer shades of grays, taupes, terracottas, browns, from dark to light adding just a touch of brighter color or an accent of shiny metal. When it comes to 50 shades of gray there is more to explore!

Loving the colorful life - Do enjoy your fantastic restless nature and emotions. Don't make rash color decisions, which you may later regret! There is a way to handle colorful, yet make your palette show off your sophisticated and complex character. Read on for some useful tips below. Some advice may seem obvious, but it’s quickly forgotten when faced with deadlines, overwhelming realities of remodeling and an array of paint chips at Benjamin Moore. Let's break it down step by step.

Consider your space. Is it facing north or south?

This will help decide whether to use warm or cool colors. Rooms that face north will benefit from warmer tones and vice versa. How much light are you getting, artificially and naturally? Good lighting is important for color! For example, a lot of cool natural light in the room calls for some level of saturation of pigment, as it can make the neutral light colors look gray and washed out.

Where are you geographically and culturally?

Do you live surrounded by gray city blocks or fresh green meadows? Take a moment and go back to that place where you felt good as a kid. What colors do you remember? Your grandma's summer house what color was it? Or that trip you took to the south of France, or your favorite work of art? Use these as your starting point! Our memories and experiences are ruled by emotions, connecting to color on that level will guarantee a great result.

Consider the practical use of the space

Kitchen, bath living room? Do you have young kids or pets? Now, you’ve really narrowed it down! Colors can make dirt invisible, help you fall asleep, make walls look more straight. Do you have small kids and pets? it's worth to consider a pattern instead of solid color. The walls will look neater longer with durable wallpaper or special plaster finish. Remember pattern, sheen, and color are all relative to each other. another words the same color will give off a different vibe with a change of material or sheen.

Harmonize don’t match

Imagine the furniture, window treatments, carpet, art are objects and your walls are backgrounds. Use the guide for color harmonies.

Best tip for those who love colorful walls - Go for the subtle version

For example, you love hot pink. Instead, go for a muted pink on the most walls like light dusty rose and then use accents or smaller walls in your favorite color mixing with lighter colors. The key is to accentuate or pop your favorite color in the elements and details like pillows or art.

The striking beauty of brights and darks

When used wisely, saturated and darker shades can add some character and history to the room. Great for the spaces that have paneling or another way of breaking up the monotone continuation of the walls. Accentuate with brights or darks intermingling with lighter shades.