It's not just theory...
Color matching can be easier said than done. It's all very well having a good grasp of color theory. You can see how other room colors have been created, and why the schemes work. But like most theory, when you come to put it into practice, it isn't quite so easy.
Here's something to think about.
Professional interior designers don't match colors, they co-ordinate. Matching is like using a formula - co-ordinating is like an artist at work.
Because most of us use use the term 'matching' we'll continue to use it here. Now here are some very practical steps you can take as you're color matching.
When you're color matching, how many colors should you have?
A reliable guide is to have no more than three colors for main areas of your room. So don't have more than three colors for your walls, floor and window treatments. What about accent colors, smaller bits and pieces like pictures, vases, lamps, ornaments and plants? The good news is - as many as you like. With these items it's more a matter of form, balance and interest rather than the actual amount of color. Remember, these are just guides, so rely on your judgment - in other words, if you like it, do it!
If your main colors harmonize, but you want to give some more life to the room, place items with accent colors which give contrast. You won't upset your color matching, and the room will have more of your character in it.
Mixing and matching
Let's say you have a good idea of your main color scheme. You've collected samples of carpet, paint, fabrics etc, Put them all together in the room where you intend using them, on a table, or paste them onto a board. Now stand back and look at them through half shut eyes.
- Do any stand out as slightly odd?
- Does one look lost against the others?
- What about the fabric texture - is it too shiny against the other textures, or too dull?
- Look at all the samples in artificial light as well as daylight. Some of the colors may look different. Will your scheme look good in all lighting conditions?
- Are there any other features you could add, such as a rug, a throw, or a painting?
Be prepared
When thinking about the colors for your room, paint them onto pieces of paper or card in the same proportions as you'll see them when the room is finished. For example, if the walls have the largest surface area, paint a large piece of paper in the color you intend using on the walls. Then estimate how much in proportion the couch and chairs will take. Twenty five per cent? So paint a piece of paper in the couch color roughly one quarter the size of the one used for the wall color. And so on.
Again, place all the bits of paper together, along with samples of fabric, tiles, etc. and look at them in different lighting conditions.
That way, you'll be able to gauge if you have the color balance right for your room. Having done this exercise, you may well decide your wall color is too bright and needs to be toned down. Or the couch color is much too weak for the amount that will be seen, and it needs to be intensified.
Now we're going to repeat (again!) the old carpenter's motto:
Measure twice, cut once.
It's far easier to paint another piece of paper than having to paint the whole room!
A final thought...
Don't spend hours trying to match colors exactly. It doesn't happen in nature, and if you try too hard you'll end up with an artificial look. Go back to thinking in terms of color groups. And although we said keep to three main colors, if you find you have four or even five and you love your scheme, stick with it!
Remember, professional interior designers don't match, they co-ordinate.
Use the suggestions here as guides, but once you feel confident enough, be brave and make your own decisions with your color matching!
