Color Combinations

It has been said that color is the most important element to consider when designing your home. Colors affect our moods in many different ways and it is very often the tendency to allow your favorite color to dominate your decorating scheme. But before you do, consider the fact that if you make a particular color the primary focus of a room, it will have a distinct impact on the overall mood of that room and all who enter it. It is usually a better idea to create a decorating scheme involving several colors. Use the following descriptions as guides to create your ideal color combination:

Warm Colors

Warm colors create a cozy atmosphere. They are located to the right of the color wheel and can be combined to create the perception of togetherness and strength. Varying shades of red are commonly found in dining rooms and libraries, but are becoming popular in kitchens and bedrooms as well. Orange, which is extremely warm color, can be difficult to tone down, so it often best to use it as accent only. Yellow can have very different effects depending upon its tone. For example, sharp yellows often indicate warning, and in the home they can appear to deter entry in a particular space. Pale yellow on the other hand, can create a bright and inviting environment.

Cool Colors

The colors on the left side of the color wheel are cool, soothing, and evoke feelings of tranquility and trust. You have probably noticed that most hospitals and doctorsEoffices are decorated with combinations of various shades of green. Green is prominent in nature and lends a calm, harmonious vibe to a space. Blue is peaceful and light blue helps a room seem bright and refreshing. Deep blues tend to create a sober atmosphere and combinations of the two work well in nearly every room of the house. Violet is cool and romantic and helps create feelings of serenity in bedrooms and living rooms.

Pastel Colors

When a significant amount of white is added to a color, a pastel version of that color is created. Usually, because there is so much white involved, the pastel color is bright enough that clashing is not a major concern. Pastel colors in nearly any combination can be used to create a comfortable, airy feeling.

Neutral Colors

Shades of white, gray, brown, and black make up the neutral color family. Neutral colors are the easy to use and combine because they blend easily with almost any environment. Used properly, neutral colors can be stylish and dramatic and can create a base palette for a wide range of other colors. Compare neutral paint swatches to white paper to see the differences among them.