A skill you can learn
Let's face it, as far as home decorating color schemes are concerned, we all want easy options! It's a sad fact that 'home decor' and 'interior design' have a certain mystique attached to them. They're for people with a 'flair' for design, a 'wonderful way' with colors, or a 'gift' for style.
Yes, it's true some people have a natural way with color and furnishings, but that doesn't mean everyone else is doomed to live in complete ignorance!
What is true is that these skills can be learned, and understanding color schemes and their use in home decor is within everyone's grasp.
It doesn't take long to understand color theory and practice for your home, and once you do, a whole new world will open up.
At first it might seem to be too complicated. But that's just because most people have never sat down and spent a few minutes finding out exactly what colors are and why different ones work together - or not!
You don' t have to learn everything about color, just the basics. And once you have a few simple concepts in your mind, you'll wonder what all the fuss was about.
Looking at color charts will no longer be the mystery it once was.
- The first few topics look at how colors are put together, how they work.
- Finally you'll move on and see how color schemes can be used in home decor, the effects they have on how your rooms will look and feel.
As we said, take time to find out about color schemes, and much of the mystique of home decor will evaporate.
What may appear at first sight to be a simple color scheme will have taken many hours to finalize. Only when you start to select colors do you realize just how many there are to choose from. By getting the correct combination of creams and reds the result is a stylish and restful interior.
Video: Design Tips Colours.
Why is color important for your home decorating?
Color reflects your own personality and preferences
We all have our own favorite colors, and probably our lest favorite ones as well! We are most comfortable in our homes when they reflect something of our own personality.
Blending our personal choice of color into our homes helps to make it our home, and not just a clever color schemes designed to impress. You may admire the decor of a show home, but instinctively you know is isn't exactly how you would do it. It doesn't have your stamp of personality on it.
When you know what colors you like, by using a little bit of knowledge of how colors go together, you can bring to life your very own personal color scheme.
Colors influence your mood and attitude
Colors can have an effect on us, they influence our reactions and moods. A basic understanding of this is a great help when selecting colors for your home decorating.
Your color schemes should take these effects into account so that as well as selecting the colors you like, they also produce a satisfying atmosphere.
Colors can indicate different styles
Historical styles such as Art Deco or Victorian have certain colors associated with them. By using these colors, together with other style indicators such as furniture shapes and patterns, you can achieve an authentic replication of your chosen style.
Putting colors together is often done for you by suppliers of wallpapers and fabrics.
You'll find they have 'coordinated' samples of their fabrics, paints and wallpapers, which professional designers have put together for you.
This can often save you time when selecting your color schemes. However, it's always useful if you have some idea of color and how it works, because if you can't find a ready made solution you can put your own scheme together using different suppliers.
Color Theory - understand how color works
The Color Wheel
Don't panic! You may already have looked at a color wheel and read about wavelengths and the refraction index, and quickly gone on to something else. We've kept this simple and to the point - the point being whatever is useful to our understanding of home decor.
Color Theory - terms used in color
We need to explain how color is used in different situations, and so we need to make sure we're all talking the same language. What do you mean by tone? Or Shade? Or hue? Or do they all mean the same thing?
Warm Colors and Cool Colors
Color isn't just a neutral sort of thing. It affects us and how we see our surroundings. This section explains how colors can appear warm or cool.
Color Groups - Similarities
There's an infinite number of colors to play with. So even if you understand how we get them, how do you even begin to decide how to use them? Whenever you have lots of 'things' it's easier if you're able to put them into manageable groups. That's what we do here. This part deals with colors which play well with one another.
Color Groups - Differences and Contrasts
And here are groups of colors which make for more lively schemes!
Practical home decorating ideas for your colors
Starting Points and Inspiration
Even if you understand all about colors, where do you really start?
Color Schemes, Style and Balance
Sometimes your home will suggest how you should furnish or decorate it. It could be modern, or traditional, or a log cabin. A bit of sympathy will go a long way. Balance is a very important part of home decorating, and it applies to color as well.
Planning your Home Colors
If you're going to redecorate your whole house, then you'll need to plan ahead. This part gives you a few ideas.
Mixing and Matching Colors
A few more thoughts on combining colors. This can become complicated, but here we explain the basics.
Effects of Color on Space and Atmosphere
Colors have the power to affect how we perceive things. You can use this to your advantage - if you know what to look for.
